2025-26 US Pairs Discussion - Milano-Bound By Way of Beijing & St. Louis

[nylynnr]

OTOH, it also is true that USFS social media has not said anything yet (AFAIK) about the assignment of Shin/Nagy.
For 2025 Skate America TBDs in other disciplines, USFS social media had cheerleading-type posts to publicize the assignments of Starr Andrews and Josephine Lee; of Oona and Gage Brown; and of Liam Kapeikis.

Exactly.

 

[karmena]

And I really don't understand lifting EfiMit up as the great savior of US pairs skating this cycle. They're good, but it would take a bloody miracle for Alisa Efimova to stand up & fully rotate all her triples in any given competition. Truth is, EfiMit are on par with ChanHowe who are on par with KamO.

unfortunately, I absolutely agree

 

[PRlady]

unfortunately, I absolutely agree

And just what is the track record of Chan, Kam and Liu? Maybe USFS pushes Shin/Nagy because Audrey can at least land reliable triples thanks to her singles experience.

 

[karmena]

Imho, in my observation, the only thing Audrey is lucking is her self- confidence. Her lack of self confidence actually has developed to the level of performance anxiety, and it is not so easy to get rid of performance anxiety unless a good support system.
Imho, Shin/Nagy have all potential to be an exceptional pair IF Audrey can open up and stand above her performance anxiety. I do not know anything, no insider knowledge at all; so it is only my observation watching their performances.

 

[Karen-W]

Imho, in my observation, the only thing Audrey is lucking is her self- confidence. Her lack of self confidence actually has developed to the level of performance anxiety, and it is not so easy to get rid of performance anxiety unless a good support system.
Imho, Shin/Nagy have all potential to be an exceptional pair IF Audrey can open up and stand above her performance anxiety. I do not know anything, no insider knowledge at all; so it is only my observation watching their performances.

I don't disagree with this at all - and I blame the USFS for giving them major assignments before they were truly ready to be competitive on the senior international level. There was no good reason to send them to 4CCs last year when she didn't have a 3tw that was anywhere close to competition-ready. Choosing to rely on a Champs Camp simulated competition to determine a major assignment like the Olympic qualifying event also isn't helpful to overcoming any performance anxiety she has now developed as a result of the enormous pressure she's being put under to produce results right now. It really feels like the USFS broke them before they were even off the assembly line.

 

[clairecloutier]

And just what is the track record of Chan, Kam and Liu? Maybe USFS pushes Shin/Nagy because Audrey can at least land reliable triples thanks to her singles experience.

I think this is the general idea behind the S/N support. But the actual fact of the matter is that Audrey has had quite a few jump falls since turning to pairs. And one of the reasons she switched was because of underrotation problems in singles.

What I do find exciting about Audrey/Balazs is they're both very strong performers. This was always true of Audrey in singles, and we're seeing it increasingly from Balazs too. When they get to the point of being able to really perform together and with each other, instead of side by side, it could get really good. There are not so many internationally competitive pairs where both partners have really strong presentation skills. P.S. Their twist is also improving a lot.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

Oh dear..

I have two words to say….

Liu.

Bedard.

 

[Karen-W]

Nice feature article about Spencer Howe's decision to enroll in WCAP and his future plans!

Spencer Howe Serving His Country While Chasing Skating Dreams | U.S. Figure Skating

www.usfigureskating.org