Going back to La’s theory on Ashley needing Gracie. I can see why that would be a logical hypothesis. I don’t agree though. I think that prior to this past year, Ashley was getting a message from the judges and her country that she was top 4 in the world, especially when she won the world medal. Now, she’s top... 7??? The judges in Boston set Ashley back if you ask me because the medal sent a message to her that if she skates with flare, drama and passion, the under rotated jumps would be overlooked. The incorrect Lutz edge, slight ding but nothing major. NOW, the judges have an array of skaters to choose from that do the jumps well and skate well too, albeit one of those options backloads her entire program. Still, prior to this year, Ashley could bank on going to the Olympics, she makes meaningful money and is still a top skater in her country.
Now, Mirai is trending and pacing to have a moment at Nationals. I truly believe she will be fully baked by then. Bradie came from nowhere and EVERYONE is drooling over her, and for good reason. Karen is a threat for sure and luckily, Gracie is not in the picture. That’s why she turned up to Skate America admittedly under trained. Those jumps look just as under injured as when she’s well. The reverting to old material thing... that said it all if you ask me.
Ashley is by no means a has-been, unless she shows up to National’s with excuses. I think that the landscape changed on her and she feels buried. Time is running out.
