U.S. Men 2020-21 season news & updates

[Sylvia]

Final standings of the 9 U.S. men who competed (12 total) at Skate America:

GOLD Nathan CHEN, USA 111.17 (1) 187.98 (1) 299.15 (2 big mistakes in FS today were 2S & 1A; landed opening 4F+3T and 2nd half 4T+1Eu+3F & 4T+3T - he had better/cleaner FS practice run throughs )
SILVER Vincent ZHOU, USA 99.36 (2) 175.74 (2) 275.10 (first GP medal on his 5th try; landed 4Lz+3T & both 3A)
...
4 Tomoki HIWATASHI, USA 87.17 (4) 158.13 (4) 245.30 (highest scoring jump passes were 4T+3T, 3A+2T & final 3Lz+1Eu+3F)
5 Ilia MALININ, USA 76.75 (7) 143.56 (5) 220.31 (landed opening 4T, 4S & 3A - impressive senior debut )
...
7 Alexei KRASNOZHON, USA 78.06 (5) 136.55 (9) 214.61 (landed clean 4Lo in SP)
8 Maxim NAUMOV, USA 70.91 (8) 143.36 (6) 214.27
9 Camden PULKINEN, USA 69.09 (9) 138.73 (7) 207.82
10 Jimmy MA, USA 63.36 (11) 133.62 (10) 196.98
11 Joseph KANG, USA 68.08 (10) 124.29 (11) 192.37
...

 

[Vagabond]

I was watching Ilia Malinin at SKAM (sorry, don't have access to Kiss and Cry), and I was suddenly curious as to why he has his mother's last name and not his father's. Does anyone know? Or is it just a stage name because she is better known?

I don't know, but maybe it's because the first part of the paternal surname is pronounced "scorn."

 

[cheremary]

Not sure where to put this, but Rafael Arutyunyan did an interview in Russian after Skate America. Sounds like he was pleased with the bubble logistics in Las Vegas (they even had a dedicated elevator), and apparently Nathan did a 4 loop for the team event.

«Саша поступает очень правильно»: Арутюнян о сходстве тренировок Трусовой и Чена и воспитании фигуристок в США

Чтобы выполнять сложный элемент более или менее стабильно, спортсмен должен иметь два-три года опыта его исполнения на соревнованиях. Об этом в интервью RT заявил тренер Рафаэль Арутюнян. По его мнению, Александра Трусова поступает правильно, пытаясь как можно раньше усложнить свою программу...

russian.rt.com

Google Translate worked pretty well: https://translate.google.com/transl.../article/793498-arutyunyan-vegas-chen-trusova

 

[Alilou]

The interview is also here:

Rafael Harutyunyan: It’s not my plan for Nathan to compete with someone on equals at the Olympics

Elena Vaitsekhovskaya's interview with Rafael Harutyunyan. The specialist commented on Skate America organization, the victories of his skaters, shared his opinion on Alexandra Trusova race for quads and told about the problem of rising figure skaters in the United States.

fs-gossips.com

 

[feraina]

The interview is also here:

Rafael Harutyunyan: It’s not my plan for Nathan to compete with someone on equals at the Olympics

Elena Vaitsekhovskaya's interview with Rafael Harutyunyan. The specialist commented on Skate America organization, the victories of his skaters, shared his opinion on Alexandra Trusova race for quads and told about the problem of rising figure skaters in the United States.

fs-gossips.com

I always enjoy his interviews.

It’s a pipe dream but I would love for Alysia Liu to work with him. For once a jumping phenom like Alysa comes along in the US, and she self combusts (probably at her dad’s insistence) with literally the worst possible coach changing decision. The two of them went to the east coast on their own to get some ice time for training for a month and half - they could’ve gone to Rafal!

