Momentum is key in this sport and the US women seem to suck at gaining real momentum.
Being consistent certainly helps in terms of gaining momentum, but let's face it, not even the most consistent skater is always consistent because figure skating ain't easy. The politics and rep factor make it that much harder. Plus, many U.S. athletes have trouble building competitive momentum internationally because of the relative depth in every U.S. discipline, which makes it harder to get to Worlds.
Momentum is sometimes decided by factors outside of skaters' control. Sure, in general, U.S. ladies haven't been at their absolute best when it matters, but many have also been relentlessly and unfairly dumped on to the point where it has become a sport IMO, to trash one or more or all. DL and his cohort on TSL at the start of the season, found it kinda funny to casually mock and laugh at Starr Andrews and her mother, and then act like they'd done nothing wrong. This, when there was really no reason for them to do so. Not liking Starr's skating or her programs did not require them to put on such a random and petty show of disdain and mockery in which they also managed to dis African-American musical artists and the artists who actually composed the music she selected, not all of whom are African-American.
DL and his cohort acted upset about Starr's hard-won success and fun programs at 2018 U.S. Nationals, and they even had the gall to cast aspersions upon the famous viral video of Starr as a young skater. Starr's mother having posed the viral
Whip My Hair video when Starr was 7 years old, is not why Starr has reached the point where she is now! Not every cute young skater even decides to continue in the sport. For Starr, it took desire, commitment, fight, family support, and a huge amount of hard work and self-belief. No one has handed Starr anything. Yes, she could benefit by continuing to improve her skating skills and her confidence. I also previously suggested she seek some help from African dancers in order to improve her fp. But TSL's dis-fest was pure petty uncalled for snark. But then, it's always open season on U.S. ladies.
Again, and for the gazillionth time, Michelle Kwan's accomplishments set a high bar that has not been reached by anyone since, and is unlikely to any time soon, if ever. Among U.S. ladies, only Maribel Vinson Owen has a better domestic record, but not a better international record. MK's achievements spoiled U.S. fed and skating fans who had become so used to U.S. ladies kicking ass and taking no prisoners. Roll with the cycle we are in and with things as they are.
) trying to dissect what type of shade and snub she was trying to put on Tonya 
