2017 Nationals Recap

Any discussion of the 2017 Nationals should begin and with Nathan Chen, so to the left he is in all his glory. These were my favorite moments of the championships in no particular order.

1. Parsons/Parsons win Jr. Dance-I watched them win novice dance the first season I really paid attention to the lower levels. I also interviewed them for KidsPost many moons ago so that was a fun memory. They were overshadowed by their training partners in recent years, but I hope they win the Jr. World title and I will be so excited to see those two teams go head to head at the senior level for years to come.

2. Cain/LeDuc win the Pairs Short-I loved how they approached their debut. I remember tweeting that I was attacking my wine like Ashley attacked that triple loop. I loved the attitude and the aggression. They have a look of a team that is ready to make waves. Please stay together!

3. Mirai Nagasu's Short-That look of joy on her face when she nailed the short was priceless. She rotated the triple-triple and 2nd seemed like such a great place for her after her history of meltdowns. If only the short were its own competition...

4. The Shibutanis Short Dance-I was puzzled when the ISU announced Hip-Hop as one of the rhythms this year, but its been such a party all season. I love how dance teams are pushing the boundaries by hiring off-ice choreographers and Hok got these guys to move in a way I've never seen.

5. Nathan Chen-He is consistent and throws it down under pressure in a way we haven't seen with US men since Evan Lysacek. The jumping ability is insane, but he's not one of those jumps-only skaters. He certainly isn't Jason Brown, but he hears the music and shows emotion through his choreography. Let's keep him in a bubble until worlds and then again until the Olympics.

6. Madison Chock's Facial Expressions-I'm almost positive this is in my recap every year. That girl was born for the theatre. She has an expressive face like Patti Lupone...she projects to the mezzanine. I love how she is styled with all the bells and whistles whether it's a crop top, a winged eye, or a double pony. Brava for performance quality!

7. Ashley Wagner's Tweets-She has such a unique voice on twitter and she doesn't give a damn what anyone thinks. I love when she tweets about the fashions of the mens event and tells us who competed against her brother. I also invited myself to her happy hour and she tweeted me back, so I guess that means she obliged despite my being in a different time zone. Today's athletes have such a unique opportunity to interact with fans on twitter and she always brings the A game.

8. The always blunt Frank Carroll-We all expected Gracie and Frank to split, but how it happened threw us for a loop. Frank very respectfully told the media that he and Gracie would no longer be working together. When spending so much time and energy together, it is important to see the results and they simply weren't there. The only problem is that Gracie didn't know she'd been cut loose. Still, the two have been so civil in the media. The white gloves haven't been taken off yet, but we know some juicy gossip is sure to come out soon. I started a rumor that Gracie is going to train with Kori Ade and I hope it happens. She is a nurturing coach and Rohene could bring out Gracie's wild side.

9. The Skating Lesson's interview with Christine & Phil-My first skating memories are circa 1994 so all the Tonya stories brought warmth to my heart, not in a sadistic way but in a nostalgic way. In all seriousness, it was so cool to see them in the same place sharing their knowledge and analysis. I often think of how far skating has fallen since the Kwan years, but when they put it in perspective, we are lucky with the coverage and crowds we get compared to most Olympic sports. And if you can't chuckle about Tonya's "broken" skate laces, of which Phil possesses a piece, then you're taking yourself too seriously.

10. Bitching about NBC and Tara Lipinski-This shout out goes to my twitter family. We love to hate NBC's coverage, even though we are actually grateful to get any primetime coverage these days. However, we do have a right to hate the fluff and repetitive short programs that they show instead of live free skates. This brings me to our favoring Nagano OGM winner. When former athletes become commentators, we want their perspective and we want to hear about their experiences. There is a fine line between sharing your stories and making the event about yourself. Tara crosses it every time. It's one think to scrutinize a skater's jump technique or scoff at their hair, costume, and overall packaging, but telling a skater that "the sport has passed him by" is another thing entirely. This comment about Alexander Johnson was both false and rude. Twitter promptly went after Tara, with yours truly wielding the pitchfork. Clearly Tara doesn't see that despite lacking a quad, Alexander Johnson has more artistry in his hair than she had in her entire career from Little Women to Anastasia.

