U.S. Women [#2]: The Unbearable Lightness of Beijing

[DreamSkates]

In her pre GP interview she claimed she was working with Raf everyday and with Adam once or twice a week. And the blonde lady is Vera, Raf's wife.

Mariah Bell Leans on Experience as She Eyes Beijing - U.S. Figure Skating Fan Zone

Mariah Bell knows how important the next couple of months are for an athlete-- after all, she has been in this position twice before. With a spot on the U.S. Olympic

usfigureskatingfanzone.com

Adam was good for her pre-c*** (silver at Nationals), not so good last year with those programs (cringe). She seems back to gaining motivation and potential going into Nationals and possibly making the Olympic team. Her programs reflect who she is - elegant ice skater, not a flashy popstar diva.

It also is not good for a skater when the coach sits in K & K proclaims "that's not right" when the scores come up. More than once and loudly enough so we all can hear. So can the judges.

 

[LoopCombo]

Don't blame him. Who else is a possible gold medal Olympic champion? Why take any chances with traveling.

I’m not blaming him — I really like Raf. But he literally said in an interview I read that he was only going to travel with Chen from now on.

 

[VGThuy]

Why? Bell’s new red Hallelujah dress is plain & conservative compared with the lovely light one that she wore when she skated the program two/three years ago. Right now she looks like Marian the Librarian.

I wish more ladies had Marian the Librarian’s personality! She was a spitfire who didn’t let the community’s conservative values affect what kinds of books her library included. Balzac!

 

[Rukia]

I wish more ladies had Marian the Librarian’s personality! She was a spitfire who didn’t let the community’s conservative values affect what kinds of books her library included. Balzac!

This is 100% true. Also the song "Marian the Librarian" is a banger. Someone should have skated to The Music Man during the Broadway RD season.

 

[Mayra]

I could go on and on about the safe choices Bell makes with music, choreography and jumps but her costumes? I adore the simplicity of those costumes. Perfectly fitted and made IMO. The color, the silhouette...

I want to steal them for Valieva because I simply can't stand what they did to her. There is nothing cohesive about that new sp dress with the random draping on the shoulders, the skirt with endless fabric and rhinestones. What is the obsession with gloves?! She is too gorgeous a skater to be bogged down with all that fabric.

I hope Mariah keeps the dresses but adds a 3/3. I'm not asking for much.

 

[Spun Silver]

I could go on and on about the safe choices Bell makes with music, choreography and jumps but her costumes? I adore the simplicity of those costumes. Perfectly fitted and made IMO. The color, the silhouette...

I want to steal them for Valieva because I simply can't stand what they did to her. There is nothing cohesive about that new sp dress with the random draping on the shoulders, the skirt with endless fabric and rhinestones. What is the obsession with gloves?! She is too gorgeous a skater to be bogged down with all that fabric.

I hope Mariah keeps the dresses but adds a 3/3. I'm not asking for much.

ITA re Valieva's dresses! Re the gloves, I see them as Team T's one concession to its skaters. You have to give up your autonomy; dedicate your entire life to skating; sacrifice tasty food, social life, and privacy; and sacrifice your future health for the sake of consistent Ultra C jumps and medals for the glory of the fatherland. But hey, your hands can stay warm.

PS, I dislike pretty much all Mariah's dresses because they are too damn short.

 

[DreamSkates]

I’m not blaming him — I really like Raf. But he literally said in an interview I read that he was only going to travel with Chen from now on.

Sorry, didn't mean you were blaming Raf for anything. "I don't blame..." is just a phrase for I understand he might not want to travel and no criticism for that choice.

 

[Willin]

@Mayra ITA. Especially for an older skater like Mariah those sleek, simple dresses are pure genius. It says "I'm experienced, I'm confident, and I don't need to hide behind glitz." Something like that lets the skating speak for itself.

The Eteri stuff, Japanese dresses, some US skaters dresses, and some of the Korean skaters' dresses remind me of stuff fresh off toddlers and tiaras with all the over-designing of them - rhinestones everwhere and appliques and lace and ruffles and random straps and rhinestones on lace appliques everywhere all shoved on to one dress for no reason. Heck, I've straight up seen some of Lisa McKinnon's strappy necklines/backs on Toddlers & Tiaras.