 

[Sylvia]

I've posted the Arutunian interview in its own GSD thread (since it's about more than Nathan & U.S. men ): https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/threads/arutunian-interview-post-skate-america-2020.107734/

Translated excerpt re. Ilia Malinin:

It was a pleasure for me to work with Ilia Malinin this year, the son of Tanya Malinina and Roma Skornyakov. In Las Vegas, he did two quadruple jumps in the short program and two in the free program.

If you have time, look how luxuriously a guy in his 15 years jumps a quadruple toe loop. I also consider this to be my contribution to a certain extent, and I will be very pleased if Ilia grows into a serious skater.

ISU Figure Skating's IG account shared a clip of Malinin's opening 4T in his Skate America FS: https://www.instagram.com/p/CGvZrlQlzth/

 

[Sylvia]

Malinin's 4Lz clip today: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHQ5YfCHEvA/

ETA:

Subscribers to Peacock Premium can now watch Ilia Malinin's Las Vegas Skating Spectacular (Skate America gala) performance to NF's "When I Grow Up" (Lipinski mentioned during it that he is working on 2 more quads - loop & Lutz ).

 

[Sylvia]

2 recent Fan Zone articles (re-posting here from their respective fan threads):

How Moving to Toronto Reignited Jason Brown’s Love for Figure Skating - U.S. Figure Skating Fan Zone

In less than two and a half years living in Toronto and training under Brian Orser and Tracy Wilson, 2015 U.S. champion Jason Brown has been through it all. He suffered

usfigureskatingfanzone.com

Vincent Zhou Sharpens Focus on Beijing 2022 - U.S. Figure Skating Fan Zone

While battling injuries and self-doubt, Vincent Zhou placed second at 2020 Guaranteed Rate Skate America.

usfigureskatingfanzone.com

 

[DreamSkates]

Haven't seen this discussed anywhere but this link was posted in a couple of threads, so thought I would ask. If you scroll down the page to #2 Responses to Rafael, etc. what is meant by "The rule amendment proposed in June, which is most favorable to Hanyu, has been postponed. However, there is a possibility that the Hanyu rule will be enforced again one year before Beijing or when there is a postponement." The comments are about Hanyu and Chen are not really on the same level (I don't agree).
Another comment "I want ISU to stop passing the Hanyu rules due to the power of the number of Hanyu fans.
Figure skating is an Olympic sport, so I want ISU to score fairly and cleanly."
[This is not a comment on Hanyu as much as it is about ISU changing rules to favor certain skaters - possible? probable? myth?]

https://fs-gossips.com/rafael-harut...mpete-with-someone-on-equals-at-the-olympics/

 

[Sylvia]

Haven't seen this discussed anywhere but this link was posted in a couple of threads, so thought I would ask. If you scroll down the page to #2 Responses to Rafael, etc. what is meant by "The rule amendment proposed in June, which is most favorable to Hanyu, has been postponed."

Refer to this GSD thread (ISU's Scale of Values for jumps later was suspended on June 17): https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/th...-judging-rules-for-jumps.107222/#post-5807100

Update for this season: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/th...difficulty-guidelines-for-marking-goe.107375/

 

[Sylvia]

Sean Rabbitt's retirement announcement today (https://twitter.com/SeanRabbitt/status/1327371074451820544), along with related links, are posted in the "Skater Retirements 2020" thread, starting here: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/threads/skater-retirements-2020.107153/page-2#post-5898987

 

[clairecloutier]

Sean Rabbitt's retirement announcement today (https://twitter.com/SeanRabbitt/status/1327371074451820544 ), along with related links, are posted in the Skater Retirements 2020 thread, starting here: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/threads/skater-retirements-2020.107153/page-2#post-5898987

Well, we knew Sean had to retire at some point. But still, I will miss him on the competitive scene. Always so fun to watch, especially of course at Nationals, where he had so many memorable performances. Although he became known as a showman, often with funny or even campy programs, it was actually the classic quality of his spins, extensions, posture, and jump height that kept me watching, as much as his musicality. Seeing him live, especially, he had a big presence on the ice, due to his height, charisma, and of course that hair. Hope we will still see him in shows, after this pandemic finally ends.