Barbie's Thursday Thoughts

Pairs

1. A new program can transform your season-"Take Me To Church" clearly elevated Kayne & O'Shea's level of skating
2. An emotional song will pull in the crowd over a rock song any day of the week
3. You can never rely on US Pairs to perform the way you expect
4. Too much confidence is always a cause for concern (I learned this from Ann Jensen)
5. Castelli & Tran have a future if they can.....eh hem.....stay together!
6. Never underestimate the power of real ballet training-Aaron & Settlage show us that in their posture and extension through each limb
7. If Denney and Frazier had not been injured, this would have truly been a 4-way race and the most competitive US Pairs event in years
8. A purple unitard is something we all think about wearing but most of us leave it in the back of the closet with the gold lame hot pants
9. Todd Sand still looks as fabulous as ever......like a real life Ken doll
10. I love Jimmy Morgan for his skating, but also because I met him in real life and he tweets with me

Ladies

1. I want Kori Ade to be my coach when I go back in time and become an elite figure skater; the respect between pedagogue and pupil is palpable 
2. Heidi Munger's costume was far and away my favorite
3. Mirai Nagasu has done some living and that showed in her performance in a great way; her struggles have taught her to skate like a woman
4. Karen Chen has "it" but "it" just wasn't her night, don't freak out people, she will come along
5. Tyler Pierce blew me away with how effortless her program looked
6. Ashley Cain should stop fighting the urge to skate to Frozen, she clearly already has the dress
7. Abbott & Rippon are a breath of fresh air as choreographers
8. Polina may not wow me as a performer, but she knows how to COMPETE at Nationals
9. Ashley Wagner...well that broad sure knows how to put on a show
10. Gracie Gold, you had one job and you singled a lutz?
11. We had our moments, but I just wanted some clean skating; too much to ask?

2016 US Nationals: Ladies Preview

Ashley vs. Gracie: Part 4

1. Does anyone else matter to the skating faithful?
2. Does Ashley come from behind in the short to win in the free as has become commonplace?
3. Does my girl Ashley, an old broad by skating standards, have any gas left in the tank to take another US title and have a prayer of a World medal?
4. Does Gracie live up to her word of “no more doubles”?
5. Does Gracie, clearly the more talented of the two, get out of her head and put up the points we know she can?
6. More importantly, which of these two will give us the best Side Eye?
7. Can Polina finally perform like a mature young woman?
8. Does Karen Chen make the Gracie vs. Ashley debate moot by wiping the floor with all of them?
9. Can Courtney Hicks’ jump propel her back into the conversation?
10. Where does Carly Gold factor in, and more importantly, how does her presence affect Gracie?
11. What chance does Mirai Nagasu have after all these years, particularly where International assignments are concerned?
12. Will any one performance make me cry or stand up and cheer?
13. Can anyone from last year’s top ten trio of Bell, Price, or Miller surprise us and make the podium?
14. How will last year’s Junior winner by a mile, Bradie Tennell, handle the pressure of the Senior event?
15. Finally, will the dreaded “committee” have to step in when it comes to International assignments or will they let the competition play out?

SKATE AMERICA 2014: Ladies Preview

We are about to kick off the 2014-2015 figure skating season and I couldn't be more excited! I'm still feeling a little bit of the post-Olympic hangover, of course, but I love the fresh feeling of starting a new Olympic cycle. These skaters have a blank canvas ahead of them and the youngsters will start emerging as the favorites. Many of our favorites are returning and a handful of the great juniors have moved up, so here we go! Skate America kick off on Friday October 24th from Chicago, IL.

Podium Predictions:
Gold: Elizaveta Tuktamysheva (RUS)
Silver: Gracie Gold (USA)
Bronze: Elena Radionova (RUS)

Elizaveta Tuktamysheva (RUS) was a phenom on the senior ISU circuit a few years ago, but the growing pains hit her hard last season. Missing out on the Sochi team was certainly devastating for her, but she appears locked and loaded to make a comeback. She swept the senior B events earlier this season, winning Nebelhorn, Finlandia, and Coup de Nice. This could be her year to go for a world title.

Gracie Gold (USA) has everything needed to be a perennial world medalist, and certainly the drive, but we question whether she can put everything together in the same competition. Her Phantom of the Opera program choice is a red flag for me, because I question if she has the musicality to really sell that grandiose music. If she tells us one time that she "watched the movie" for inspiration, I'm going to vomit. She generally peaks later in the season, so while I think she will have a strong competition, I think she will make one more mistake than Liza and take the silver. She finished a strong 4th at the Sochi games and is poised to remain at the top of the field for the next Olympic cycle.

Elena Radionova (RUS) was the surprise of the senior ISU circuit, but was not eligible for the Olympics. She's been known for her technical work, not her artistry, and I think that will hurt her against Gold and Tuktamysheva. Don't be surprised if you see a drop off from last season, as we did with Liza last year, but she will still be competitive.

