Playlist Shuffle

I'm always at the gym, working out, with the iPod Touch going, and constantly thinking to myself..."Oh, so and so should skate an exhibition to this." I think I'm a good judge of what music would fit certain skaters. I often want to see them do something I think they normally wouldn't. I don't know? Here are some of my thoughts. Agree or disagree?

Rachael Flatt - "Not Myself Tonight" by Christina Aguilera. I think I eluded to this is an earlier post about skating perhaps being to PC at times. I would love to see Rachael totally abandon her 'good girl' image and skate to something downright naughty! I think it would do wonders for her career to get her out of this 'goody goody two-shoes' typecast.

Kimmie Meissner - "Send in the Clowns" by Judy Collins. I love the simplicity of this music and I think I miss that most in Kimmie Meissner's skating. I would love to see Kimmie hit the ice with a gentle piece of music, soft understated choreography, and basic command of skating that shows off the very best of what she has to offer.

Virtue and Moir - "Saturday" by Basshunter. This is basically a oddball thought but I would love to see these two kill an Ice Dance number to a hard hitting club hit. They have the youthfulness and audience connection I think to pull this off.

Akiko Suzuki - "Waka Waka (Time For Africa)" by Shakira. Akiko was one of my breakout favorites last season and I love that she doesn't mind letting loose on the ice. This song is all about freedom of movement and fun and I think she could really have a lot of fun with it on the ice.

Ryan Bradley - "Like We Used To" by A Rocket To The Moon. It's a charming piece of music and I think Ryan Bradley has the sensibility to pull it off. It's not a comedy piece but rather a story of a young man's heart. Somehow seems perfect for him...at least to me.

Jeremy Abbott - "Cry Me a River" by Michael Buble. I know, I know...JerBear has done Buble before...but he's so good at it! This song has a different more sophisticated feel than his "Save the Last Dance For Me" number he did a few years ago. Abbott and Buble go together like bread and butter.

Evora and Ladwig - "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Andrea Bocelli and Katharine McPhee. Despite the fact these two aren't romantically involved they still have a great connection on the ice. I think a slow romantic piece that they could accent with their amazing lifts would be amazing.

Kim Yu-Na - "Louboutins" by Jennifer Lopez. I would start off the program with this fierce walk right down center ice and then she just kills it from that point on (oh boy, now I'm choreographing...watch out!). I think her Bond Short from last season showed us she could do sexy...this would just take it to the next level.

Johnny Weir - "I Will Not Bow" by Breaking Benjamin. Something about the tension and slight angst in this song I feel Johnny would kill at a rock program. It's such a departure from what you might expect from him but I think he'd surprise himself.

Did I hit the mark or am I way off base?

10 Most Tagged

I took a look at the skaters that I've tagged the most since I began writing this blog (way back in 2005...I know, right?!?!?!). Who has grabbed my attention, the news headlines, the spotlight, etc. Cool thing I might do at the end of every year.

As a pre-notation...I'm equally intrigued by the skaters that aren't on this list (no pairs, no ice dancers, no Europeans). It gives me some ideas on where to spread my blogging to.

#10 Kimmie Meissner - The majority of my coverage on Kimmie has been, sadly, focused on her downward spiral that began at the 2008 U.S. Nationals and just continued from there. She is one of my favorite skaters so it stands to reason she'd be among the top. Here's wishing her a better next year!

#9 Evan Lysacek - A recent heavy hitter, he was nowhere near being in the top ten until last March when he won the Gold Medal at World's and has continued to be a huge force to be reckoned with this season. Evan has slowly won over my graces...my love of his skating hasn't come easy...but I'm getting there (I don't think Aunt Joyce will approve though...).

#8 Patrick Chan - He moved into the Senior ranks well and I am constantly impressed with his talents and abilities. If he doesn't get his time to shine at home in Vancouver, I have little doubt he'll be a major factor in Sochi.