 

[DreamSkates]

@Mayra ITA. Especially for an older skater like Mariah those sleek, simple dresses are pure genius. It says "I'm experienced, I'm confident, and I don't need to hide behind glitz." Something like that lets the skating speak for itself.

The Eteri stuff, Japanese dresses, some US skaters dresses, and some of the Korean skaters' dresses remind me of stuff fresh off toddlers and tiaras with all the over-designing of them - rhinestones everwhere and appliques and lace and ruffles and random straps and rhinestones on lace appliques everywhere all shoved on to one dress for no reason. Heck, I've straight up seen some of Lisa McKinnon's strappy necklines/backs on Toddlers & Tiaras.

Exception: Kaori Sakamoto

 

[Coco]

I swear my mother had a tunic top like the dress Ekaterina Rybova wore at Rostelcom. I used to play dress up in it. There was a drawstring waist, so I made it into a dress. This was in the late 70s, early 80s.

 

[LoopCombo]

Sorry, didn't mean you were blaming Raf for anything. "I don't blame..." is just a phrase for I understand he might not want to travel and no criticism for that choice.

I think you confused me when you left off the “I.”

 

[Lacey]

NM, it's the women's thread...

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

Who makes the U.S. Olympic women’s figure skating team?​

Who makes the U.S. Olympic women's figure skating team?

The U.S. Olympic figure skating team will be named in six weeks. The women's contenders began sorting themselves out this season.

olympics.nbcsports.com

Alysa Liu leads the pack​

Mariah Bell’s resurgence​

Bradie Tennell’s absence​

Karen Chen, Amber Glenn in the mix​

Lindsay Thorngren the dark horse​

 

[Coco]

In the Russian Ladies thread, there is a post from the JGPF alternate stating that Levito withdrew so the alternate is in. Anyone know about this?

 

[Wyliefan]

In the Russian Ladies thread, there is a post from the JGPF alternate stating that Levito withdrew so the alternate is in. Anyone know about this?

Confirmed here: https://twitter.com/AnythingGOE/status/1465636275642417154?t=vxkrP1B0o3kZgy19yRoyWA&s=19

I was so looking forward to seeing her skate again. Hope she's not injured or anything.

 

[ross_hy]

I’ve also seen on Twitter that Mariah has withdrawn from Golden Spin, to be replaced by Amber.

 

[aml78]

I’ve also seen on Twitter that Mariah has withdrawn from Golden Spin, to be replaced by Amber.

While I’d love to see Mariah get more mileage, I think this is a smart decision. She’s had some good outings. I think she needs the training time at home to get her jumps in shape for nationals. The bummer is that Raf will be in Japan with Nathan so she’s not going to get the time back with him. She’s put herself squarely back in contention, especially with Tennell currently sidelined. Getting her 3-3 back in the program will truly help solidify her case.

 

[Spikefan]

Mariah skipping Golden Spin makes sense, the goal now is to stay healthy and improve in time for nationals. With all that is unknown about this new variant I would skip any non-major competition with numerous entrants that required extensive flying within the next few weeks.

 

[Wyliefan]

Confirmed here: https://twitter.com/AnythingGOE/status/1465636275642417154?t=vxkrP1B0o3kZgy19yRoyWA&s=19

I was so looking forward to seeing her skate again. Hope she's not injured or anything.

Hersh says Isabeau has a "low body injury," whatever that means, but she's able to train: https://twitter.com/olyphil/status/1465706477914443782

 

[Coco]

Lol, that's how injuries are described in pro sports playoffs when the rules require them to report something but they don't want to give the opponent too much info.

I wonder if they had to claim injury to withdraw, per the rules of the competition. I'm sure all of these skaters have some kind of soreness or inflammation at all moments.

It would have been a great opportunity, but if I were her parents I'd be relieved she's not flying outside the country right now.