The Rest of the Field
Brooklee Han (AUS)-14th at 2014 Four Continents, 20th at 2014 Olympics, 19th at 2014 Worlds, 6th at 2014 US Classic, 4th at 2014 Nebelhorn Trophy
Mae Beranice Meite (FRA)-5th at 2014 Europeans, 10th at 2014 Olympics, 15th at 2014 Worlds
Elene Gedevanishvili (GEO)-10th at 2014 Europeans, 19th at 2014 Olympics
Haruka Imai-4th at 2014 Four Continents
So Youn Park (KOR)-9th at 2014 Four Continents, 21st at 2014 Olympics, 9th at 2014 Worlds, 3rd at 2014 Asian Open
Natalia Popova (UKR)-23rd at 2014 Europeans, 28th at 2014 Olympics, 21st at 2014 Worlds, 4th at 2014 Coup de Nice
Samantha Cesario (USA)- 8th at 2014 Four Continents, 2nd at 2014 Finlandia Trophy
Mirai Nagasu (USA)-4th at 2010 Olympics, 10th at 2014 Four Continents, 5th at 2014 US Classic

Cup of China: Ladies Free Skate LIVE BLOG

Pl.	Name	Nation	Points	SP	FS
1	Mao ASADA	JPN	181.76	2	1
2	Julia LIPNITSKAIA	RUS	177.92	1	2
3	Kiira KORPI	FIN	169.86	4	3
4	Mirai NAGASU	USA	163.46	3	4
5	Zijun LI	CHN	160.06	5	5
6	Amelie LACOSTE	CAN	135.46	6	9
7	Joshi HELGESSON	SWE	134.43	7	7
8	Ying ZHANG	CHN	130.65	9	6
9	Sofia BIRYUKOVA	RUS	127.36	8	8

Pl.	Name	Nation	TSS =	TES +		PCS +	SS	TR	PE	CH	IN	Ded. -	StN.
1	Mao ASADA	JPN	118.87	54.53		64.34	8.14	7.75	7.96	8.11	8.25	0.00	#9
2	Julia LIPNITSKAIA	RUS	114.86	57.43		57.43	7.21	7.00	7.32	7.25	7.11	0.00	#10
3	Kiira KORPI	FIN	110.17	51.03		59.14	7.43	7.04	7.32	7.54	7.64	0.00	#7
4	Mirai NAGASU	USA	103.70	45.89		57.81	7.39	6.96	7.25	7.32	7.21	0.00	#8
5	Zijun LI	CHN	100.85	51.58		51.27	6.61	6.21	6.32	6.54	6.36	2.00	#6
6	Ying ZHANG	CHN	87.27	46.97		42.30	5.61	4.96	5.36	5.29	5.21	2.00	#2
7	Joshi HELGESSON	SWE	84.76	38.16		47.60	6.04	5.64	6.04	6.04	6.00	1.00	#4
8	Sofia BIRYUKOVA	RUS	82.97	37.07		45.90	6.21	5.50	5.50	5.86	5.61	0.00	#3
9	Amelie LACOSTE	CAN	78.03	31.06		48.97	6.46	6.11	5.71	6.25	6.07	2.00	#5
WD	Bingwa GENG	CHN											#1

1) Ying Zhang (CHN)

  Music: Soul Dance

• She is loving the blue costumes at this event
• She needs to straighten those legs and point the feet
• I knew that jump was going down from the minute it went up
• 3F-2T very low to the ground
• This program isn't doing anything for me, she is just going through the motions
• Nice scorpion position in that spiral, but the standing leg really needs to be straight
• 46.97 (TES) + 42.30 (PCS) -2.00 (DED) = 87.27
• 43.38 (SP) + (FS) = 130.65

2) Sofia Biryukova (RUS)
  Music: Turandot

• She is a beauty!
• This costume looks Asian to me; funny we don't see that more for Turandot
• Bad slip, hands down; I'm always surprised when hands down can actually stop a fall on slippery ice
• 2-foot crossed landings, we aren't starting out well here
• Very sloppy, I can't even comment on anything because it's so labored and sloppy
• That spread eagle into 2A was nice, but the eagle could've been on a deeper edge to enhance the drama
• She was not happy with that, looked like a mental lapse
• 37.07 (TES) + 45.90 (PCS) = 82.97
• 44.39 (SP) + 82.97 (FS) = 127.36

3) Joshi Helgesson (SWE)
  Music: Burlesque, Express, Blues in Night

• That white bodice is not that flattering, a brighter color like magenta or turquoise would've been nice
• There's absolutely nothing going on here right now
• She is totally going through the motions, not nearly enough sass
• Only 1 fall, but a lot of potential underrotations
• 38.16 (TES) + 47.60 (PCS) -2.00 (DED) = 84.76
• 49.67 (SP) + 84.76 (FS) = 134.43