#5 Daisuke Takahashi, Sasha Cohen, and Johnny Weir - Three way tie here. Johnny and Daisuke are two skaters that I admire for their artistic sensibilities. No surprise that Johnny Weir grabs one of the top spots...he's a headline grabber for sure with his quick wit, quotable soundbites, and reality television show on the horizon. Sasha was tagged in lots of posts in the wee early days of my blog in her run-up towards Torino and has recently been tagged a lot as she attempts (attempts...) to make her comeback.

#4 Kristi Yamaguchi - Perhaps a fluke of Reality T.V...Kristi was tagged in tons of the Kristi Can Dance posts during her winning run on Dancing with the Stars. I think she was a Face of Influenza too...

#3 Michelle Kwan - My favorite skater ever! She has been a constant on this blog. Her attempt to compete in Torino, her grace as she withdrew, her happenings in the in-between, the mystery behind 2010, her recent skating appearances in Korea. She'll always be featured here...ALWAYS!

#2 Mao Asada - The rise, the fall, the axels. She's one of the most tagged skaters because she's just that good. She's also given us a dramatic storyline this season as she has struggled a bit.

#1 Kim Yu-Na - No question about it...she's the skater with the most global buzz. Isn't she Korea's Person of the Year...again?

The Globe Trot

It's been busy times in the world of figure skating!

Starting here in the U.S., we are still reeling from the two big announcements that came down this past week. First, Kimmie Meissner's withdrawal from the Grand Prix and almost by default withdrawal from the entire figure skating season due to her inability to compete and qualify for Nationals. Second, Sasha Cohen's last minute decision to withdraw from Grand Prix Paris. Sasha's withdrawal is being met with some skepticism as she performed in Improv Ice with "an injury" prior to her withdrawal from a major international event. Lots are doubting if her comeback is for real; she'll have the opportunity to redeem herself at Skate America. Also, big news for figure skating fans, we're getting more television figure skating broadcasts than we have in years thanks to a deal inked between U.S. Figure Skating and NBC Universal...WIN!!!

Japan is jumping for joy as Daisuke Takahashi made a successful return to competition last week by winning the 2009 Finlandia Trophy. While there is some work to be done on the free skate yet (he lost that portion of the competition to Russian Sergei Voronov), his short program turned heads and earned an impressive score in it's competitive debut. Japan was not jumping for joy when it lost the 2009 Japan Open (actually finishing last in 3rd) behind an impressive Team Europe and Team North America. Even more disheartening was Japan's high-flyer Mao Asada, not looking her best, and losing more ground to Canada's Joannie Rochette. Asada was just third among the women, losing not only to Rochette but also Finland's Lepisto.

In Canada, they are beginning to ramp up for the Olympic Games full throttle. Leading men's contender, Patrick Chan, was recently dubbed "Ice Prince" by the Toronto Star. Who would this Canadian Prince's dream date be asked Toronto Star sports reporter Randy Starkman? "Jessica Alba. Definitely. I wouldn't even talk the whole date. I'd just look at her with my jaw dropped." Enough said. The city of Vancouver is starting to get a picture of what traffic will be like during the Olympics...chaos. Businesses are being urged to have their employees either walk to work, take public transportation, or better yet...stay home.

The other big news in the world of skating comes from Paris, France where the Senior Grand Prix kicks off. Big match-ups are expected amongst the men and ladies fields. Korea's Kim Yu-Na departed for Paris today with her new programs (a "James Bond" themed short and Gershwin free) in tow. She's up against Mao Asada (who must skate better than she did at the Japan Open), Italy's Carolina Kostner, and American Caroline Zhang. The men are more of a mixed bag with Oda and Joubert looking like the front runners but the possibility of a surprise winner looms.

BREAKING NEWS: Kimmie Meissner withdraws from Grand Prix

Today Kimmie Meissner has withdrawn from her scheduled Grand Prix events citing a knee injury she sustained earlier this year.

