Johnny Weir: Why his return will benefit Figure Skating

From what I've been reading on twitter and the blogosphere, most people are thrilled about the return of 3-time US Champion and World Medalist Johnny Weir to competitive figure skating. But there are also some naysayers, which is to be expected when dealing with such a polarizing figure as Johnny Weir.

Here are some of the top reasons why I'm excited about his return:

• He causes buzz: As soon as he announced his return, it caused excitement, not only among skating fans, but everywhere. Johnny is outspoken and overall he is just a great character. He emerged as one of the biggest stars of the 2010 Olympics. Average Joes who know nothing about figure skating know him. They probably wouldn't know Patrick Chan from Takahiko Kozuka, but they know Johnny. People relate to him because he is himself!
• He'll draw viewers for Nationals: You can look at Johnny's announcement the week before Nationals as tacky and an attempt to draw attention away from the skaters competing at Nationals, but I think it's actually the opposite. There are a lot of "Johnny fans" who have lapsed as figure skating fans since he stopped competing. Since he is calling the men's event in San Jose next week and he'll surely be a talked about character, he'll certainly draw viewers to Nationals that wouldn't watch otherwise.
• He is supremely talented: I have heard experts say time and time again that Johnny is one of the best natural talents the sport has ever seen. Most skaters start before the age of 5, but Johnny started at age 11 or 12 and everything came naturally. What is often in question is his work ethic and his competitive fire. Those are two things he'll have to address if he wants to come back and be competitive with the best in the World.
• He had the technical content to win in Vancouver: Many think that Johnny's 2012 programs were watered down technically, but he performed nearly identical elements to Evan Lysacek, he just didn't get the levels or the GOEs that Evan got. And that is mostly because Johnny is an individual and wants to perform programs the way HE wants, no the way the ISU wants him to. I hate to say it, but under the International Judging System, individuality is cursed, so Johnny will really have to conform to the code of points if he wants to get the best results in competition. Here are the protocols from the Men's free skate in Vancouver, if you don't believe me, look at it for yourself. The base value of Johnny's elements was only 1.72 below that of Evan Lysacek.
• http://www.isuresults.com/results/owg2010/owg10_Men_FS_Scores.pdf

2012 US Figure Skating Championships: Senior Pairs Preview

Podium Predictions:
1) Amanda Evora & Mark Ladwig 
2) Caydee Denney & John Coughlin
3) Mary-Beth Marley & Rockne Brubaker
4) Tiffany Vise & Don Baldwin


Last year we had a sentimental favorite in Yankowskas & Coughlin and they won gold. This year we have another sentimental favorite in Evora & Ladwig, a team that has been so close to gold for so many years but can't ever quite get there. I don't want to suggest that if they win it will be by default, but they have so much more experience skating together than most of the teams in this event that it's not even funny. I say it all the time, but we can't truly appreciate the beauty of the pairs elements and the artistry if they don't land the jumps. I truly think they will win, but I want them to get their gold in high fashion with two clean programs.

Denney & Coughlin own the last two gold medals from the US Championships, albeit with different partners. They teamed up in the summer and have been quite successful together. They've avoided major mistakes in competition, but their connection, artistry, and polish need fine tuning. They are a solid bet for one of the top two spots and a spot on the world team. If they are clean and Evora & Ladwig make mistakes, they'll likely win. The judges seem to really like them so I don't see them going below second unless they fall apart.

I really took to Marley & Brubaker last year at Nationals. I have always been a Rockne fan and found Mary Beth very refreshing. They had a solid debut in 4th last year and they've been able to get some international exposure at 4 Continents and Skate America. They have a lot of work to do in terms of artistry and building Mary Beth's confidence, but they'll get there if they STAY TOGETHER. I cannot stress enough how much I want these teams to stay together. They have switched coaches from John Nicks to Meno & Sand which should work out well in my opinion. Mr Nicks is a fantastic pairs coach, but he is aging and he has singles students to worry about. Meno & Sand are arguably the most successful US Pair team ever so they know what they're talking about.