4) Amelie Lacoste (CAN)
  Music: Rhapsody in Blue & Concerto in F by Gershwin

• I love her intensity, how she attacks everything
• Even if she's technically not sound, she's still exciting to watch
• Starting out with a fall usually puts her on a downward spiral, let's see how that plays out
• Of the first 4 jumps, all have had landing issues thus far
• She cannot land a clean jump to save her life, that's not a technical issue, that's confidence
• The program is composed beautifully and the choreography is well executed; if she had the jumps she'd be right in the thick of things
• 31.06 (TES) + 48.97 (PCS) -2.00 (DED)= 78.03
• 57.43 (SP) + 78.03 (FS) =

5) Zijun Li (CHN)
  Music: Sleeping Beauty

• She is at the perfect age to skate to this music, it's light and ethereal
• Jumping bean!
• Nice 2a-3a combo, 2 footed
• This is so sprightly, the program is just perfect for her
• I didn't realize Chengjiang Li was her coach, he was such a great jumper when he competed
• I also see that Karen Kwan choreographed this piece, it's lovely
• Her jumps are very small, quick, but small
• She is losing speed in the middle; as we saw at last year's 4 continents, it seems the Chinese skaters often aren't very well conditioned
• 51.58 (TES) + 51.27 (PCS) -2.00 (DED) = 100.85
• 59.21 (SP) + 100.85 (FS) = 160.06

6) Kiira Korpi (FIN)
  Music: Once Upon a Time in America

• This dress is divine, as all of her dresses always are
• I love the drama in that opening
• 3T-3T to open, very strong
• Feed froze in the middle of the program, missed a good chunk
• Jumps are starting to unravel, very squirrely landings
• A couple popped jumps, not want she wants or needs to get on the podium
• She's left enough of a door open technically that Li will pass her
• This is a very well composed program, once she builds up her stamina it should be lovely
• I think we have  clean triples, lots of wonky landings, she'll get there
• 51.03 (TES) + 59.14 (PCS) = 110.86
• 59.69 (SP) + 110.86 (FS) = 169.86

7) Mirai Nagasu (USA)
  Music: Symphony No. 3 by Saint-Saens

• Let's get this one Mirai
• Nearly into the boards on the first jump
• Clean 2a, 2-footed the combo
• Why are all of these jumps so close to the boards
• Feed froze, missed a good chunk of the middle
• This dress is lovely on her, I love the neckline/haltar detail
• I want more intensity in these steps, right now it looks like she's going through the motions
• Clean 3-2-2 combo, all of these landings are nice too, good flowing edges and straight free legs out of them
• This has been a great skate for Mirai, she looks really free out there
• Much more passion on that last step sequence
• She should be very happy and relieved right there
• 45.89 (TES) + 57.81 (PCS) = 103.70
• 59.76 (SP) + 103.70 (FS) = 163.46

8) Mao Asada (JPN)
  Music: Swan Lake

• I hope we get good Mao today, she has so much speed!
• That costume is to die for!
• She looks so delicate out there
• Gorgeous combination spin, every position is fantastic
• This is so graceful and lyrical
• I like the musical selection, she used in interesting arrangement with sections that aren't completely overdone
• This is going to be phenomenal by Worlds
• Very strong ending, what a beautifully composed and choreographed program
• Tarasova choreographed that, I wonder if it is odd working with your old coach as choreographer
• 54.53 (TES) + 64.34 (PCS) = 118.87
• 62.89 (SP) + 118.87 (FS) = 181.76

9) Julia Lipnitskaia (RUS)
  Music: Nutcracker

• Leaning very far over on landings of first combo
• Fall out of 2nd combo, one more little mistake like that and she'll give it away to Mao, she needs all the TES she can get
• There is no attempt at expression, she's just ticking the elements off the list
• I like this step sequence a lot, it's well placed in the music
• Best I-spin since Sasha Cohen
• She has a lot there to work with in that program; just let it develop
• 57.43 (TES) + 57.43 (PCS) = 114.86
• 63.06 (SP) + 114.86 (FS) = 177.92

Cup of China: Ladies Short Program LIVE BLOG

1) Ying Zhang (CHN)
  Music: Blue Light

• We are wearing a blue dress for Blue Light; that's a good start
• What a tiny little thing, she is very serious
• Very tough fall to start on the 3lz
• Solid 3F
• 2 jumps in and no combo, I hope she tacks it onto the 2A
• This program lacks drama for me
• Those overhead shots make me so dizzy, I can't handle it
• The lack of combo will hurt her
• Why is she sitting so far from the coach?
• 22.95 (TES) + 21.43 (PCS) - 1.00 (DED) = 43.38

