Skate Canada 2022 Olympics selection criteria

[Rafter]

Going to call a spade a spade here - naming James/Radford to the Olympic team is clearly a business decision by Skate Canada, likely made some time ago. Only one of MT/M or W/M was going to get the other spot, which was obvious when J/R were allowed to remain in the competitive bubble after withdrawing from the competition. The only way the narrative could possibly have been altered was for both MT/M and W/M to have skated lights out all season and soundly trounced J/R on numerous occasions. Business decisions are rarely popular among the rank and file as we're seeing from the backlash from the skating community, but the name recognition factor of the J/R pairing was just too great for Skate Canada to pass up, especially fielding an Olympic team of skaters not well known by the casual viewer.

You‘ve nailed it.

 

[Rafter]

I just like to give a shout out to Soucisse and Ferris for keeping it together when they lost "their" chance at the Olympics after their country recruited an outside team. I respect them for never trying to get their peers, fans and supporters to take a public crap on the Canadanes.

I don’t think Canada “recruited“ the Danadians. I think they made the switch from Denmark to Canada solely for the purpose of getting to an Olympic Games. She was never going to get Danish citizenship.

 

[Andora]

This whole thread, honestly. Where did all these W&M fans come from suddenly?

Let’s not forget that Walsh is from London, Ontario. Not a surprise that Virtue would support them.

I'd be surprised if Virtue was so provincial, and would disregard the lack of artistry from W&M. I'm almost shocked she cares at all.

Well, I think Skate Canada also needs to address whatever problem is going on within its organization, because something seems off.

There's nothing "off." There's just a lot of emotional reactions from people who are either friends with W&M, or who forget what a good, competitive team looks like.

I don’t understand the argument that I see people making here and on Insta that “it’s Walsh/Michaud’s turn, that they’ve worked hard for 4 years and deserve it, etc”. That’s not the way things work. This is a sport and nothing is guaranteed especially with Skate Canada’s new criteria.

Walsh/Michaud should have done better in the fall.

Walsh & Michaud should have done better in the last four years, period. Their programs mostly blend together, their lifts are labored, and their jumps should have been much more consistent over the years to make up for SERIOUS shortcomings in their partnership.

Which is too bad - they do seem like good, hardworking skaters, but they skate like a team that will seriously struggle to even be top 10 in the world.

Maybe Skate Canada doesn’t see Walsh/Michaud as having a high ceiling? They are mismatched physically is one issue that I’m sure international judges don’t like. I also dislike the throw 3toe, they should learn a new one.

They don't have a very high ceiling. Agreed with everything you noted here.

Like, have people actually watched W&M skate before making this rash, emotional plea for these "gosh-darned nice kids" to go to the Olympics? Without J&R, the sentiment would be about how it's too bad S&D can't go to the games over W&M, because they're a team with better bones.

The 2018 gold medal-winning team was all pretty close, as well, so whether you agree with him finding a new partner or not, I think the revelations of them working behind the scenes for so long assuring she would be released probably rubbed Virtue the wrong way, too.

Were they though? I think some skaters were close during/after the Olympics, but I don't think they all were. Weaver seems closer to more of that team than they do each other. V&M, Daleman & Osmond weren't at Eric's wedding, for example.

Eric moving on from Meagan wasn't surprising to me considering how different/separate their lives were. The IG pictures from Eric's wedding were full of all sorts of current/retired skaters together, and she wasn't in any of the group shots that I saw. Just there with her brother. I don't think it was some idyllic situation Eric ruined by moving on with another partner, but his former partner made sure to get her sob story out there quick. I've heard enough garbage she's spit behind the backs of her "friends" and former competitive peers. Meagan is no saint, and she's lucky to have the support she does, imho.

 

[chewy]

Weaver would be pissed at Skate Canada going back to how Virtue/Moir's return was handled. Announcing their comeback one month before 2016 Worlds immediately dropped Weaver/Poje in the judges eyes.

 

[Rafter]

Andora, I agree with you about the sudden influx of Walsh/Michaud fans. Where have they been the last 4 years? Lol.

Duhamel is absolutely insufferable in my opinion. Not surprised about what you posted about her. Also, she seems to have some sort of god complex.

 

[skategal]

Also, she seems to have some sort of god complex.

So does her former partner. Those two deserved each other.

 

[Wyliefan]

I just like to give a shout out to Soucisse and Ferris for keeping it together when they lost "their" chance at the Olympics after their country recruited an outside team. I respect them for never trying to get their peers, fans and supporters to take a public crap on the Canadanes.

