2014 US Nationals (Figure Skating)

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 7:55am

What happened to the figure skating crew here?! Did any one watch the US women's free skate last night? In the time that Michele Kwan retired from the sport there hasn't been a consistent women's champion since. Alissa Czisny (one of my favorites) has been plagued by hip injuries and did not compete this year. Rachel Flatt who more or less retired, skated one last time only to be placed almost last in the field of competitors. Not the way a former champion is expected to go out. Marai Nagasu (sans coach), skated quite well, but without much joy. The top two finishers were lovely and exciting (Gracie Gold and Polina Edmunds). And Caroline Zhang who showed so much potential early on in her career finished 19th this year. Meryl Davis and Charlie White were absolutely magnificent in their free dance.

Men skate this afternoon.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 9:26am

I'm not really a fan. But last year, I won tickets to the Pandora's Box Christmas special that taped in Jacksonville. It was on NBC, December 1 or 2. Some of the participants, that you mentioned above, skated. Rachel and Alissa, as well as others. Men and duos. At least all of the women fell at least once, if not more than once. They had to reshoot the parts where they fell. I was kind of suprised, since I would have thought falling (at their level) would not be common.

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 9:27am

Dottie, I watched, of course. I hadn't heard of most of these top names in women's figure skating. Where did they come from, out of nowhere, lol? Anyway, I agree about Gracie and Polina- they were the best. But I had never heard of them either!

I felt sorry for Ashley Wagner. She applauded the other girls as they pushed her out of the running but really was dying inside.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 9:42am

I vaguely remember Gracie from last year. This is Polina's first year in the women's division.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 10:34am

I watched. I also don't know these skaters as well as past ones. Yeah, I felt bad for Ashley Wagner. But, they still have not chosen the team yet, so she still has a chance. I want to know what the deal is with all of the falling though. I don't recall a competition with so many falls. Or have I just been out of the loop and blocked that out?

[Stage Door Sally]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 10:35am

Very exciting skating last night! A friend of mine is there and hanging out with Brian Boitano. Looking forward to tonight!

[Melissa25]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 10:39am

It was very exciting to watch Jeremy Abbott score a 99.86.....the choreography and music were so subtle. Enjoyably different.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 10:48am

I loved Jeremy Abbott's short program. I liked Ashyley's program, but she skated tentative throughout. It's going to be a tough decision regarding which ladies will be heading towards the Olympics. Someone is going to end up being severely disappointed.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 12:48pm

Got this info from the US figure skating facebook page.

Women's Olympic Team:
Ashley Wagner
Gracie Gold
Polina Edmunds

Pairs:
Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir
Felicia Zhang and Nathan Bartholomay

Ice Dancing:
Madison Chock and Evan Bates
Meryl Davis and Charlie White
Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani

A lot of people are pissed off that Marai Nagasu did not get chosen. And we still have the men to find out about.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 1:09pm

I wish they could have taken the top 3, but if they were going to not select a skater, Marai would have been the one I chose.

[bwaylyric]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 1:56pm

I saw Tara Lipinsky doing guest commentary with Johnny Weir. Yikes, she did not age well.

[Blockhead24]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 3:05pm

We wouldn't have even had three women's spots if not for Ashley Wagner's performance internationally. Not really that surprised that she made it.

I really hope Jeremy Abbott makes the team.

[Stage Door Sally]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 3:17pm

Sadly, Marai Nagasu performed really poorly in the long program. Stopping at times, huffing and puffing, no expression. I think Ashley was a better choice.

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 3:51pm

I thought Tara Lipinsky looked fine. However, I doubt anyone was looking at her with Johnny Weird in that outfit sitting next to her!

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 3:54pm

Updated On: 1/12/14 at 03:54 PM

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 3:55pm

And how much do we love Jason Brown?

Updated On: 1/12/14 at 03:55 PM

[Stage Door Sally]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 4:10pm

Have to agree with you Jane, Johnny Weir with a possum on his head. Love that guy, never know what you're gonna get.

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 4:23pm

haha, "possum" I've been following Johnny since he started. I remember him crying an awful lot whenever he goofed in a program. One time he hit the backboards so hard that he quit in the middle of a program and cried for days. He's come a long way. Love his skating, but hate his taste in fashion. Especially his skating costumes. oy

[dreaming]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 4:53pm

Gracie Gold is the U.S.'s best shot at a gold I think. She was incredible last night-absolutely amazing. She is in another league, even from Ashley Wagner, who was way too careful and calculating in her execution in my estimation. I am very happy for Edmunds, as well. She was very good.

I wish they'd taken the pair who placed 3rd-I don't think Zhang and Bartholemay have the complex program that will make them competitive in the international field. (They haven't been a pair together very long either. They were good yesterday, but as the commentator noted, they are not consistent. I'm not sure I like that.)

[NYadgal]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 5:21pm

At the end of today's Men's competition, it was reported that Marai Nagasu is going to appeal the decision.
From the little I know, I doubt it will make a difference. But, she is, apparently, appealing.

I thought Jeremy Abbott's emotion today was really touching. Can't wait to hear who is selected to represent the US in Sochi!

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 6:04pm

Addy, I saw that, too. I think what's going to hurt is her not having a coach at the moment, but I respect her right to appeal the decision.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 6:09pm

Yes, it's a rough place for her to be.

Truthfully, her performance didn't shine. I understand not including her.
It's such a difficult decision.

Looking forward to the competition in Sochi!

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 6:26pm

I agree. As I mentioned in my first post, there was absolutely no joy in her skating.

Posted: 1/12/14 at 7:51pm

Aw, Jason Brown is so adorable! We need someone fresh and interesting in US men's skating, and he may be it. He even makes the ponytail work, which ain't easy.

[Stage Door Sally]

Posted: 1/13/14 at 8:28am

How cool that 19-year old Jason Brown made it to the Olympics team! So he doesn't have a quad, doesn't matter, he has amazing stage presence, and there IS a place for that.