2) Sofia Biryukova (RUS)
  Music: Seven Years in Tibet

• She is a gorgeous young lady
• Very understated, glamorous costume compared to Russian ladies of the past
• Great speed off the top
• Fall on the 3lz
• Gets right back up and into the program
• 3loop into a funky leg postion layback
• Nice musical accent for that double axel
• This combination spin is underwhelming given it's placement on the most recognizable piece of the music
• I love the drama in the step sequence
• 21.42 (TES) + 23.97 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 44.39

3) Bingwa Geng (CHN)
  Music: Scene d'amour

• She is a gorgeous skater who lacks confidence
• See, she had that 1st jump but she bailed; a little close to the boards too
• Another turn out, she just doesn't seem to have the guts to nail these programs like she can
• I kind of like this music, but the performance is flat for me
• That was just okay, there was nothing extraordinary about it and it seemed there was no passion
• 16.27 (TES) + 21.26 (PCS) = 36.53

4) Julia Lipnitskaia (RUS)
  Music: Sabre Dance

• The moment we've all been waiting for, the newest Russian baby makes her senior debut
• Wow that just started out of nowhere
• Clean 3lz-3t
• She attacks the jumps
• Signature Julia spiral into the 3F
• She comes from the Sasha Cohen school of never hitting a bad position
• Sharp, quick 2A
• Feed froze for the spin, but it loked lovely
• She is killing the footwork, very agressive; she's leaving it all out on the ice
• This girl has no bones in her body, I love it
• That was a totally jam-packed program; let's see if she maintains that intensity in the free
• 35.35 (TES) + 27.71 (PCS) = 63.06

5) Zijun Li (CHN)
  Music: Dark Eyes

• She was another little diva baby on the Junior GP last season, let's see if she debuts like Julia
• She is lovely, she has better line and more grace than Julia
• She eeks out the jumps, not the command of Julia, but she hits them nonetheless
• She is so joyful in this footwork
• She has very long arms and once she learns to use them in a really expressive way, that will be a huge asset to her skating
• It is so wonderful to see a young lady from China doing well at home; good for the home fans
• 33.79 (TES) + 25.42 (PCS) = 59.21

6) Joshi Helgesson (SWE)
  Music: Mystere & Taiko

• That one-arm-over-head variation should be left for those with superb jumping technique
• I like this music, but not enough drama in the program
• I like the costume, but it seems more like a gypsy dance costume
• Nice attitude position on the exit of the 2A
• Overall this was just so-so for me
• I want her to really amp up the diva like her sister
• 25.93 (TES) + 24.74 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 49.67

7) Amelie Lacoste (CAN)
  Music: The Feeling Begins

• I missed most of the program due to my feed freezing, not sure how she's doing
• I like that the steps and the arm movements are in the character of the piece
• I missed all the jumps, but this is a well composed program that should take her far this season
• Wow, much improved from her last outing; she'll have a very long break between this and nationals so let's see what she does with it 
• 30.25 (TES) + 27.18 (PCS) = 57.43

8) Mirai Nagasu (USA)
  Music: Downhill Special

• She looks so grown up!
• She looks ready to kick som ass here
• Did she get taller, look at those long legs!!
• She is jumping up a storm here so far (I'll ignore the 2-foot landings)
• She has some new zip and attitude to her skating
• I thought that leaving Frank would be the best thing she ever did for her skating
• This is a cute little short program, I just love it; suits her so well
• She looks so carefree, nothing looks labored like it did the past two seasons 
• 31.04 (TES) + 28.72 (PCS) = 59.76

9) Mao Asada (JPN)
  Music: I Got Rhythm

• Please Mao go into 1st!
• I love her ease across the ice
• Way to cut that pesky 3A, she really doesn't need it with her precisions and PCS
• Way to go Mao, choosing a piece outside of your comfort zone is a great strategy
• She hits the accents so strongly and yet is so soft with her arms the rest of the time
• Leaving Tarasova was the best thing she ever did, all of her programs were so labored then
• Wow, I just noticed she's not wearing sleeves!
• This program is divine, it really shows off her personality and dance ability, a totally new side of Mao
• This is so charming and endearing!
• Great ending, just a really nice button on the end!
• 31.83 (TES) + 31.06 (PCS) = 62.89

10) Kiira Korpi (FIN)
  Music: The Girl with the Flaxen Hair

• Wide swinging free leg on both jumps in the combo
• Her upper body is looking very stiff today
• This costume is GORGEOUS and it matches the music and the skater perfectly
• Once she gets more comfortable and relaxes, this program is going to be like buttah!
• This is a beautifully composed program, all of the in between movements are so specific and spot on
• That was simple and elegant, like a glass of fine wine
• 29.26 (TES) + 30.43 (PCS) = 59.69

Cup of China: Ladies Preview

Like all the disciplines, I'll miss the short but I'll be calling the free in the middle of the night Friday into Saturday.