And they lost their previous chance with the return of Virtue and Moir, but they've always been publicly respectful of them and even thanked them for letting them have the post-Olympic Worlds slot. Of course, I suppose if you're Canadian you've got to be respectful of Virtue and Moir. But they've been very classy through both cycles.

 

[jmtfti]

Off-topic but to be fair, Soucisse/Firus teamed up after V/M announced their comeback so they made their choice in that scenario.

 

[screech]

Has there been any mention of who the alternates are for the Olympics?

Does Veronik have the minimums to be an alternate? Will they send Wesley if Keegan or Roman has to WD or will they send Nam/Joseph/Corey and keep Wesley off to the side for Junior Worlds? Despite his really lacklustre performance, I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they made Nam first alternate for the Olympics.

 

[kwanfan1818]

The women who have earned the Olympic/4C's minimums (23/40) are:

Emily BAUSBACK	CAN	ISU GP Skate Canada International 2021	31.7*​	ISU CS Warsaw Cup 2019	63.19*​
Gabrielle DALEMAN	CAN	ISU GP Skate Canada International 2019	32.94*​	ISU CS Warsaw Cup 2021	53.89*​
Hannah DAWSON	CAN	ISU CS U.S. International Figure Skating Classic 2019	28.65​	Volvo Open Cup 2019	42.26​
Veronik MALLET	CAN	ISU GP Skate America 2019	29.86​	ISU GP Skate America 2019	51.79*​
Alicia PINEAULT	CAN	ISU Four Continents Championships 2020	30.79*​	ISU Four Continents Championships 2020	60.57*​
Madeline SCHIZAS	CAN	ISU World Championships 2021	38.48*​	ISU CS Finlandia Trophy 2021	66.3*​
Alison SCHUMACHER	CAN	ISU CS Warsaw Cup 2019	30.38*​	ISU Four Continents Championships 2020	57.96*​

*Worlds minimums earned (30/51)

 

[crazy2skate]

This whole thread, honestly. Where did all these W&M fans come from suddenly?



I'd be surprised if Virtue was so provincial, and would disregard the lack of artistry from W&M. I'm almost shocked she cares at all.



There's nothing "off." There's just a lot of emotional reactions from people who are either friends with W&M, or who forget what a good, competitive team looks like.



Walsh & Michaud should have done better in the last four years, period. Their programs mostly blend together, their lifts are labored, and their jumps should have been much more consistent over the years to make up for SERIOUS shortcomings in their partnership.

Which is too bad - they do seem like good, hardworking skaters, but they skate like a team that will seriously struggle to even be top 10 in the world.



They don't have a very high ceiling. Agreed with everything you noted here.

Like, have people actually watched W&M skate before making this rash, emotional plea for these "gosh-darned nice kids" to go to the Olympics? Without J&R, the sentiment would be about how it's too bad S&D can't go to the games over W&M, because they're a team with better bones.



Were they though? I think some skaters were close during/after the Olympics, but I don't think they all were. Weaver seems closer to more of that team than they do each other. V&M, Daleman & Osmond weren't at Eric's wedding, for example.

Eric moving on from Meagan wasn't surprising to me considering how different/separate their lives were. The IG pictures from Eric's wedding were full of all sorts of current/retired skaters together, and she wasn't in any of the group shots that I saw. Just there with her brother. I don't think it was some idyllic situation Eric ruined by moving on with another partner, but his former partner made sure to get her sob story out there quick. I've heard enough garbage she's spit behind the backs of her "friends" and former competitive peers. Meagan is no saint, and she's lucky to have the support she does, imho.

You have made so many great points . Poor w/m …the pity party is out of control. Skate canada made the best decision. J/R was the obvious decision and they have the most potential.

W/M have skated the same programs for many years , ballads of some sort and the same elements. They have not expanded their ability and skills. It gets boring after a while.
J/R out scored them throughout the season. Everyone knew the criteria from the beginning of the season. This was not a secret. Everyone was at the same starting line!! How can skate canada send a mediocre team to the olympics based on 1 good skate and with no potential to increase their score. What we saw on the weekend is all you get from W/M that was their ceiling!

I am surprised by how vocal retired skaters have been. weaver was in the same spot when virtue and Moir returned. This is a big part of the sport. There is a big picture here and everyone needs to to take a good look at it. This decision was not made on 1 skate.


Let’s hope trennt will take a closer look at his future partnership with Evelyn and what he expects out of it. This is the best they will get. If he wants to take it to the next level and thinks he can compete with the Russians he needs to move on. This may have been a good wake up call.

 

[Megi]

A team with better international results gets picked and it’s supposed to be some sort of a SKANDAL?

Very Trumpian of everyone crying over this. No, there isn’t always fraud and cheating when things don’t go your way.