"My knee had become chronically inflamed, swollen and painful," Meissner said. "After some testing, along with an MRI, I was diagnosed with severe patellar tendonitis and a partial dislocation to my right kneecap."

This comes as Meissner was rebuilding towards a successful comeback. She moved to Florida to train with Richard Callaghan and Todd Eldredge and recently began working with famed ballet instructor Gyula Pandi.

"For the United States to be represented properly, especially during an Olympic year, I feel I must put my personal desire to compete aside," Meissner told U.S. Figure Skating.

In a Twitter message to her followers she said "I'm not retiring or anything crazy. Just taking off for the season. Thanks again for your support. I truly appreciate it." That statement makes it unclear if she'll attempt to compete at Nationals or not.

Kimmie Meissner has had the worst run of luck the last two years in a downward spiral I wouldn't wish on anybody. This is another blow that simply was not needed.

UPDATE: Over the last 24 hours Kimmie Meissner has been the topic of conversation. Upon further investigation, her bye to nationals is only valid contingent upon her competing at Rostelecom Cup and NHK. Since she has withdrawn from those events, she would need to qualify for Nationals and since she is injured her season is essentially over. What a shame.

UPDATE #2: The Baltimore Sun has constructed a timeline of Kimmie Meissner's rise to success and subsequent fall from grace.

Around the World

In Russia, Mao Asada is the buzz this week as she trains with Tatiana Tarasova in Moscow. I cannot find a translated version, but @tokitama69 has posted an interview with Fuji T.V. Mao gave in Moscow on her blog.

Canadian Joannie Rochette has just returned from Peru with some eye opening experiences. She was there to help World Vision Canada get their message across and to see firsthand how Canadian contributions to World Vision are impacting life in Peru. "It wasn't too hard. There was only one time that I cried because it was too much but, even though the people were very poor, they were happy to get help from World Vision and you could really see the difference it made in their lives," Joannie told Ice Network. Also in Canada, casting has begun for CBC's "Battle of the Blades." The show will pair hockey players with female figure skaters and I'm sure hilarity will ensue.

In Japan, Johnny Weir is entertaining fans in Kanazawa, Japan. He's been tweeting about how much he loves it there and how he is looking forward to rocking Lady Gaga's 'Poker Face" for his fans. Also in Japan, Daisuke Takahashi (Looking quite posh! Love the tan and hair!) has resumed his training (jumps still look a little rusty) and @tokitama69 has also posted that video as well.

News out of Italy is reporting that Carolina Kostner is trying out with a new coach for two weeks...that would be Frank Carroll! The Italian national sports newspaper "Gazette of the Sport" is saying while Kostner hasn't made her final decision, she will be in L.A. with Carroll for the next few weeks to try the partnership out. Carroll is also quoted as saying he'd be happy to train her and "Carolina is a lovely girl, she only needs to be more consistent".

Lots taking place here in the U.S. First a happy story! Caroline Zhang had her luggage, complete with skates, stolen from her at the airport just yesterday. After nearly a day of police searching, her skates were recovered. I tweeted her saying she should "pull some celebrity cred, flash some Junior World bling, and ask the officers to hurry." she didn't think that would work, but glad all is resolved. Ice Network is spilling the beans on tons of music choices for next season, you can check it out here, but I will mention that we cannot go a single season without someone using "Carmen." Ugh! Mirai Nagasu has chosen to use it this upcoming season for her free skate and that makes me sad. Finally, Kimmie Meissner (Sounding more confident and looking very fit!) is looking to famed ballet instructor Gyula Pandi to help her with her style. "It was a shock, at first, when I met him," Meissner said. "I was, like, blown away by everything he told me. He pulls out these words of wisdom all the time. And I just soak it in. He brings so much to what I do because he helps me realize little things that can make [my performance] 10 times better."

A final bit of news from Azerbaijan, Ice Dancers Fraser and Lukanin have retired from competitive skating citing physical stress and financial hardship.

