2022-23 US Pairs Discussion - Second to None!

[Karen-W]

Same here. I really like Ellie Kam's potential, but I really question the wisdom of sending KamOSh to Worlds this season.

On another topic, pairs musical chairs... we've got Andy Deng, Cayla Smith, and Misha Mitrofanov all looking for partners, and I'm all for breaking up Ouellette/Newby-Estrella, McBeath/Bartholomay and the Mokhovs. Who should we fantasy-partner with whom? Nina Ouellette and Ivan Mokhov? Katie McBeath and Danny O'Shea? Maria Mokhov & Andy Deng? Ellie Kam & Misha Mitrofanov? Need to find someone for Cayla, but she's still too young for seniors internationally, so we need someone younger... Anyone know how old Keyton Bearinger is?

 

[Rukia]

Same here. I really like Ellie Kam's potential, but I really question the wisdom of sending KamOSh to Worlds this season.

On another topic, pairs musical chairs... we've got Andy Deng, Cayla Smith, and Misha Mitrofanov all looking for partners, and I'm all for breaking up Ouellette/Newby-Estrella, McBeath/Bartholomay and the Mokhovs. Who should we fantasy-partner with whom? Nina Ouellette and Ivan Mokhov? Katie McBeath and Danny O'Shea? Maria Mokhov & Andy Deng? Ellie Kam & Misha Mitrofanov? Need to find someone for Cayla, but she's still too young for seniors internationally, so we need someone younger... Anyone know how old Keyton Bearinger is?

Just throw them all together in an ice rink for a week and see what pairs come out hahaha

 

[Trillian]

I just want it noted I'm not trying to rag on Ellie Kam. On the contrary I think she's doing amazing. And I'm glad she's not being forced to try things she doesn't feel comfortable with or ready for. That actually says a lot about her coaching team.

FWIW, I didn’t think you were ragging on her at all. And I agree that she seems to have a good team around her. I’ll be honest that the whole vibe with her and Danny at this point reminds me of watching my ballroom dancer friend partner his daughter in a showcase (not skill-wise, just the interpersonal dynamic). But he seems like a guy who would be respectful and supportive, so it doesn’t bug me as much as it could.

On another topic, pairs musical chairs... we've got Andy Deng, Cayla Smith, and Misha Mitrofanov all looking for partners, and I'm all for breaking up Ouellette/Newby-Estrella, McBeath/Bartholomay and the Mokhovs. Who should we fantasy-partner with whom?

Have to say, as many years as I’ve enjoyed watching him compete, all I could think watching Bartholomay was, “Please make him stop.” (ETA: Because of the injuries, not his skating.) I’ve read that they’re a couple, but if McBeath would be interested in continuing without him in a new partnership, that could open up some interesting possibilities. She still has untapped potential, IMO.

 

[Karen-W]

FWIW, I didn’t think you were ragging on her at all. And I agree that she seems to have a good team around her. I’ll be honest that the whole vibe with her and Danny at this point reminds me of watching my ballroom dancer friend partner his daughter in a showcase (not skill-wise, just the interpersonal dynamic). But he seems like a guy who would be respectful and supportive, so it doesn’t bug me as much as it could.

I would probably feel less uncomfortable about the partnership if the age difference wasn't as wide as it is, but I've never felt that he is anything less than wholly respectful of her and that he treats her the way I'd want any male partner to treat his female partner in a pairs team. He seems like a really nice guy and he's right up there with Brandon Frazier as our most talented male pairs partner. There were a LOT of things to really appreciate about their skates at Nationals - zero worries about Ellie on those lifts, etc.

Have to say, as many years as I’ve enjoyed watching him compete, all I could think watching Bartholomay was, “Please make him stop.” (ETA: Because of the injuries, not his skating.) I’ve read that they’re a couple, but if McBeath would be interested in continuing without him in a new partnership, that could open up some interesting possibilities. She still has untapped potential, IMO.

Yes, definitely. Nate looked to be in a lot of pain yesterday and I hate to see him probably going out on a low note like this. Someone else suggested it in the Pairs pbp thread last night, but I'd love to see Katie partner with Danny O'Shea. Kill two birds with one stone in getting him into a more age-appropriate partnership and give her the chance to blossom. I wouldn't go so far as to say they would have KniFraz potential, but there's something very intriguing about that fantasy pairs match, lol.

