I think it is a combination. Belbin & Agosto were faster under Linichuk than they were under Shpilband, and they were adults when they switched. (You could really tell during compulsories). So, yes, I think speed can be improved with training. I would say that Hubbell & Donohue are also faster with Dubreil & Lauzon than they were with Krylova & Camerlengo. Sometimes, though, it is a matter of nerves & confidence. H&D are not always faster than they were with K&C. Weaver & Poje were sometimes very fast & sometimes more tentative, regardless of who they trained with. So, again, a combination. Sometimes it is a matter of packaging--taking out more intricate elements and using bigger curves. And also sometimes it depends on where an athlete is in their training and his/her/their comfort level with a program during their season. Sometimes with dancers you see them push that speed too far in a big competition, when they are up against someone they will need everything to defeat. And they go right off the edge.
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about Shin as she was outscored on the JGP by Isabelle Inthisone, Kate Wang, Lindsay Thorngren, Sarah Jung, Jessica Lin, and Calista Choi (all age-eligible). I'm guessing they used summer scores (with not the strictest callers)?