Pic of the Week

I love a good comeback! There is nothing more exciting than when a skater who has been down on their luck, somehow, rises to the occasion and wows all...again! I'm reminded of Irina Slutskaya at the 2005 World Championships (or 2000 Grand Prix Final for that fact) or Lu Chen at the 1998 Olympics. What about Maria Butyrskaya at the 1999 World Championships or Todd Eldredge at the 1995 U.S. National Championships. We all have our favorite comeback performance...

The past few days the buzz has most definitely been about Grand Prix Assignments and who is going where. Sasha Cohen gets two head-to-head events against Kim Yu-Na (please notice I've switched how I type her name...I was getting lots of e-mail telling me I was doing it wrong), Evgeny Plushenko will compete at Cup of Russia (now actually the Rostelecom Cup), Shen and Zhao are back! Who's going where?

Quietly, Kimmie Meissner was given two Grand Prix events, Rostelecom Cup and NHK Trophy. Jumping Clapping Man, on the previous post, commented that she was lucky, quite true. The past two season's haven't been exactly sunshine for her.

Kimmie Meissner, remember her? She's that cute little thing that hit a triple axel at the 2005 U.S. National Championships. She's the other U.S. lady that earned a top six finish at the Torino Olympics in 2006. A month later she killed it with her 'Queen of Sheeba' free skate and upset to win the World Championships. 2007 U.S. National Champion...ring any bells?

I find myself always rooting for the underdog (isn't it always easy to root for the underdog?) because when they pull it off it seems that much more exciting. When I saw her Grand Prix Assignments I sent a Tweet to @kimmiemeissner...I told her good luck. To my absolute delight @kimmiemeissner tweeted back..."Thanks! I can't wait!" She had me hooked...firmly in her corner this season. I sent another Tweet, "We're all behind you...go get em!" And she tweeted back again..."I will!" Fighting spirit...love that too!

So my comeback wish this season is for Kimmie Meissner! This season will not be easy. The good money is probably against her but my hope of all hopes is that she can again find some success this season.

Remembering Better Days

Skaters fall on bad times, and no skater has fell into a bigger slump recently than Kimmie Meissner. Beginning with the 2007 Grand Prix Final she just slid down the standings.

This season, after a disastrous Grand Prix season, she had to withdraw from Nationals with injury...turning her slump into a certifiable "trench."

But Kimmie has had good days, and a friend sent me an e-mail (thanks Oscar!) to remind me. So a quick rewind to the 2007 Four Continents Cup where Kimmie had a solid skate and win.

BREAKING NEWS: Kimmie Meissner withdraws from Nationals

This morning, the Baltimore Sun is confirming that Kimmie Meissner will withdraw from this weeks U.S. Nationals in Cleveland.

Apparently, whille running on a treadmill a week ago she injured the hip, however, it was feeling better later in the week. Then this week while practicing for Nationals, she reinjured it landing a triple lutz. She flew home to Maryland to work with her physical therapist and doctor says no skating for two weeks.

What terrible timing for Meissner. I mean, talk about being kicked while your down. Given her abysmal season thus far...her placement last season, it is gonna take one of those fairytale like stories for her to comeback strong for the Olympics next year.

How sad.

Skating for a cause at USC's Galen Center

From the LA Times by Helene Elliott...

It seems like the Summer Olympics ended about 10 minutes ago, but the Vancouver Winter Games are fast approaching -- they're just a little more than 16 months away.

To start getting you in an Olympic frame of mind, the World Figure Skating Championships will be held at Staples Center in March, and it's a biggie because the results will determine how many skaters each country can send to Vancouver, Canada. That makes this whole season a crucial one for skaters who want to establish or reestablish themselves on the international scene, and a star-studded group with big Olympic dreams was on the ice Wednesday at the Toyota Center in El Segundo preparing for a show that will kick off the Olympic buildup.