 

[RoseRed]

I don't entirely get why people seem surprised that Kam/O'Shea were named to Worlds over S/S. However inflated the Golden Spins scores were, that was an international head to head between both teams (the only head to head available) and S/S only beat K/O'S by 0.46. Given that S/S missed Nationals and are dealing with an injury that was going to keep them off the ice for a bit, I'm not surprised they chose to go with K/O'S. Now, I don't disagree about S/S's scoring potential, and I would have been totally on board with naming S/S instead. But this is what I expected to happen. It's not as though S/S have results like H/B do.

 

[Joubabe]

I think that USFS took the easy way out, so I’m not surprised. I’m just so disappointed that Smirnova & Siianytsia weren’t named to the world team. I just think they are beautiful and talented skaters with so much potential. I don’t want to see them go the route of Jessica & Brian who had so many lost opportunities through no fault of own. I wish USFS would bend over backwards to promote S&S.

 

[~tapdancer~]

Same here. I really like Ellie Kam's potential, but I really question the wisdom of sending KamOSh to Worlds this season.

On another topic, pairs musical chairs... we've got Andy Deng, Cayla Smith, and Misha Mitrofanov all looking for partners, and I'm all for breaking up Ouellette/Newby-Estrella, McBeath/Bartholomay and the Mokhovs. Who should we fantasy-partner with whom? Nina Ouellette and Ivan Mokhov? Katie McBeath and Danny O'Shea? Maria Mokhov & Andy Deng? Ellie Kam & Misha Mitrofanov? Need to find someone for Cayla, but she's still too young for seniors internationally, so we need someone younger... Anyone know how old Keyton Bearinger is?

I didn't realize we had so many possibilities. Definitely need to look at some pairings, I remember thinking, oh, he is better than her, she is better than him...I rather like your fantasy pairings, too. Especially Ellie and Misha, she is good fit for him physically. The main team that needs to unpair are the Mokhovs. He is a terrific skater and she has simply outgrown him physically as a partner.

 

[Sylvia]

2023 Junior Worlds pairs are now set - 2023 U.S. Senior pewter medalists Sonia Baram/Daniel Tioumentsev and Junior national silver medalists Naomi Williams/Lachlan Lewer (won the gold at Bavarian Open today and got both TES minimums in their international debut together). Natalia Mishkutionok is with W/L in Oberstdorf (WASA Pairs' photo after yesterday's SP: https://www.instagram.com/p/CoLI0IdLU_u/

U.S. Junior national bronze medalists Lilianna Murray/Jordan Gillette have confirmed their Junior Worlds first alternate status (won the bronze at Bavarian Open where they also got both minimums in their international debut), coached by Rockne Brubaker.

U.S. Junior national pewter medalists Olivia Flores/Luke Wang are listed on USFS' International Assignments page to make their international debut at Challenge Cup in Tilburg NED, February 23-26.

 

[moebius]

I laughed when Terry Gannon, I think, said that K/F are the gold standard in Pairs (not!). I cringe every time the commentators say that it has been 43 year since the Americans won pairs at Worlds. That was only possible b/c of Putin. K/F can thank Putin for giving them the chance to be on top of the Pairs podium at Worlds LOL! The rest of the World podium finishers in other disciplines are worthy of a medal w/o the Russians and Chinese, but not the pairs. K/F were below top 5 with the Russians and Chinese present and now they are sitting high and mighty at the top and enjoying it thinking that they are the best in the world when they are not. I hope K/F are not held up when the Russians and Chinese return.

 

[Trillian]

I hope K/F are not held up when the Russians and Chinese return.

That’s a weird thing to be worried about when K/F will likely retire in the near future, the Russians likely won’t be back in international competition anytime soon, and China really only has two (aging) pairs capable of beating K/F who may or may not compete again.