The next in a long line of Russian wonder babies makes her arrival in China. Julia Lipnitskaia (RUS) is the reigning Junior World Champ and also the Finlandia champ. She is even better that Tuktamysheva & Sotnikova in my opinion. Her flexibility is out of this world and she will be the next Sasha Cohen in terms of "she never hits a bad position." Nerves and expectation are the X-factor as we saw with Gracie Gold at Skate Canada, but if this little one does what we all know she can do, she'll win by a mile.

A former wonder baby also makes her season debut here. Mao Asada (JPN) is doing Gershwin for her short and Swan Lake for her free. I may die of happiness if she aces both of these. I think we have seen Mao go through several levels of transformation over the past few seasons, so let's hope she's coming out on the good side of that heading into 2014.

Kiira Korpi (FIN) is one of the most gorgeous skaters around if she could hold it together. She won Silver at Europeans last year and finished 2nd to Lipnitskaia at Finlandia. I'm excited to see what she's bringing to the table this year and I think she can certainly medal here.

The skater I'm actually most excited to see is Mirai Nagasu (USA). She left Frank finally and that could be the best thing she's ever done. I just don't think that their styles meshed...ever. This is a do or die year for her. She needs to get back on world podiums and back on the Nationals podium this year, or USFSA will have totally forgotten about her when 2014 and Sochi roll around.

My Podium Predictions:
Gold: Julia Lipnitskaia (RUS)
Silver: Mao Asada (JPN)
Bronze: Mirai Nagasu (USA)

The Rest of the Field:
Amelie Lacoste (CAN)
Bingwa Geng (CHN)
Zijun Li (CHN)
Ying Zhang (CHN)
Sofia Biryukova (RUS)
Joshi Helgesson (SWE)

2012 US Figure Skating Championships: Senior Ladies Free Skate LIVE Coverage

1) Morgan Bell
  Music: Avatar

• Rough short for Morgan, I want a really great free, I"m pulling for her
• Good 2a, two-foot on a 3lz, little stumble
• She is always intense out there on the ice, I think the music fits her well
• 2lz-2t, really close the boards
• Spread eagle into the 3t was a highlight
• Rough 3s and a fall, seemed like she was lacking energy getting up in the air
• She looks really tired in this step sequence, very rigid in the upper body
• I think she's just run out of steam here
• Only one fall, and a very respectable program from Morgan

   38.46 (TES) + 38.47 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 73.93
   38.55 (SP) + 73.93 (FS) = 112.48

2) Joelle Forte
  Music: 13th Warrior

• She was really able to shine in the free skate last year at Nationals
• She looks a little tentative here tonight, very relaxed
• She is just really missing a spark here tonight
• I don't think this music is pushing her as much as it should, there's not a lot of energy behind it

   49,98 (TES) +  41.71 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 91.69
   48.13 (SP) + 91.69 (FS) = 139.82

3) Angela Wang
  Music: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

• Calm and collected off the bat
• 3f-2t, and 3lz-2t back to back
• Any position with the booty up in the air should be banned
• I like this music, it sounds like the theme from Survivor Thailand
• She is just ticking off her elements
• She's not doing the hardest elements, but she's putting out a clean performance
• I love the placement of that layback spin right on the crash in the music

   62,61 (TES) + 47.07 (PCS) = 109.68
   48.98 (SP) + 109.68 (FS) = 158.66

4) Aimee Buchanan
  Music: Medley by Michael W. Smith

• Not crazy about the design, but love the color of the costume
• That donut spin is fantastic
• Oh no, her jumps aren't with her today, but she's so happy just to be there as a last minute replacement
• She achieves a fantastic Biellmann position, the leg was almost completely straight in the back
• The music was lovely, but I don't think it had enough drama to propel her through the program

  31.75 (TES) + 35.37 (PCS) -3.00 (DED) = 64.12
   37.77 (SP) + 64.12 (FS) = 101.89

5) McKinzie Daniels
  Music:

• I love her body lines on the ice, nice long limbs
• It's a difficult transition from Junior to Senior
• I love a good Wally jump!
• This program is simply lacking in excitement for me, I think she's holding back as to avoid mistakes
• She looks exhausted, probably some under-training

  49.17 (TES) + 42.29 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 90.46
   49.96 (SP) + 90.46 (FS) = 140.42

6) Kiri Baga
  Music: La Strada

• We love Kiri, she's a dynamic little firecracker
• Kiri actually belongs in a later group, but issues in the short can kill you
• I don't know that she's tapping into the character of La Strada
• She still looks a little junior-ish to me, I'd love to see her choose totally revamp her costuming, make-up and artistry
• Needs to point the foot on that Sit spin
• She's starting to bring it home here toward the end
• Strong finish