 

[Sylvia]

Figure Skaters Online shared some photos of Sean through the years and mentioned they plan to publish an interview with him next week: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHjUHd_LXJp/

I've posted a "fluff" article about the friendship among Nathan, Mariah and her boyfriend Romain in this thread: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/threads/meet-“the-trio”.107786/

The Las Vegas Invitational singles team event will air tomorrow (Sunday, Nov. 15) on NBC from 4-6 pm Eastern. The 6 men who taped their free skates back on Monday, Oct. 26 were:

Team Tara: Nathan Chen, Alex Krasnozhon, Ilia Malinin (wildcard entry)
Team Johnny: Vincent Zhou, Tomoki Hiwatashi, Camden Pulkinen

 

[Sylvia]

Figure Skaters Online shared some photos of Sean through the years and mentioned they plan to publish an interview with him next week

Here's FSO's interview with Sean Rabbitt:

Sean Rabbitt looks back on his competitive career - Figure Skaters Online

Sean Rabbitt announced on his social media platforms Nov. 13 that he has decided to step away from competitive skating.

figureskatersonline.com

 

[clairecloutier]

Here's FSO's interview with Sean Rabbitt:

Sean Rabbitt looks back on his competitive career - Figure Skaters Online

Sean Rabbitt announced on his social media platforms Nov. 13 that he has decided to step away from competitive skating.

figureskatersonline.com

This is a great interview!

I encourage anyone who’s ever enjoyed Sean’s skating to take a few minutes and read it.

 

[Sylvia]

Andrew Torgashev article by Meg Sauer:

Andrew Torgashev Reinvests in Himself, Training During 2020-21 Season - U.S. Figure Skating Fan Zone

In a year of unknowns, Andrew Torgashev is betting on himself.

usfigureskatingfanzone.com

 

[Sylvia]

Sean Rabbitt is Beyond The Rink podcast's latest guest (Nov. 23):

Beyond The Rink Episode 11 // Featuring Sean Rabbitt - Beyond The Rink

Having recently stepped away from competitive figure skating, we catch up with US Figure Skating's very own Sean Rabbitt!

www.buzzsprout.com

 

[Sylvia]

Jimmy Ma landed easy-looking 4T and 4T+3T in the 3rd round of this year's Aerial FS Challenge jump competition and judges Carol Heiss Jenkins and Brian Boitano were both very complimentary in their remarks afterwards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0xPHWn0Bto&t=2h15m10s

Thread for this year's virtual competition/link to the Elite singles comp. from this past Friday: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/th...ing-parties-oct-9-nov-13.107556/#post-5904671

 

[Sylvia]

Tim Dolensky talks about his cruise ship life before and during the p*ndemic, as well as his future goals and plans, on Kelly Rippon's new podcast (this is the YouTube version):

The Trophy Life Podcast

Hosted by author of Parent Up, and Olympic mom, Kelly Rippon, The Trophy Life Podcast interviews people from competitive sports, academics and the arts. It d...

www.youtube.com

Tim currently is performing in an outdoor rink show, Gaylord Opryland's Rockin' Christmas On Ice, in Nashville, TN: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHOBfMZrrOt/

 

[acraven]

Fan Zone article about Nathan Chen: Nathan Chen Maps Out Thoughts on His Future Both On and Off the Ice - U.S. Figure Skating Fan Zone

He's currently thinking he'll take one or two years off from skating after the Olympics, go back to school, and then re-evaluate.