Fourth is a tough position to call because anyone could land there, but I'm going with Vise & Baldwin. They had a very respectable showing at Skate America and skated two clean programs. They don't have all the acrobatic tricks of the younger teams, but they have a maturity that only comes with years and years of experience. I'm not about to suggest that they are world class or that they will ever contend for any major international titles, but it would be nice to see them on the podium.


Competitors:


Andrews/LeDuc-BYE
Cain/Reagan-BYE-6th at 2011 Cup of Russia (138.02)
Castelli/Shnapir-BYE-7th at 2011 NHK Trophy (149.02)
Chanel-Bautista/Harris-3rd at 2011 Eastern Sectionals (124.67)
Denney/Coughlin-BYE-4th at 2011 Skate America (175.40); 5th at 2011 NHK Trophy (163.75)
Donlan/Sperof-1st at 2011 Eastern Sectionals (152.73)
Evora/Ladwig-4th at 2011 Cup of China (170.63); 4th at 2011 TEB (169.58)
Fehr/Biver-BYE
Marley/Brubaker-BYE-7th at 2011 Skate America (144.80)
Poapst/Knierim-BYE
Scimeca/Dimitrov-4th at 2011 Eastern Sectionals (110.80)
Vise/Baldwin-BYE-6th at 2011 Skate America (155.42)
Zhang/Bartholomay-2nd at 2011 Eastern Sectionals (131.08)

2012 US Figure Skating Championships: Senior Ice Dance Preview

Podium Predictions:
1) Meryl Davis & Charlie White
2) Maia Shibutani & Alex Shibutani
3) Madison Chock & Evan Bates
4) Madison Hubbell & Zachary Donohue

If there is any doubt in your mind that Davis & White will take the title here, then you are clearly not a figure skating fan. They have not lost a competition since the 2010 Worlds and haven't lost to anyone but Virtue & Moir in several years. It was close, but they edged their Canadian rivals yet again at the recent Grand Prix Final. They have no real competition here, so they'll use Nationals as a tune up for Worlds. This is more of an exhibition for them, a chance to make final improvements and give the fans a great show. It is a pleasure just to watch them skate and compete, even when everybody else is in their rear view mirror.

The real question is how close will Maia & Alex Shibutani get to Davis and White. They have a slim chance of edging them in the technical marks, but they are no where near the presentation level of their training mates. Yes, they won their first Grand Prix gold this season and qualified for the final, but I think they're playing it a little safe. They went in a great direction with the latin short dance, making it fun and energetic, but the free dance is too similar to last season's in my opinion. I'm all for accentuating your strengths, but at the elite level, you need to show the judges that you can perform varying styles. Alex is so classy and reminds me of an old Hollywood star, but Maia is the one who really caught my eye this year. The is much more mature now and she's bringing out the Diva within!

Anyone who watches ice dance knows who will take gold and silver, but bronze is where the real competition is in my opinion. They didn't make a huge splash in their international debut, but I think Chock & Bates will be ready to go in San Jose. There are a lot of things that aren't perfect yet, as they are a new pairing, like holds, unison, leg line, etc, but they're well on their way. Their latin short dance has a fire that I didn't see with either one of them in their previous dance teams. I think this new partnership has to go through it's fair share of growing pains, but I think it will be good in the long run. Neither had the passion or chemistry with their previous partner that they needed to get to the top. I'm not saying this team has chemistry to burn yet either, but I see flashes of it and that's the most important thing. They have a long way to go, but if they avoid errors, they have a good shot at taking bronze and making the world team. They looked unsure of themselves and under-prepared on the Grand Prix, but rest assured, Marina & Igor will have them ready.

Hubbell & Donohue, speaking of chemistry, seem like they were born to dance with each other. Maddy has always been a fiery skater, but she has more of a chance to expand on that now that she's not skating with her brother. The connection is definitely there and they seem to have also taken to each other well in terms of technique. They have great unison for a new team and I suspect they've improved by leaps and bounds since I last saw them in October. They have probably the 2nd best set of coaches in the World in Camerlengo & Krylova and they'll definitely be fighting hard for the 3rd spot on the World team. My only real criticism with them is that their free dance doesn't have the difficulty and excitement factor of some of Zoueva & Shpilband teams.

