A positive note: For all the criticisms the US pairs field receives, it is at the moment the third deepest field in the world (behind Russia and China). Since when was the American pairs field deeper than the Canadian field?
https://twitter.com/LynnRutherford/status/1089280041832321031
They definitely have overcome a lot, expecially over the last couple of months. I'm very happy for them, and excited for how well they were able to hold it together skating last. Doing their best in that moment and under such pressure is great experience for them. 
Thanks for the kind words, aftershocks! I wouldn’t say that I’m “down” on Serafini/Tran; I was just hoping for a bit more based on the clips I’ve seen. I love the unison and extension I see in their practice clips and am just, in general, a huge Mervin Tran fan. I do agree with you that there is a lot of promise in pairs right now. There were so many enjoyable programs.^^ But that's normal @SorrySkater, because figure skating is a difficult sport and things are always changing; skaters are always working on improving. It takes time. Serafini/Tran are so new, I really wouldn't get down on them, or use this outing as a measure of their abilities. Clearly, their jump timing and abilities together in that respect seem good. It's normal to only be able to compete a 2-twist until time, trust and skill allow Olivia to do a 3-twist. In Mervin, Olivia has a good partner with whom she can grow and learn from. She is new to pairs, don't forget, so it will take time for her to get elements like death spiral, throws, lifts and 3-twist together and working on all cylinders. And Mervin, judging by his recent comments, feels his partner is a saint.
That bodes well for them, if they remain healthy and stick together and maintain competitive desire.
Practically all U.S. teams on this senior roster look good to me (quite a few look great and/or exceedingly promising). They were certainly all very enjoyable to watch (aside from Alexa/Chris' troubles and Olivia/Mervin's newbie snafus), unless you are a naysayer and a spoilsport, or just not into pairs skating.
ETA: By 'you,' I don't mean I'm singling you out in particular. Sorry. I think in following skaters, it's the measure of a true fan though to be able to stick with them when they are down and out; to help encourage and support them and to root for them. It's easy to get on bandwagons when things are going well. But things don't always go well for athletes every time out. It's a journey, and figure skating is the most difficult athletic journey of all, from what I've seen.
My heart goes out to Ashley and to all who are coping with tragic loss:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs3vRiWFDHU/ Thanks to Ashley for sharing her memories
And kudos to all the U.S. pairs teams who performed so well yesterday!
Apparently he’s been competing with it all seasonIf Chris had an injured wrist why would they compete
All those pair elements where he needs all his strength. Lifts and throws are really dangerous especially if something is off even just a little! It seems foolish to risk anything and they're lucky nothing bad did
Despite Olivia and Mervin coming in last, this was a learning experience for them. They are a new team and Olivia is new to pairs skating. I commend them for their effort and thumbs up for them to continue working, growing, believing in themselves and having fun on their journey. I saw a lot of good signs watching this pairs competition, which I will point out later.
The first botched lift he was not able to extend it at all...It was bent by his head. He must have hurt it worse either in practice or the short. They most have thought it would hold out or they would have withdrawn.
A positive note: For all the criticisms the US pairs field receives, it is at the moment the third deepest field in the world (behind Russia and China). Since when was the American pairs field deeper than the Canadian field?
@Bonjour Sherry - Just wait a year Bonjour Sherry .... Canada will have exceptional pairs teams.... Brasseur and Bardei (BTW, have you seen their twist live).....A positive note: For all the criticisms the US pairs field receives, it is at the moment the third deepest field in the world (behind Russia and China). Since when was the American pairs field deeper than the Canadian field?