 

[Karen-W]

I’ve also seen on Twitter that Mariah has withdrawn from Golden Spin, to be replaced by Amber.

Confirmed on the USFS assignments page.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

I’ve also seen on Twitter that Mariah has withdrawn from Golden Spin, to be replaced by Amber.

For real?

 

[Sylvia]

Yes, Mariah's name also is no longer listed for Golden Spin on the ISU entries list and Amber's is as of today.

Unfortunately Isabeau Levito has withdrawn from the JGP Final due to injury according to USFS' press release today: https://www.usfigureskating.org/news/press-release/isabeau-levito-withdraws-junior-grand-prix-final

ETA: Guess I'm running way behind today on posting news...

 

[toddlj]

I'm entertained that Brown is still listed in both events. Not sure he can make that work.

2021-22 International Assignments and Results

2021-22 International Assignments and Results

usfigureskatingfanzone.com

 

[Tavi]

I'm entertained that Brown is still listed in both events. Not sure he can make that work.

2021-22 International Assignments and Results

2021-22 International Assignments and Results

usfigureskatingfanzone.com

Sorry for the OT, but he may be hedging his bets and holding onto the Golden Spin spot in case the GPF is canceled. He said in an interview after France (before he knew he’d made the GPF) that he and Tracey had decided at Champs Camp that he would compete at Golden Spin, and that he was still planning to compete that week - it was just a question of where.

 

[Sylvia]

It also is not good for a skater when the coach sits in K & K proclaims "that's not right" when the scores come up. More than once and loudly enough so we all can hear. So can the judges.

Well, Bell's scores went up in Sochi so maybe those judges heard and agreed with him.

ISU SB list as of today:
9 Alysa LIU USA ISU CS Lombardia Trophy 2021 11/09/2021 219.24 S
17 Mariah BELL USA ISU GP Rostelecom Cup 2021 27/11/2021 210.35 S
19 Isabeau LEVITO USA ISU JGP Cup of Austria 2021 09/10/2021 208.31 J
26 Karen CHEN USA ISU CS Finlandia Trophy 2021 10/10/2021 202.49 S
28 Amber GLENN USA ISU GP Guaranteed Rate Skate America 2021 24/10/2021 201.02 S
32 Lindsay THORNGREN USA ISU JGP Ljubljana Cup 2021 25/09/2021 193.77 J

ETA - thanks for listing out all the international scores and current Group placements for the U.S. women after Rostelecom Cup (I've added CS Golden Spin to Amber's line (another opportunity for her! ):

Group 2 -
- Alysa Liu (205.74 Cranberry; 219.24 CS Lombardia; 207.40 CS Nebelhorn; 206.53 SCI; 202.90 NHK)

Group 3 -

• Mariah Bell (179.42 Cranberry; 190.79 IdF; 210.35 Rostelecom; CS Golden Spin)
• Karen Chen (208.63 Worlds 2021; 173.00 CS ACI; 202.49 CS Finlandia; 183.41 SCI; 194.00 IdF)

Group 4 -

• Amber Glenn (Cranberry; 183.46 CS Finlandia; 201.02 SkAm; 175.83 NHK; added to CS Golden Spin)
• Bradie Tennell* (197.81 Worlds 2021; US Classic; SkAm; GP Italia; CS Austria; CS Warsaw; CS Golden Spin)
• Lindsay Thorngren (181.45 JGP Courchevel 1; 193.77 JGP Ljubljana; 184.40 CS Warsaw; JGPF)

Others with International Assignments
Gabriella Izzo (Cranberry; 182.76 US Classic; 155.78 CS Warsaw; CS Golden Spin)
Starr Andrews (155.25 CS ACI; 177.63 SkAm; 157.35 CS Austria; IdF)
Audrey Shin (174.73 Cranberry; 172.46 CS Lombardia; 160.78 SkAm; 169.99 CS Austria)
Sierra Venetta (159.72 Cranberry; 177.40 US Classic)
Hanna Harrell* (CS Golden Spin)

Honestly, I'd probably put Thorngren ahead of Glenn and only a bit behind Chen. Lindsay & Amber have each had one Challenger and Lindsay outscored Amber; Lindsay had 2 JGPs and Amber had 2 GPs - Lindsay's JGP scores were both higher than one of Amber's GP scores. Sure, Amber is trying the 3A but so is Lindsay and their success rate is about the same. Chen's been a bit more hit and miss but, again, their scores are pretty comparable, though Karen's PCS potential is much higher right now.