 

[Andora]

Let’s hope trennt will take a closer look at his future partnership with Evelyn and what he expects out of it. This is the best they will get. If he wants to take it to the next level and thinks he can compete with the Russians he needs to move on. This may have been a good wake up call.

Or Evelynn will look at her options to continue without Trennt.

What makes it tough is they're not bad skaters, imho. I wonder if both could find more suitable (physically) partners and do quite well. But successful partnerships aren't just based on body line; you have to be able to stand skating with your partner. These two seem to train well together.

I'm happy for them to prove me wrong, and for them to make a statement on the world scene. If the rest of their skating can improve along the lines of how their twist did, I'd happily eat my words.

 

[Wyliefan]

Off-topic but to be fair, Soucisse/Firus teamed up after V/M announced their comeback so they made their choice in that scenario.

As I recall, the hope was that they could come in third, and they did beat Weaver/Poje in the short. It was in the FD that they fell to fourth. But without V/M there, they would have come in third without having to worry about W/P. The point is, they've always had to deal with other teams coming back or switching countries, and they've been gracious about it.

 

[sap5]

There's nothing "off." There's just a lot of emotional reactions from people who are either friends with W&M, or who forget what a good, competitive team looks like.

I think there's something off when so many of Skate Canada's membership publicly complain in a manner that seems doesn't seem commensurate with the decision.

 

[marbri]

Just an aside. If we are going to compare James/Radford return to an ice dance team let us be accurate and use Laurialt/LeGac.
Because they can only dream to have the same impact and quality programs and skills as the two mentioned

I mean they got the spot. Accept and move on but let's not kid ourselves that this is a slam dunk obvious decision based on the quality of work they have put out this season because They still haven't listened to me ( ) but they need to slap some perky happy music to their programs because you need better solid elements to skate to the dirge they selected.

 

[Judy]

I think there's something off when so many of Skate Canada's membership publicly complain in a manner that seems doesn't seem commensurate with the decision.

I think it’s a lot of posters from here actually.

I’m not shocked at all that they were picked. We will see what happens.

 

[marbri]

I think it’s a lot of posters from here actually.

I’m not shocked at all that they were picked. We will see what happens.

People are referring to actual skaters posting, not random names who might be posters from here, there, anywhere.

 

[screech]

I'm not surprised they were picked - their scores in the fall were leagues above W/M. i also don't necessarily think their WD from Canadians is anything nefarious. I'm assuming they wanted to give it a go, and after the SP realized their health wasn't up to it yet.
That said, based on Canadians, W/M earned the spot. History shows they peak at Canadians every year, so this wasn't unexpected. They also do alright at Worlds. My assumption all along was that unless WM completely blew things apart at Canadians, J/R would be going to the Olympics.

 

[pointbleu]

This whole thread, honestly. Where did all these W&M fans come from suddenly?



I'd be surprised if Virtue was so provincial, and would disregard the lack of artistry from W&M. I'm almost shocked she cares at all.



There's nothing "off." There's just a lot of emotional reactions from people who are either friends with W&M, or who forget what a good, competitive team looks like.



Walsh & Michaud should have done better in the last four years, period. Their programs mostly blend together, their lifts are labored, and their jumps should have been much more consistent over the years to make up for SERIOUS shortcomings in their partnership.

Which is too bad - they do seem like good, hardworking skaters, but they skate like a team that will seriously struggle to even be top 10 in the world.



They don't have a very high ceiling. Agreed with everything you noted here.

Like, have people actually watched W&M skate before making this rash, emotional plea for these "gosh-darned nice kids" to go to the Olympics? Without J&R, the sentiment would be about how it's too bad S&D can't go to the games over W&M, because they're a team with better bones.



Were they though? I think some skaters were close during/after the Olympics, but I don't think they all were. Weaver seems closer to more of that team than they do each other. V&M, Daleman & Osmond weren't at Eric's wedding, for example.

Eric moving on from Meagan wasn't surprising to me considering how different/separate their lives were. The IG pictures from Eric's wedding were full of all sorts of current/retired skaters together, and she wasn't in any of the group shots that I saw. Just there with her brother. I don't think it was some idyllic situation Eric ruined by moving on with another partner, but his former partner made sure to get her sob story out there quick. I've heard enough garbage she's spit behind the backs of her "friends" and former competitive peers. Meagan is no saint, and she's lucky to have the support she does, imho.

To all of this, amen!
I can tell you some skaters feel it was W&M’s turn after them waiting for their time to shine. It was supposed to be their quad, their Olympics. TBH, some skaters forgot that this is a sport and numbers speak by themselves. I can understand it is extremely frustrating when another team of your level is an added player in the field and that what seemed like an automatic spot for the big O’s might vanished. My point still stands: W&M had a dismal fall season. It’s not like it was stolen from them.