K/F are decisively one of the two best teams in international pairs skating right now. Competition results measure what actually happens on the ice, not hypotheticals about what “could” happen or what people wish would happen. We have no idea what kind of shape Russian skating infrastructure will be in when they’re allowed back, and it seems like China’s ability to develop new teams is not what it used to be. You don’t have to like K/F, but their competitive accomplishments don’t cease to exist just because someone else won in your fan fiction.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

I laughed when Terry Gannon, I think, said that K/F are the gold standard in Pairs (not!). I cringe every time the commentators say that it has been 43 year since the Americans won pairs at Worlds. That was only possible b/c of Putin. K/F can thank Putin for giving them the chance to be on top of the Pairs podium at Worlds LOL! The rest of the World podium finishers in other disciplines are worthy of a medal w/o the Russians and Chinese, but not the pairs. K/F were below top 5 with the Russians and Chinese present and now they are sitting high and mighty at the top and enjoying it thinking that they are the best in the world when they are not. I hope K/F are not held up when the Russians and Chinese return.

angry much?

 

[thvu]

angry much?

It’s more sad and pitiable.

 

[dds262]

I laughed when Terry Gannon, I think, said that K/F are the gold standard in Pairs (not!). I cringe every time the commentators say that it has been 43 year since the Americans won pairs at Worlds. That was only possible b/c of Putin. K/F can thank Putin for giving them the chance to be on top of the Pairs podium at Worlds LOL! The rest of the World podium finishers in other disciplines are worthy of a medal w/o the Russians and Chinese, but not the pairs. K/F were below top 5 with the Russians and Chinese present and now they are sitting high and mighty at the top and enjoying it thinking that they are the best in the world when they are not. I hope K/F are not held up when the Russians and Chinese return.

I am not sure this is laughable I have never gotten the impression this team is sitting “high and mighty” they are well aware of he situation they found themselves in, and how exactly do you come to the conclusion that they “think they are the best in the world” ??

What IS laughable is that you would post this…..

 

[On My Own]

and it seems like China’s ability to develop new teams is not what it used to be.

I have no interest in responding to that person, but if you don't visit the China thread (which maybe some on here don't), Luan Bo (Sui/Han and Yu/Jin's old coach) recently took up some teams, so they're taking steps to rectify this. Just putting it out there, because the pandemic and mismanagement did affect them a lot, which seems they've noticed and taking steps to cure.

 

[Rukia]

I'm sure Alexa Knierim is super sad and feels undeserving every time she's introduced as the world champion poor thing

 

[Theatregirl1122]

I'm sure Alexa Knierim is super sad and feels undeserving every time she's introduced as the world champion poor thing

How DARE she allow herself to be introduced this way.

 

[kwanfan1818]

Just putting it out there, because the pandemic and mismanagement did affect them a lot, which seems they've noticed and taking steps to cure.

I just hope the Federation doesn't screw it all up by forcing them to one of their golden boy coaches.

 

[moebius]

That’s a weird thing to be worried about when K/F will likely retire in the near future, the Russians likely won’t be back in international competition anytime soon, and China really only has two (aging) pairs capable of beating K/F who may or may not compete again.

K/F are decisively one of the two best teams in international pairs skating right now. Competition results measure what actually happens on the ice, not hypotheticals about what “could” happen or what people wish would happen. We have no idea what kind of shape Russian skating infrastructure will be in when they’re allowed back, and it seems like China’s ability to develop new teams is not what it used to be. You don’t have to like K/F, but their competitive accomplishments don’t cease to exist just because someone else won in your fan fiction.

I don't think K/F will retire soon. Why retire as long as they can have a easy ride to the top? They'll probably retire once the Russians and Chinese return to competition.

 

[skatingguy]

I don't think K/F will retire soon. Why retire as long as they can have a easy ride to the top? They'll probably retire once the Russians and Chinese return to competition.

It's not a certainty that Knierim will continue next season. Chris has a job in the Chicago area to run a rink, and they are moving away from the training base that Knierim/Frazier have been using.

 

[Frau Muller]

It's not a certainty that Knierim will continue next season. Chris has a job in the Chicago area to run a rink, and they are moving away from the training base that Knierim/Frazier have been using.

Alexa Knierim wants a family, doesn’t she? She’s 31, I think. Maybe she’ll pull “a Rodnina” and have a child before returning back for one more Olympic season?

 

[Joubabe]

Alexa Knierim wants a family, doesn’t she? She’s 31, I think. Maybe she’ll pull “a Rodnina” and have a child before returning back for one more Olympic season?

I have no doubt Alexa could do it if she wanted to. She’s a star!