Two-time U.S. men's champion Evan Lysacek and Mirai Nagasu of Arcadia, who won the U.S. women's title earlier this year at the tender age of 14, were two of the standouts rehearsing Wednesday for the McDonald's Family Tribute on Ice, which will take place Friday at USC's Galen Center and will be aired on NBC Nov. 16.

The show, to be hosted by "Dancing with the Stars" champion Kristi Yamaguchi -- once better known as the 1992 Olympic figure skating gold medalist -- will feature live music from Nick Lachey, promote World Children's Day on Nov. 20 and support the company's fundraising efforts for children's causes.

As a longtime supporter of Ronald McDonald House, Lysacek is especially inspired for Friday's show.

"We're glad to be a part of it and team up with such a philanthropic organization," he said.

"The show itself [is] gonna be phenomenal. Performing with live artists gives us a little bit more perspective about the music. We're just so used to putting a CD in the tape deck and playing it over and over and you don't hear it. When the music is coming from right there you really get into it and it's a cool experience."

Lysacek, who finished fourth at the Turin Games, is eagerly looking forward to this season and the World and Olympic competitions. He spent a good chunk of this summer training in Russia with renowned coach Tatiana Tarasova, who urged him to train with the Bolshoi ballet to enhance his artistry.

"I did an hour and half of ballet a day in addition to eight hours a day on the ice in Russia. It was really intense, but it was the best thing for me," Lysacek said. "It gave me a newfound respect for dancers because nothing I did in my training on the ice made me as sore as that ballet."

"I'm really proud of my programs and I hope I can do them justice. I've been working really hard, and I've had months more than any prerparation I've had for any season before."

"I just have a new appreciation for skating after a lot of stuff that happened last year with injuries and a lot of stuff that was out of my control. I just feel lucky to be healthy and to be able to skate every day. I'm probably looking forward to this season more than any before."

The same is true for Nagasu, who will make her [international] debut at the senior level.

"I just want to get experience and have fun," said Nagasu, who grew over the summer from 4-foot-11 to 5-foot-2 and is still getting accustomed to her new height.

"Less than a year ago I was standing below the wall, so my eye level [was] with the wall and that's where I looked at during my jumps. Now that I'm taller it's hard to focus on where I want to look because if I look at the wall again, then I lean too much forward and it throws me off."

Performing in a show so close to home means she can invite her best friend. "I didn't even know USC has an ice rink," she said.

Tickets are available through the USC ticket office, Ticketmaster.com or at the Galen Center.

More to come as more skaters finish their rehearsals ...

read more | digg story

Also at the LA Times is a great story by Helene Elliott on Kimmie Meissner.

And another one by Evan Lysacek himself!

Pic of the Week

Kimmie Meissner is getting her head together. Today the Washington Post did a great write-up on Kimmie and her new training situation with Richard Callaghan and Todd Eldredge in Florida. Here are some of her own words...

"One of the weirdest things, when I got down here, was, 'Oh my gosh, they are skating with me, chasing me around the rink,' " said Meissner. "Todd makes me go faster. He's always saying, 'Go! I'm going to beat you!' They come out, they look at takeoffs, they want to see landings. It was really intimidating when I first came down here. I feel like I'm a different person. I've gone through some stuff that wasn't too good. I feel like I've changed a lot...A lot of times from really bad experiences you can learn a lot."

"I've been doing pretty good," Meissner said. "I'm at maybe a 'B,' if I have to give myself a grade. I'm pretty close to where I want to be, but I'm still working out the kinks in my program."

Her short program music will be "Un Ange Passe" by Alain Lefevre.

"I love working with Mr. Callaghan. He's very, very nice. He probably wouldn't want me to say that--he's got his reputation--but he's been great for me."

I'm very happy Kimmie is putting things back in place. I'm looking forward to seeing the "new" Kimmie in Everett!

Still a bit shaky

This past weekend Kimmie Meissner took to the ice for a University of Delaware exhibition performance. This event marked the first time she was back on UD ice since leaving to train in Florida with Richard Callaghan and Todd Eldredge.