  51.08 (TES) + 48.15 (PCS) = 99.23
   50.15 (SP) + 99.23 (FS) = 149.38

7) Sophia Adams
  Music: Titanic

• We love Titanic around here, it was a thrill to see Simpson & Blackmer do it so well
• Not a good start so far, 2 falls
• Fantastic stretch on that catch foot spin
• Stumble out of that loop, I think she's not opening up out of those jumps quickly enough
• Lovely spiral, that stretch is fantastic, a true highlight of the piece
• The whole piece is really lacking speed
• Kind of anti-climactic, I don't feel the choreographer used the best parts of the music

   32.56 (TES) + 3.26 (PCS) -2.00 (DED) = 73.82
   51.40 (SP) + 73.82 (FS) = 125.22

8) Haley Dunne
  Music: Rondo Capriccioso

• Fall on the 3s, fall on the opening jump seemed to be the theme of this night
• Not her night tonight, I'd like to see more attack on this program
• I want her to just go all out
• This music has so much nuance, but I want her to accent it with her expression and her movements
• She looks just happy to be done with that program, but still seems upbeat
• I think she showed us a lot of good qualities and aspects of her skating, she can take away a lot from this and improve for next year

   43.46 (TES) + 43.41 (PCS) -2.00 (DED) = 84.87
   51.41 (SP) + 84.87 (FS) = 136.28

9) Leah Keiser
  Music: Dr. Zhivago

• 3lz-3t looked to be in slow motion a little but, but hey, great combo
• Sat down that easy 2a after that great combo
• Gorgeous donut position on that spin
• She is lovely to watch, a little spitfire, but I'd love more speed
• She still looks very junior-ish in her skating, but good for her for trying to come into the senior level

   49.10 (TES) + 46.01 (PCS) = 93.11
   52.44 (SP) + 93.11 (FS) = 145.55

10) Yasmin Siraj
  Music:

• Lovely musicality, good nuanced use of the body
• Really crooked in the air on that 3f
• I love her style, she has a special air about her
• I keep forgetting about her injury, that will really effect flip and lutz
• The choreography suits her well
• Normally she is more of an explosive performer than this, but I'm afraid that a poor technical showing is throwing off her presentation skills

   41.92 (TES) + 44.95 (PC) = 86.87
   51.96 (SP) + 86.87 (FS) = 138.83

11) Nina Jiang
  Music: Turandot

• Fall on the 3lz, very short on that as well
• 3f turned into a 3t, nice and clean on that one
• She has a very fluid upper body, expressive arms
• Popped loop
• She looks scared to death out there, you can see it on her face
• Oh good old Nessun Dorma, why always purple for this piece
• Nice spread eagle, strong finish though 
• Beautiful moments, gorgeous qualities

   (TES) + (PCS) = 92.76
   53.66 (SP) + (FS) = 146.42

12) Rachael Flatt
  Music: Firebird

• I'm so nervous I can hardly watch
• Wobbly triple lutz, but landed
• Doubles the flip
• Nice accents with the arms and head
• I feel like she's just going from element to element, so nervous she's going to miss, that she's forgetting to attack the program
• There's a good triple flip in a 3-jump sequence
• Her legs are under her out there now, she can really start going after the performance now
• Nice seeing some passion on her face in the spiral sequence
• 3loop-2t
• Lovely stretch on the Ina Bauer
• I feel like this is really slow, but it's a very courageous skate for her
• Just letting it fly in the foot work, letting it fly 

   56.49 (TES) + 55.78 (PCS) = 112.27
   52.71 (SP) + 112.27 (FS) = 164.98

13) Vanessa Lam
  Music:

• Gorgeous skater if she can stay out of her own head
• Those gloves are bothering me
• 3lz-2l-2l
• These jumps lack height, but so far so good
• Stumble on the 3lo
• Very promising skater, lots to work with there and build on

  51.27 (TES) + 52.68 (PCS) = 103.05
   54.57 (SP) + 103.05 (FS) = 157.62

14) Christina Gao
  Music:

• She has such long legs, she's still growing into her height
• All of her landing are a little wobbly, she just looks slightly uneasy
• This program is lacking in excitement for me
• Very few of these landings have been clean and smooth, growth spurt is the cause of most of that
•  A choppy skate, but no falls!