 

[Sylvia]

Copying over from Jason's fan thread:

U.S. Figure Skating @USFigureSkating
Spend a day in @jasonbskates life... with @jasonbskates! (video length 2:30)

https://twitter.com/USFigureSkating/status/1334625338840768514?s=20

Also available to watch on USFS' IG account: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CIWjY0vgMBh/

Jason & Evan Bates had a fun conversation back on Nov. 12 for USFS' "Ice Men" program (26 mins.): https://www.instagram.com/tv/CHgtEQ3jh_R/

In Ice Men Chat #2 tonight, Andrew Torgashev just concluded his conversation with Haydenettes' Stephen Murray (30 mins.): https://www.instagram.com/tv/CIozRGhDIVx/

 

[Tinami Amori]

Fan Zone article about Nathan Chen: Nathan Chen Maps Out Thoughts on His Future Both On and Off the Ice - U.S. Figure Skating Fan Zone

He's currently thinking he'll take one or two years off from skating after the Olympics, go back to school, and then re-evaluate.

"I think it will be highly determined by how I feel after '22," Chen said on the topic of retirement. "Do I still have the drive? I feel like if I don't have the drive anymore, then there's no point. It'll really depend."

"The drive" is exactly what Alina Zagitova was talking about. I hope Nathan starts talking about Graduate School after 2022...

 

[A.H.Black]

"The drive" is exactly what Alina Zagitova was talking about. I hope Nathan starts talking about Graduate School after 2022...

I don't. I hope he still has the drive. However, it's up to him. I will be happy for him whatever he chooses and will always be grateful to have seen so much brilliant skating.

 

[euterpe]

I don't. I hope he still has the drive. However, it's up to him. I will be happy for him whatever he chooses and will always be grateful to have seen so much brilliant skating.

Just remember that we have watched and enjoyed Nathan skate since he made his debut at 2010 Nationals where he won the Novice title at just 10 years old.

 

[BittyBug]

Just remember that we have watched and enjoyed Nathan skate since he made his debut at 2010 Nationals where he won the Novice title at just 10 years old.

11-year old Nathan and the spider.

 

[A.H.Black]

Just remember that we have watched and enjoyed Nathan skate since he made his debut at 2010 Nationals where he won the Novice title at just 10 years old.

I first saw him skate at a local show right after the 2002 Olympics. I think he was 2 or 3 years-old.

 

[Marco]

Olympic Channel was replaying the 2018 Olympic team event the other day and I had forgotten that Nathan funked the short program there too, before funking his individual short program. I suddenly had a thought that perhaps he is just going to be another Michelle - dominating both domestically and internationally, but just coming out short at the Olympics...

 

[Karen-W]

Olympic Channel was replaying the 2018 Olympic team event the other day and I had forgotten that Nathan funked the short program there too, before funking his individual short program. I suddenly had a thought that perhaps he is just going to be another Michelle - dominating both domestically and internationally, but just coming out short at the Olympics...

Hasn't it been tacitly acknowledged that the individual event SP woes were because his mom was interfering with the planned jump content/layout after the team event fiasco?

 

[Sylvia]

Nathan recently talked about his first Olympic experience/mindset and what he learned in the Stars on Ice holiday chat starting here (with Kurt Browning, Meryl & Charlie): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yFxwH2e1TY&t=57m26s

BTW, his quad Lutz is back! Nathan landed 4Lz as his opening jump in his SP performance in Great Park Ice's holiday show on Sunday, and here's a fan's IGTV video captured from the livestream: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CIwZIduJRDP/

 

[Sylvia]

@A.H.Black asked about Dinh Tran earlier in this thread - this news was tucked into the Jeremy Abbott/Alysa Liu article by Phil Hersh that was published on Dec. 11th:

He [Abbott] has also been working three days a week in San Francisco with Dinh Tran, 19, who finished eighth at the 2020 nationals, stepping in because Tran currently is living with his family in the Bay Area while his regular coach, Dee Goldstein, is based in Arizona. With that separation complicated by COVID-related travel issues, Goldstein asked Abbott to keep an eye on Tran’s training.

Tran has been practicing and landing the occasional 4S (shared via his Instagram stories).