Ron Ludington, director of the University of Delaware figure skating program, mentioned she was still shaky on some of her jumps. She fell on a triple in her program set to John Lennon's "Imagine" and fell again on a triple in the final group number.

Despite the shaky performance the crowd still rallied behind her, showing her that she is always welcome in Newark. It is still uncertain if she will return to UD or choose to train elsewhere (possibly full time with Callaghan).

Meissner will use these final days to prepare for the World Championships in Goteborg, Sweden. The stakes have never been higher for U.S. ladies figure skating as we have the opportunity to send one of our most talented field of ladies to the 2009 World Championships in Los Angeles if we can qualify them to the event. That will require the top two U.S. ladies to have a combined placement score of no less than 13 in Sweden...a 'possible' tall order considering the ladies that will be competing in Sweden. I use the word possible because Kimmie in the past would be more than capable of delivering, there is just the aura of uncertainty surrounding her skating right now.

All eyes on Kimmie!

Tomorrow Kimmie Meissner takes to the ice for her first public performance since her meltdown at Nationals in St. Paul.

The University of Delaware will hold a special exhibition on Saturday afternoon, March 1, featuring some of the figure skaters that will compete in the 2008 World Championships scheduled March 17-23 in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The cast includes Kimmie Meissner, Kim Navarro and Brent Bommentre, Melisa Bulanhagui, and Shaun Rogers among others.

The event is important for Meissner who must show she is capable of a good skate, even if it isn't a competition. Many people will be looking to see if she has made substantitve improvements while working with Callaghan and Eldredge and if she looks prepared for Worlds.

Tomorrow is a big day for Kimmie Meissner no matter how you slice it.

Coaching Shake-Up

Funny, the audience at the Xcel Energy Center was discussing this just over a week ago and poof it happens!

Kimmie Meissner announced today that she will be working with Richard Callaghan and Todd Eldredge to prepare for the upcoming World Championships in Sweden. This change comes as her season has steadily spiraled downward, she's placed lower in each competition she's entered this season than the previous. She began with a win at Skate America, then silver in Paris, sixth place in Torino for the Grand Prix Final and then a shocking seventh place at Nationals.

Whether this change is permanent or temporary is not yet known, however her remarks would make it seem as if she's leaving her longtime coach Pam Gregory. "I'm just really trying to put all my focus and energy into training for Worlds," Meissner said. "I'm grateful to Pam Gregory for everything she has done, but I needed to make some changes in order to regain my focus and confidence. I know I'm capable of making the podium at Worlds; that's my main goal right now."

Callaghan has had good success improving skaters jumps, as evidenced with Todd Eldredge who will be helping with the coaching, as well as Shizuka Arakawa, Nicole Bobek, and Tara Lipinski. Let's hope this is the change Kimmie really needs and she can turn this season around.

UPDATE: According to Ron Ludington, Head of the University of Delaware Skating Club, the move for Meissner is temporary. She is still enrolled in UD classes (although they will be online now as she will train with Callaghan and Eldredge in Florida) and is still on the ticket for a March 1 UD show.

Skate America Report 3

It turned out to be another fantastic day! If you are ever in Pennsylvania, I suggest a trip to Gettysburg National Military Park. It was really moving walking where history has been made...history that really defines our nation. It was truly a site to behold.

The skating wrapped up today. I was able to chit chat some more with Amanda Evora's parents and Davis and White's family. They are really very nice people! I was a bit confused by the final standings of the ice dance competition. Davis and White finished 4th...I would have easily had them 3rd and maybe even second. I think the judges are not appreciating the super technical content White and Davis are executing; I certainly hope they are judged better in France. The bronze medal went to the Italians despite having a nasty fall mid program. They managed to recover but the program lost steam after that; the music of "Yentl" doesn't seem to match their personality. The French claimed the silver with a high energy new-age program that certainly felt french. This team has made big improvements since last season. Tanith and Ben of course won the gold and their Beethoven program is brilliant. This program may be the one that gets them to the top of the World Podium.

