Just finished watching and what a mixed bag of emotions I have. Thrilled for all the podium finishers. Sakamoto, especially, was a dream. Huge jumps, huge emotion.
Chiba's skating skills are so beautiful. I don't find her as emotionally connecting, but I'm hopeful she'll soon find a piece that really takes her to that next level.
Pinzaronne's free was my favorite program two years in a row. And what a time to lay down a brilliant skate when others failed to deliver.
Amber, frustrating as she often is, at least laid down the best first two jumping passes of the comp. The axel was glorious. Having seen the result before watching, I expected far worse. Still frustrating for her and her supporters to let another good opportunity go by the wayside.
I am slightly more baffled by Isabeau letting the lutz/loop combo error seemingly throw her off. It's a super high risk jump to begin with, which rarely is called clean by women attempting that combo. She didn't seem as engaged and into the performance as in the past, despite hitting all her lovely positions. As Uncle Dick used to say, the smile on her lips wasn't reflected in her eyes.
Jia Shin was the breathe of fresh air we all needed til the final flight.
at the thread title.
