Daisuke Murakami. I believe he grew up in CA, and competed in the U.S. through Novice level, then switched to representing Japan (I think his parents grew up there?) internationally.Responding back to the last US ladies thread, Frank also coaches Scott Dyer, a Japanese skater whose name I forget
Does any US lady stand a chance to make top 5 at the next Olympics? If so, who? Just thinking that there will be 3 Russians, 2 Japanese and at least 2 Canadians standing in the way. Maybe the component scores will help our ladies?
Karen Chen just finished 4th at Worlds last year, so I would think that would be a pretty big indicator of what she is capable of. And I really don't think lightening is going to strike twice for the Canadian ladies.
This is my answer to your question. I would definitely say that a few of the US Ladies may have a chance at that podium. One thing to remember is there have been several figure skaters throughout the years that were "favored" to win Gold or be on the podium, but it didn't go quite as planned. The reason for that is that no one on this earth is perfect all the time.Does any US lady stand a chance to make top 5 at the next Olympics? If so, who? Just thinking that there will be 3 Russians, 2 Japanese and at least 2 Canadians standing in the way. Maybe the component scores will help our ladies?
Does any US lady stand a chance to make top 5 at the next Olympics? If so, who? Just thinking that there will be 3 Russians, 2 Japanese and at least 2 Canadians standing in the way. Maybe the component scores will help our ladies?
I agree except Polina Edmunds. Gone for how long - it takes time to rebuild - is she really up to the level of Wagner or Chen at this point?This is my answer to your question. I would definitely say that a few of the US Ladies may have a chance at that podium. One thing to remember is there have been several figure skaters throughout the years that were "favored" to win Gold or be on the podium, but it didn't go quite as planned. The reason for that is that no one on this earth is perfect all the time.
I would say that Ashley Wagner, Karen Chen, Polina Edmunds or even Mirai Nagasu could have a good chance because nothing is impossible just like Ashley being a Worlds Silver Medalist.
I agree except Polina Edmunds. Gone for how long - it takes time to rebuild - is she really up to the level of Wagner or Chen at this point?
@Tinami Amori ITA. We have 4-5 more months of potential injuries (or potential effects of currently healing injuries), personal drama, coaching changes, newly developed nerves, relapse to previous nerves, etc. before the Olympics.
Not to mention the Olympics are usually kinda crazy. While the expected winner usually rises to the top, there's usually at least one favorite for the podium who can't handle the pressure of being a favorite. Especially in ladies, there's also usually at least one person on the podium out of left field.
Sure, makes sense. But I don't see Edmunds as ever having been as strong a skater as Osmond. But, you never know. We can only sit back and watch and see how everything progresses.I think it varies. It usually takes an entire season to get back to form. Remember how much Osmond struggled?
Zagitova hasn't competed in the senior ranks before this season. I don't think we should bank so heavily on her. That doesn't always work. Look at Lipnitskaya struggling after the team event. Don't count your chickens.
Exactly. Why are people counting on her making the Olympic podium? What has she done exactly? Medvedeva's consistency is a unique exception and it's unlikely Zagitova will replicate it
ITA about taking time to rebuild. But I believe Polina is very serious about her situation, and she also has the determination and commitment to achieving her goal. That kind of spirit can make success out of something that no one else believes is possible. I believe that Polina will be one to watch during Nationals, and who knows, she might just make the team and surprise everyone.I agree except Polina Edmunds. Gone for how long - it takes time to rebuild - is she really up to the level of Wagner or Chen at this point?
I reluctantly have to agree at this point in time, but Osmond and Daleman are another story. That is for another thread, though.Zagitova held off junior competition last season. Only four skaters in history have a total score higher than Zagitova in seniors, although she's clustered in with at least five other skaters. So it's clear she's getting senior marks in her first year as a senior.
Add in that, barring a miracle (or a disaster), the only truly competitive non-Russian at Euros will be Kostner, and if she gets to Euros, she'll be a heavy medal favorite at the major championship before the Olympics.
Add in the propensity of the best young Russian lady to land on championship pidiums, and you've got pretty good odds if you bet on her.
There are no US Ladies about which I would say even half of that, as much as I might like them.
I agree w/ the assessment that the podium will be Medvedeva, Zagitova and a lady from JPN. I think the big spoiler will be Osmond.