Competitors:


Cannuscio/Lorello-1st at 2011 Eastern Sectionals (129.80)
Chock/Bates-4th at 2011 Skate Canada (135.10); 5th at 2011 TEB (130.94)
Davis/White-1st at 2011 Cup of Russia (179.06); 1st at 2011 GPF (188.55)
Glastris/Allison-3rd at 2011 Midwestern Sectionals (85.54)
Hoptman/Filchenkov-3rd at 2011 Eastern Sectionals (114.50)
Hubbell/Donohue- 1st at 2011 Midwestern Sectionals (140.96)
Krienkrairut/Giulietti-Schmitt-6th at 2011 NHK Trophy (126.39)
Lichtman /Copely-3rd at 2011 Pacific Sectionals (122.10)
Olson/Cowan-2nd at 2011 Pacific Sectionals (132.67)
Samuelson/Gilles-1st at 2011 Pacific Sectionals (136.86)
Schmucker/Munday-4th at 2011 Pacific Sectionals (110.70)
Shibutani/Shibutani-1st at 2011 NHK Trophy (151.85); 5th at 2011 GPF (160.55)
Wingle/McKernan-2nd at 2011 Midwestern Sectionals (111.43)
Zuber/Herring-4th at 2011 Eastern Sectionals (100.23)

2012 US Figure Skating Championships: Senior Men's Preview

Podium Predictions:
1) Jeremy Abbott
2) Adam Rippon
3) Max Aaron
4) Richard Dornbush

Jeremy Abbott was a pleasant surprise on the Grand Prix this season. You can say that he won in a depleted field at Cup of China or that he didn't achieve technical brilliance, but he has two of the most complete programs out there this season. He doesn't just jump and spin, he actually performs, which is the tops in my book. Last year was an off year, but he normally thrives at home in the US, and unless he crumbles like he did last season, I say he's your winner. I also believe that that the combination of Abbott and Rippon provides the US with the best chance of scoring a 3rd Men's slot at Worlds.

Adam Rippon has been up and down over the past few years, and even though he didn't medal on the Grand Prix, I think he's on the upward swing. The coaching change to Dungjen & Sato seems to have affected him positively and it's great to have him training back in the US where he has Jeremy Abbott to push him daily. The quad lutz could be key for him and if he lands it fully rotated, that may give him the edge over Abbott. He too is a very complete performer which should keep him ahead of some of the technical marvels that are creeping up the standings.

Max Aaron is in his first senior season and he took sectionals by storm. I think he was one of the skaters most hurt by the cut from 12 to 10 skaters at each Grand Prix as he really could've made a splash had he competed internationally in the fall. He won his sectional by 30 points because of his great technique and jumping ability, but that along will not keep him on top at the national level. In my opinion he is not as mature a performer as Abbott and Rippon, not by a mile, but his jumps alone will probably land him on the podium if he hits. I think his lack of artistry will be glaring next to Abbott, Rippon, Dornbush, and Miner and he'll receive low PCS scores as a result.

Richard Dornbush was the darling of the 2011 Nationals, but he has not lived up to expectations this season thus far. He is normally cool and collected, but he looked nervous and cautious in his Grand Prix debut competitions. He has a good quad if he can hit it and he is also a great performer. He is skating relatively close to home so he'll have the crowd on his side, which could prove very advantageous, especially in his character-driven free skate.

Competitors:


Max Aaron-1st at 2011 Midwestern Sectionals (221.21)
Jeremy Abbott-BYE-1st at 2011 Cup of China (228.49); 3rd at 2011 Cup of Russia (229.08)
Alexander Aiken-3rd at 2011 Eastern Sectionals (179.04)
William Brewster-4th at 2011 Midwestern Sectionals (168.40)
Jason Brown-BYE-1st at 2011 JGP Australia (197.23); 1st at 2011 JGP Final (208.41)
Wesley Campbell-2nd at 2011 Eastern Sectionals (187.84)
Stephen Carriere-1st at 2011 Eastern Sectionals (203.02)
Jonathan Cassar-2nd at 2011 Pacific Sectionals (202.13)
Richard Dornbush-BYE-4th at 2011 Skate America (202.27); 6th at 2011 Cup of China (205.27)
Scott Dyer-4th at 2011 Pacific Sectionals (186.01)
Joshua Farris-BYE-1st at JGP Poland (202.45); 1st at 2011 JGP Estonia (207.67)
Grant Hochstein-2nd at 2011 Midwestern Sectionals (190.58)
Alexander Johnson-3rd at 2011 Midwestern Sectionals (183.01)
Armin Mahbanoozadeh-BYE-10th at 2011 Skate America (179.07); 8th at 2011 NHK Trophy (185.58)
Keegan Messing-3rd at 2011 Pacific Sectionals (200.76)
Ross Miner-BYE-6th at 2011 Skate Canada (202.36); 3rd at 2011 NHK Trophy (212.36)
Brandon Mroz-BYE-9th at 2011 NHK Trophy (184.83); 9th at 2011 Cup of Russia (185.49)
Daniel Raad-5th at 2011 Eastern Sectionals (135.98)
Douglas Razzano-1st at 2011 Pacific Sectionals (202.82)
Adam Rippon-BYE-4th at 2011 Skate Canada (217.97); 4th at 2011 TEB (217.89)

2012 US Figure Skating Championships: Senior Ladies Preview

Podium Predictions:
1) Ashley Wagner
2) Alissa Czisny
3) Mirai Nagasu
4) Leah Keiser

I tweeted before the season started that this was going to be the year of Ashley Wagner, and I think I'm right. Though her Grand Prix results (3rd place & 4th place) weren't a huge improvement over last season, she arguably faced stiffer competition at her events this year and put together much stronger performances overall. She has always been a nice skater to watch, but she never had a competitive edge, and now I see her as a true fighter out there on the ice. Though international judges didn't give her the scores on the Grand Prix we though she deserved, US judges, in my opinion, tend to give the nod to the skater who goes clean. So, if she can stay on her feet and avoid mental mistakes like two-foots and under-rotations, I think she is the favorite going in.

Alissa Czisny took home two Grand Prix medals, Gold and Bronze just like last season, but she didn't win the Grand Prix Final like last season, she didn't even medal. She started off this season with such a good mindset, wanting to up her technical content to compete with the youngsters internationally, but that hasn't come to fruition. Last season she seemed like the strong favorite going into Nationals, but this year she's probably tied in the  minds of many with the likes of Wagner and Nagasu. If she goes 100% clean, she is the surefire winner based on components and spin levels, but I don't know if she has it in her to skate mistake-free two Nationals in a row.

What can you say about Mirai Nagasu? Well she has the raw talent many skaters would kill for and the perfect natural body type if she could keep herself in shape. What I call into question is her work ethic and her passion for the sport. I get that she has a long commute to the rink and most of her mistakes in major competition are small, mental errors on spins and such, but at some point the excuses need to stop. She is so gifted and has the makings of a World champion, but at 18, she is too old to be making rookie mistakes.

Leah Keiser is a relatively unknown skater as she didn't even qualify for Nationals last season, but she took this year's qualifying events by storm. She scored a 172.22 at her sectionals, 12 points higher than Caroline Zhang, the next highest finisher in any sectional for senior ladies. To put that score into perspective, Alissa Czisny scored a 179.15 at Trophee Eric Bompard and Ashley Wagner scored a 165.65 at NHK Trophy this season. Could this 14-year-old upset the favorites and win a National title in Michelle Kwan fashion?

Competitors:

