New Gracie Gold profile

[Coco]

As usual, she sounds realistic about herself..
But I'm a bit disappointed that she is sticking with the same choreographer. I can't say the programs he gave her this year were all that and a bag of chips.

Maybe she can get an exhibition program with a different choreographer.

[victoriaheidi]

And better music! The real problem with that exhibition is that the music just didn't work for her (or for any exhibition, IMO. The only person I could actually see trying and succeeding with that for EX music is Jeremy, and I doubt he'd go for it).

[DORISPULASKI]

Jeremy in drag doing that exhibition? I don't think so:

Lyrics

I'm just a little girl lost in the moment

I'm so scared but I don't show it

I can't figure it out, it's bringing me down

I know I've got to let it go and just enjoy the show

[chipso1]

IMHO it seems a bit presumptuous of her to be comparing herself to Sasha Cohen, let alone Michelle Kwan, when she hasn't even competed at a senior level competition yet.

Did you actually read what she said? She was in no way comparing herself to Michelle or Sasha.

[mtnskater]

I am really hoping Gracie works with a new choreographer and one of the top ones. Her programs by Brown are way way too busy with gyrating arm movement and airplaning arms.

Gracie needs something more regal.....and simpler...ala Nancy Kerrigan but updated. She also needs help getting down in her knees more.

I love her and want to see her reach her potential in the way Yuna Kim who had such amazing jumps was turned into an artist as she matured.

[victoriaheidi]

Jeremy in drag doing that exhibition? I don't think so

WHOOPS! Never read the lyrics.

But I meant that Jeremy could handle the artistry needed to convey such a weird melody in an exhibition.

[Jayar]

IMHO it seems a bit presumptuous of her to be comparing herself to Sasha Cohen, let alone Michelle Kwan, when she hasn't even competed at a senior level competition yet.

I wrote the article, and I want to clarify that Gracie absolutely did NOT compare herself to Michelle and Sasha. We discussed the expectations that have been placed on her over the season, and she made abundantly clear that she is at the beginning of her career, and in no way should be compared with them. They have their stories, and she hopes that she can have a wonderful story like they do. She was NOT at all bragging about who she is or what she has accomplished. The interview was face to face for about 45 minutes, and I found her to be honest, well spoken, driven, and realistic. She doesn't pretend to be more successful than she already is, but she is hungry to win.

[Sylvia]

Thanks for clarifying, Jayar! I assume the 45-minute face-to-face interview was conducted at Nationals in San Jose, including the part where she was "mum on what her plans will be in terms of international competition..."? Or was that part of the follow-up you did with her after Junior Worlds?

BTW, Gold's free skate music to The Mission/The Untouchables soundtracks was from her 2010-11 Junior season, but I believe Pasquale Camerlengo reworked her FS choreography for this season (ETA: not sure what role Scott Brown may have had in this program, if any).

[MrLucky]

IMHO it seems a bit presumptuous of her to be comparing herself to Sasha Cohen, let alone Michelle Kwan, when she hasn't even competed at a senior level competition yet.

It seems totally asinine to misinterpret words from such a young skater.

I

[VALuvsMKwan]

I don't feel that she's comparing herself to them. I feel like she's trying to explain that, despite the fact that people have dubbed her the next this and that, she's not. She's Gracie.

(Sarcasm on)
Oh come on, you know she's already been indoctrinated/I mean educated about PR by USFS to only seem humble.
(Sarcasm off)

It will be interesting to watch her progress, and it does certainly seem that she has a good, healthy, realistic perspective regarding herself and her place in the sport.

[Jayar]

Thanks for clarifying, Jayar! I assume the 45-minute face-to-face interview was conducted at Nationals in San Jose, including the part where she was "mum on what her plans will be in terms of international competition..."? Or was that part of the follow-up you did with her after Junior Worlds?

BTW, Gold's free skate music to The Mission/The Untouchables soundtracks was from her 2010-11 Junior season, but I believe Pasquale Camerlengo reworked her FS choreography for this season (ETA: not sure what role Scott Brown may have had in this program, if any).

Sylvia, much of the discussion in San Jose was about her season to that point, including Nationals and upcoming Junior Worlds. I did discuss her plans for next season in the post-Junior Worlds phone call, and Gracie will go senior for domestic competitions. Beyond that, the news is hers to share. I purposely did not ask her because an adult was not present for the follow up, and I never ask questions that can get them into trouble without an adult present.

[Sylvia]

^^^ Thank you again, Jayar!

ETA: Gold was quoted in Sarah and Drew's "Inside Edge" blog after Midwestern Sectionals last November as follows:

"Scott [Brown] and I will be changing my footwork in both programs to see if we can reach a Level 4 at nationals. I don't think any other changes will be necessary," she said.

Brown is also a National technical specialist in addition to being a choreographer - here's his profile on Ashley Cain's site: http://www.ashleycain.us/team/choreo...-brown-singles