Let me be blunt...Caroline Zhang should be the 2007 Skate America Champ...she got short-changed by the judges, she was spectacular. She did win the bronze beating out Emily Hughes (who had big troubles with her jumps). Miki Ando captured the silver with a powerful performance. She had a couple minor jump issues but overall she looks well trained and ready to go this season. Kimmie Meissner won the gold...somehow. She too had some jump issues popping a planned triple lutz, again cheating the second half of her triple/triple and stepping out of a salchow. I can say her choice of music, Puccini's "Turnadot" is brilliant.

The night ended with the exhibition performances. Three times were treated to Timberlake's "I'm bringing Sexy Back." Once again Caroline Zhang brought the crowd to their feet with a brilliant performance, Daisuke Takahashi brought elegance and speed to the ice, Dube and Davison brought a tear to all our faces with their gorgeous skate, The Haydenette's stopped by for a performance and Tanith Belbin did indeed bring sexy back!

Skate America was a blast...thank you Reading, PA...it's been swell! Okay, time to hop on a plane and make my way to Quebec City, Canada!

Pic of the Week

Maybe on Wednesday's I'll post a pic to relive some of my favorite moments in figure skating. I must tell you this moment was extremely unexpected!

Kimmie Meissner had nothing to loose, and furthermore, Cohen had blown it in the free. In her first Senior World Championships, she wins it!

It was a pretty amazing performance to "The Queen of Sheeba" and I'm sure a performance she won't ever forget!

Say Hello To the Future

The future of women's figure skating has officially arrived! This upcoming season we will see an array of youthful talent. They've been testing the waters for a year a two, but this upcoming season belongs to them! Say hello to the future...

She burst onto the scene last year and took the world by surprise. Mao Asada leveled her competition in the Grand Prix Series, brushed Irina Slutskaya off at the Grand Prix Final, almost won Japanese Nationals by hitting not one...but two Triple Axel's in her free skate, and finished off a great season with a Junior World Silver Medal (loosing to arguably the hottest skater on the rise...we'll talk about her a bit later!). The Japanese had a fit about all this...not because they were displeased with her...but because she was only 15 and too young to go to the Olympics! she has that little spark that we all find so infectious. She's a jumping machine and her artistry ain't bad either! Look for this young lady to be a force to be reckoned with this upcoming season!

If we are talking youthful talent, we cannot disclude of course the reigning World Champion, Kimmie Meissner. Last year at U.S. Nationals she made a star by hitting that Triple Axel, qualifying for the World Championships, only to be too young. This past season, she buckled down, worked on her artistry, and made sure she was above the bubble when she earned a certifiable spot on the U.S. Olympic Team. She solitified her status as star on the rise with a Top Six in Torino and wouldn't you know she went ahead and won the World Title! This is the future face of U.S. Skating and what a face it is!

(South) Korea has never had a name and a face that they could put on the Figure Skating map. Those days are over...Kim Yu-Na is one of the hottest (if not the hottest!) skater on the scene. She has quietly been lurking in the world of Junior Skaters, perfecting her skills. She has level 4 spins, fantastically solid jumps, a beautiful artistic flow across the ice, not to mention she beat Mao Asada at the Junior World Championships. Remember back when Lu Chen had to carry the figure skating banner for her entire nation of China. China put all of their figure skating hopes in her. Korea has done the same with Kim Yu-Na. She holds the future of Figure Skating in Korea in her very hands.

Thinks are certainly looking good when you are Scott Hamilton's favorite new skater on the block...and isn't just fun saying her name...Elene Gedevanishvili. This Georgian upstart made a splash by coming in 5th in her first European Championships, and then she backed that up with finishing in the the top six after the short program at the Olympic Games. Rough around the edges still, but a lot of spunk! She has the makings of great talent, not to mention killer Triple/Triple combinations. Look for this shining star to shine bright!