 

[toddlj]

I just wanted to vent and I figured it might be best to do it here. I'm really tired of the conventional wisdom that it is "impossible" for a US woman to medal at the Olympics. I'm not certain that folks saying that know what the word "impossible" means. "Highly unlikely" and "impossible" don't mean the same thing.

If I was an athlete training my whole life and had a shot at something that was once-in-a-lifetime and very unlikely, but not impossible, I'd go for it.

There are only 3 Russian women at the Olympics. Multiple quad and 3A attempts sometimes result in an underwhelming program full of falls. I'm not wishing this on them, I hope they all nail it as that's exciting to watch, but it's not a guarantee.

So, yes, it's "possible" for someone to sneak into a medal, and sure one of the fantastic Japanese skaters might have better odds, but it's not "impossible" it could be Alysa if the caller is kind to her, or "4th place at two previous worlds" Karen. Or even "210 with no 3-3" Mariah.

The competition hasn't been completed yet. The medal stand is not a done deal. Ice is slippery.

 

[AxelAnnie]

I just wanted to vent and I figured it might be best to do it here. I'm really tired of the conventional wisdom that it is "impossible" for a US woman to medal at the Olympics. I'm not certain that folks saying that know what the word "impossible" means. "Highly unlikely" and "impossible" don't mean the same thing.

If I was an athlete training my whole life and had a shot at something that was once-in-a-lifetime and very unlikely, but not impossible, I'd go for it.

There are only 3 Russian women at the Olympics. Multiple quad and 3A attempts sometimes result in an underwhelming program full of falls. I'm not wishing this on them, I hope they all nail it as that's exciting to watch, but it's not a guarantee.

So, yes, it's "possible" for someone to sneak into a medal, and sure one of the fantastic Japanese skaters might have better odds, but it's not "impossible" it could be Alysa if the caller is kind to her, or "4th place at two previous worlds" Karen. Or even "210 with no 3-3" Mariah.

The competition hasn't been completed yet. The medal stand is not a done deal. Ice is slippery.

I appreciate your sentiment. Impossible is not the right word, but it is.
For a US Lady to medal would require surpassing 3 Russians and 3 Japanese skaters. It is kind of like saying that if I throw 3 toddlers into the lake it is possible for one to make it to shore (with divine intervention)

The US was caught flat footed in all this. Rather than reading the message on the wall (oh look all those other ladies are doing quads) USFSA seemingly hung to the fantasy that the US artistry would carry the US ladies to medals. Well, it hasn't.

 

[sheetz]

I appreciate your sentiment. Impossible is not the right word, but it is.
For a US Lady to medal would require surpassing 3 Russians and 3 Japanese skaters.

That's only for gold. For bronze it's only necessary to beat 1 Russian and 3 Japanese, assuming the Russians take the top 2.

Karen was able to get 4th at Worlds. A clean Alysa might have been able to sneak onto the podium.

 

[thvu]

When have we truly seen a “clean” Alyssa? Alyssa has never once skated a clean free skate in international competition. Is it “posssible” she somehow skates clean for the first time ever at the Olympics? Sure, but add that to everything else that needs to happen?

I mean, it’s “possible” that if I lean against a solid wall, I can slip right through it, quantum mechanics and all. This is something that’s extremely unlikely that we can comfortably label as “impossible.”

A US lady medaling at the Olympics is is more likely than the above, but I’d still comfortably label it as “impossible.” YMMV. It’s also “possible” that Sinitsina makes the Russian Olympic Team and medals, but I would label her medaling at the Olympics “impossible” as it’s so improbable. This is ultimately a semantic argument about how we use words, and how definite their definitions really are, and how their uses and meanings change over time.

Basically, I don’t get the fuss.