Sophia Adams-4th at 2011 Pacific Sectionals (128.49)
Alissa Czisny-BYE-1st at 2011 Skate America (177.48); 3rd at 2011 TEB (179.15)
Kiri Baga-3rd at 2011 Midwestern Sectionals (143.14)
Morgan Bell-4th at 2011 Midwestern Sectionals (135.00)
Samantha Cesario-2nd at 2011 Eastern Sectionals (145.87)
McKinzie Daniels-2nd at 2011 Midwestern Sectionals (152.34
Hayley Dunne-4th at 2011 Eastern Sectionals (143.05)
Rachael Flatt-BYE-10th at 2011 Skate Canada (128.22); 9th at 2011 Cup of Russia (147.63)
Joelle Forte-3rd at 2011 Eastern Sectionals (145.14)
Christina Gao-BYE-5th at 2011 Cup of China (152.48); 10th at 2011 Cup of Russia (117.77)
Nina Jiang-1st at 2011 Midwestern Sectionals (154.44)
Leah Keiser-1st at 2011 Pacific Sectionals (172.22)
Vanessa Lam-BYE-1st at 2011 JGP Austria (156.58); 5th at 2011 JGP Final (145.62)
Mirai Nagasu-BYE-5th at 2011 Skate Canada (151.72); 2nd at 2011 Cup of China (173.22)
Yasmin Siraj-1st at 2011 Eastern Sectionals (158.60)
Ashley Wagner-BYE-3rd at 2011 Skate Canada (165.48); 4th at 2011 NHK Trophy (165.65)
Angela Wang-3rd at 2011 Pacific Sectionals (155.32)
Agnes Zawadzki-BYE-8th at 2011 NHK Trophy (138.19); 7th at 2011 Cup of Russia (149.38)
Caroline Zhang-2nd at 2011 Pacific Sectionals (160.20)

Dance Moms: Season 2, Episode 2 LIVE BLOG

• Here we go, Abby is stomping around and getting the girls ready for CANDY APPLES
• I love that "She" automatically means Cathy
• Kendall sweetie, don't you get that in Abby's world, your best isn't good enough?
• These "apple" references are so overdone
• This new mom needs to get to the program, Jill is it?
• Oh boy, this mom did NOT just call out Holly, she'll be sorry
• This group is indeed like a sorority, you got it Christi
• If Jill walks into the studio in shoes, she's clearly never been in a dance studio before
• The look on Kelly's face when Jill confronts Abby is priceless, I'm dying!
• Those shots of Cathy's kids aren't half bad, but Vivvy doesn't belong in that group
• Do these women work? Or are they just ladies who lunch?
• I wish they'd let Brooke do something other than acro please!
• I love that Vivi is just like bopping along in the background while Erica is rehearsing
• "I cut my finger on my mom's ring, I hope I can still dance" -Vivi #priceless
• Christi bringing out the program books is just ridiculous, there is no reason to put down a kid dear
• What is with this "rat" thing?
• I love that Abby just asked Kelly if she's drinking, haha
• I love that Maddie and Melissa aren't the enemies this season, that's a refreshing change
• I actually like the way that Cathy interacts with her dancers, at least from what I can see
• The way Kelly says "costumes" is so annoying!
• The whole "gifting Abby" thing is kind of ridiculous
• And then she just asked for a husband, I'm sure this show has them lining up
• Cathy is trying to seduce the dance moms to the Candy Apple studio, I die!
• Who knew there were high rollers in Columbus?!
• Abby did not get an A in hair design!
• Abby, dance teacher who want specific hair pieces get the same thing for everybody
• This choreography is really cute, though the costumes and hair are heinous
• Way too many crotch shots in that piece
• Abby has a point, what is she supposed to do about Cathy entering kids in a younger age category?
• Abby's girls had a right win, they were more polished while Cathy's girls flailed a lot
• I love Brooke's commitment to the makeup
• Brooke is old enough to show some expression other than a smile, but that was nice execution of the piece
• This whole age thing is ridiculous, they're competing against a score anyway
• Oh boy Cathy is calling out Christi for wearing a cheap dress, this is so typical

2012 European Figure Skating Championships Event Schedule

**Times are converted to Eastern Standard Time

Monday, January 23		Ice Dance Preliminary Round - Free Skating
		Men Preliminary Round - Free Skating
Tuesday, January 24		Ladies Preliminary Round - Free Skating
Wednesday, January 25	8:45 am	Pairs - Short Program
		Opening Ceremony
	1:30pm	Ice Dance - Short Dance
Thursday, January 26	7:54 am	Men - Short Program
	1:30 pm	Pairs - Free Skating
Friday, January 27	8:00 am	Ladies - Short Program
	1:00 pm	Ice Dance - Free Dance
Saturday, January 28	6:55 am	Men - Free Skating
	12:30 pm	Ladies - Free Skating
Sunday, January 29		Exhibition