  55.40 (TES) + 56.13 (PCS) = 111.53
   54.83 (SP) + 111.53 (FS) = 166.36

15) Mirai Nagasu
  Music: Spartacus

• I want to see her be gritty and gutsy
• Nice clean, crisp 3lo-2t
• 2a-2t, was going to be a 3t
• 3-2-2 looked like she had it but, tripped and stumbled at the end
• Another fall, and a pop
• I'm sorry, she just looks so bored out there, no expression
• She's crumbling, so rattled right now
• I feel like this program never suited her well all season
• There is no energy out there at all
• Fantastic as that layback is, it will not salvage that program

   50.74 (TES) + 56.23 (PCS) = 104.97
   59.02 (SP) + 104.97 (FS) = 163.99

16) Caroline Zhang
  Music:

• Stumble on the trip flip
• 3lz had that big donkey kick, but still lands it
• 2a, not a lot of height or distance, but hits it
• She is losing a lot of speed here, needs to be more aggressive at this point
• She has no expression on her face either
• Come on girlfriend, the jumps and elements are nice, but where's your spark? Where's your hunger to win?
• Now after the the last jump was landed, she's finally giving us some face!
• That's the comeback story of the last 5 years

   56.46 (TES) + 56.55 (PCS) = 113.01
   60.18 (SP) + 113.01 (FS) = 173.19

17) Ashley Wagner
  Music: Swan Lake

• Come on Ashley, you got this girl
• Awesome start, girl is competing hard
• Nice speed coming into this section
• Lazer beam focus here, beauty of a triple lutz
• I love that look in her eye on the spiral, such focus and passion
• Nothing even looks shaky, oh no spoke too soon, just singled a triple salchow
• No falls, but she'll be unhappy about that popped salchow
• People are applauding that port de bras, that you don't see everyday

   60.64 (TES) + 63.32 (PCS) = 123.96
   63.06 (SP) + 123.96 (FS) = 187.02

18) Alissa Czisny

  Music: Valse Triste

• I'm not loving this costume, it's very Nancy Kerrigan
• Hand down on that triple lutz, needs to relax and get it together
• 2a-2t, looking really tight
• She's finally coming to life with this more uptempo section
• Very crossed on that jump, fall and a very had one on the knees at that
• She needs to get out of her own head here
• 3lo-2t-2t
• The layback is to die for
• She just wasn't her usual self tonight, it was a struggle

  56.03 (TES) + 61.86 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 116.86
   63.14 (SP) + 116.86 (FS) = 180.00

19) Agnes Zawadzki
  Music: Rhapsody in Blue

• 2a-3t
• Big, big jumping tonight
• Big wipe out on that triple lutz, uh oh
• We'll see if that rattles her or not
• She looks like she's running out of steam her
• 3lz-2t almost into the wall, rough pass there
• Another fall, she's crumbling a bit
• 2toe
• Did she just make eye contact with her coach off-ice?
• I'm not really sure where this will finish at this point, could be a toss up at this point
• I love her toe point on that catch foot spin

   (TES) + (PCS) -2.00 (DED) = 107.86
   66.24 (SP) + (FS) = 174.10

Start No.	Name	Short Program		Free Skate		Total Score
		Place	Score	Place	Score
1	17	Ashley Wagner, SC of Wilmington	3	63.06	1	123.96	187.02
2	18	Alissa Czisny, Detroit SC	2	63.14	2	116.86	180.00
3	19	Agnes Zawadzki, Broadmoor SC	1	66.24	7	107.86	174.10
4	16	Caroline Zhang, All Year FSC	4	60.18	3	113.01	173.19
5	14	Christina Gao, Northern KY SC	6	54.83	5	111.53	166.36
6	12	Rachael Flatt, Broadmoor SC	9	52.71	4	112.27	164.98
7	15	Mirai Nagasu, Pasadena FSC	5	59.02	8	104.97	163.99
8	3	Angela Wang, Salt Lake Figure Skating	16	48.98	6	109.68	158.66
9	13	Vanessa Lam, All Year FSC	7	54.57	9	103.05	157.62
10	6	Kiri Baga, FSC of Bloomington	14	50.15	10	99.23	149.38
11	11	Nina Jiang, TX Gulf Coast FSC	8	53.66	12	92.76	146.42
12	9	Leah Keiser, All Year FSC	10	52.44	11	93.11	145.55
13	5	McKinzie Daniels, Broadmoor SC	15	49.96	14	90.46	140.42
14	2	Joelle Forte, SC of NY	17	48.13	13	91.69	139.82
15	10	Yasmin Siraj, SC Of Boston	11	51.96	15	86.87	138.83
16	8	Haley Dunne, WA FSC	12	51.41	16	84.87	136.28
17	7	Sophia Adams, All Year FSC	13	51.40	18	73.82	125.22
18	1	Morgan Bell, Rocky Mountain FSC	18	38.55	17	73.93	112.48
19	4	Aimee Buchanan, Colonial FSC	19	37.77	19	64.12	101.89