 

[Sylvia]

2023 U.S. bronze medalists Ellie Kam & Danny O'Shea were interviewed by @Gina_FigureSkatersOnline at Nationals in San Jose - their article was published on Feb. 8 by @clairecloutier's A Divine Sport blog (ahead of their 4CC debut today!):

Kam/O'Shea Seize the Moment - A divine sport

Photos by Robin Ritoss Photography Three competitions, three medals. It appears the new partnership of Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea has found instant success. Last month, the new pairs team won the bronze medal at the 2023 U.S. Championships in San Jose, California. They will compete this week at...

adivinesport.com

 

[Carolla5501]

I laughed when Terry Gannon, I think, said that K/F are the gold standard in Pairs (not!). I cringe every time the commentators say that it has been 43 year since the Americans won pairs at Worlds. That was only possible b/c of Putin. K/F can thank Putin for giving them the chance to be on top of the Pairs podium at Worlds LOL! The rest of the World podium finishers in other disciplines are worthy of a medal w/o the Russians and Chinese, but not the pairs. K/F were below top 5 with the Russians and Chinese present and now they are sitting high and mighty at the top and enjoying it thinking that they are theIU

It's really a shame that FACTS upset you so much.

I cringe every time I read posts from someone who is unable to deal with facts and thinks that there should be announcements of "they would have lost if my favorites had been there" It comes across as "they shouldn't have to pay for cheating and killing" (And where were the Chinese??? they weren't banned LOL Are you blaming Putin for that too? LOL!)(

 

[Sylvia]

Congrats to Emily Chan & Spencer Howe on winning their second consecutive SILVER medal at 4CC today! They scored 201.11 total and 134.15 in FS (won TES with 68.10!) - both are new ISU personal best scores by a lot!

Their previous ISU SB/PB were 187.49 (ISU GP NHK Trophy 2022) & 122.87 (ISU GP) NHK Trophy 2022;
67.39 (ISU GP Skate Canada International 2022) is still their ISU PB/SB in SP.

 

[Karen-W]

Just saw this post from SmirSiia on IG - https://www.instagram.com/p/ConOfo7L8Fw/

She had a "slight pelvic fracture" that kept her off the ice until last week and they're allowed to practice elements this week now, with a video clip of a death spiral and a combo spin.

Oh my!!!

 

[Aceon6]

Just saw this post from SmirSiia on IG - https://www.instagram.com/p/ConOfo7L8Fw/

She had a "slight pelvic fracture" that kept her off the ice until last week and they're allowed to practice elements this week now, with a video clip of a death spiral and a combo spin.

Oh my!!!

Whoa. Makes it all the weirder that they chose Disturbed and Je Suis Malade for this season. I hope she doesn’t rush.

 

[Karen-W]

Also meant to post this tidbit yesterday but forgot... PlaFern are planning a "Top Gun" FS for next season with the Lady Gaga song from the new movie included.

Golden Skate on Instagram: "#PlazasFernandez 🇺🇸 169.09: “It was okay. Not everything worked but we fought to the end. It was definitley hard with the altitude. It was an improvement from Nationals! It was veey special to skate here at our first 4Co

104 Likes, 3 Comments - Golden Skate (@goldsk8) on Instagram: "#PlazasFernandez 🇺🇸 169.09: “It was okay. Not everything worked but we fought to the end. It was definitley hard with the altitude. It was an improvement from Nationals! It was veey special to skate here at our first 4Continents.”...

www.instagram.com

I guess they've settled on a style/dynamic they're comfortable with, lol.

 

[thvu]

Also meant to post this tidbit yesterday but forgot... PlaFern are planning a "Top Gun" FS for next season with the Lady Gaga song from the new movie included.

I wish they were the type of team that would take a concept like this and go all in, but we already know we’re going to get some level of Peterson bland.

 

[Rukia]

I hope they skate in jump suits and shades

 

[Joubabe]

Just saw this post from SmirSiia on IG - https://www.instagram.com/p/ConOfo7L8Fw/

She had a "slight pelvic fracture" that kept her off the ice until last week and they're allowed to practice elements this week now, with a video clip of a death spiral and a combo spin.

Oh my!!!

I’m so happy to hear that Anastasiia is back on the ice. Sending well wishes for a full and speedy recovery!