 

[Rock2]

I have been interpreting the pairs debate as more disdain for J/R than love for W/M based on how the narratives unfolded when the partnership was formed.

 

[Rock2]

If they know there is more to the story, maybe they know that it will come out in due time and they are just preparing people for it. A scoop without scooping, perhaps.

 

[Lemonade20]

I have been interpreting the pairs debate as more disdain for J/R than love for W/M based on how the narratives unfolded when the partnership was formed.

So true, I think people are more upset with this partnership happening because (1) Eric didn't tell Meghan upfront and (2) Vanessa and the whole Cipres thing. I don't believe her when she claims not to know anything. She even showed support after accusations came out.

They haven't skated much, but when they did, it was clear their chemistry needs work. It takes years & trust to get to a level where you become one as a pairs team and they don't have that quality.

 

[screech]

They haven't skated much, but when they did, it was clear their chemistry needs work. It takes years & trust to get to a levl where you become one as a pairs team and they don't have that quality.

I'm not a fan of the pairing, however I don't think their chemistry is any worse than Duhamel/Radford, when she always skated like an overly smiley singles skater who just so happened to be on the ice with someone else.

 

[aka_gerbil]

My skating-rooted objection is that J/R did not set the world on fire in their competitions this fall. All of the Canadian pairs had a rough fall. The sp issues that they had at nationals are the same issues they’ve been having all season, pre them catching ynw. I don’t think they’re going to disappear in the next few weeks. We know W/M tend to be stronger late season skaters and they did alright at nationals.

J/R got treated in this situation like they skated the fall as if they were the team SC wanted them to be and/or like they as a team had the track record the teams they were part of in the past has. That’s just not the reality of what they’re doing on the ice. There’s nothing there to warrant placing them on to the team. They’re on the team because of SC trying to wish them into being a top level team.

 

[Lemonade20]

I'm not a fan of the pairing, however I don't think their chemistry is any worse than Duhamel/Radford, when she always skated like an overly smiley singles skater who just so happened to be on the ice with someone else.

Meghan does love the attention! I thought they were strong together when they skated. Eric's trying to recreate the magic but Vanessa's not the right fit.

 

[Colonel Green]

Has there been any mention of who the alternates are for the Olympics?

Does Veronik have the minimums to be an alternate? Will they send Wesley if Keegan or Roman has to WD or will they send Nam/Joseph/Corey and keep Wesley off to the side for Junior Worlds? Despite his really lacklustre performance, I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they made Nam first alternate for the Olympics.

No word.

I tend to think that Wesley will be first alternate. I'm not sure what they do in the women, given Veronik's low tech level, but frankly if Madeline is out none of the prospective replacements are up to current international standards so they might as well let her go.

 

[pat c]

My skating-rooted objection is that J/R did not set the world on fire in their competitions this fall. All of the Canadian pairs had a rough fall. The sp issues that they had at nationals are the same issues they’ve been having all season, pre them catching ynw. I don’t think they’re going to disappear in the next few weeks. We know W/M tend to be stronger late season skaters and they did alright at nationals.

J/R got treated in this situation like they skated the fall as if they were the team SC wanted them to be and/or like they as a team had the track record the teams they were part of in the past has. That’s just not the reality of what they’re doing on the ice. There’s nothing there to warrant placing them on to the team. They’re on the team because of SC trying to wish them into being a top level team.

Agreed. It is too soon for them to gel really well as a team. SC is/was looking thru rose colored glasses. Now, that really isn't J&R fault is it? They are only human, and it's been as difficult for them as it is for other skaters and us even. Not many people/skaters would turn down an opportunity or gift horse if you will. It is, what it is. I hope it works out.

 

[Sonata]

I don’t find this decision surprising, but heartbreaking for the team who didn’t get picked. This is the story every Olympic cycle. Not surprised at this decision though. J/R withdrew because they looked deconditioned due to crud, not sure it would have been safe to do the free. Maybe it would have been better for them to not show up at all, but then I understand they wanted to try. But from a big picture perspective, J/R have the points and much better chance at placing higher in the team and individual events. I was excited when this team came together, less excited by their programs and performance, yet they still managed to be the top Canadian scorers after just 5 months, yes Elizabeth Manley. (Still love you Liz, just think it’s odd you picked sides so publicly on social media.)

 

[aml78]

What’s the deal with Kirsten and Meagan? I didn’t realize they don’t like each other. Is that why MT/M spent less time training with Bruno? The interview with them at the end seemed a bit off but I couldn’t tell.