U.S. Pairs 2018 - News & Updates, Part VIII

[Spiralgraph]

Refresh my drink...

Why are we talking about a DUI instead of why no one is landing SBS jumps?

Because a troll appeared out of nowhere.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

^^^^^

Oh, well can we get back to pairs? USA Pairs is my favorite thread here. If we opened this up to the personal lives of people we could be here for years discussing, mine included. Child........

Now when do we get final roster for 4CC pairs and all the teams? After Canada Nats?

 

[Sylvia]

It bears repeating that both pairs assigned to Junior Worlds can and have landed their sbs triples cleanly with + GOE in their FS -- 3S+2T+2T & 3T by Audrey Lu/Misha Mitrofanov at Nationals and 3S & 3T+2T+2T by Sarah Feng/TJ Nyman at Pacific Coast Sectionals.

ETA:

Now when do we get final roster for 4CC pairs and all the teams? After Canada Nats?

Yes. I've bumped up the Pairs discussion thread: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/th...wo-skating-as-one.101317/page-10#post-5244349

 

[overedge]

A Canadian border officer can prevent anyone with a single prior conviction from entering the country. But usually - note the "usually" - the officer looks at other things like what was the conviction for, how likely is the person to reoffend, have they completed their sentence and fulfilled any other conditions (like community service) and so on. And the officer also looks at, how do they answer questions, is the information they give verbally the same information as on their file, etc.

It's a judgement call. But a single DUI five years ago with no charges since would not be, automatically on its own, a reason to be excluded.

 

[Dobre]

At Nationals:

Kayne & O'Shea landed clean triple sals in both the SP and the LP.

Stellato & Bartholomay landed clean triple toes in the SP.

Cain & LeDuc landed clean triple sal+double toe+double toe combinations in the LP.

Pfund & Santillan landed clean triple toe+double toe combinations in the LP and clean triple sals in the SP.

Meanwhile, kudos to Mervin for improved jumps. Sigh for Marissa.

 

[Spiralgraph]

Thanks, Dobre. I also saw improved choreography and programs for the top pairs. But since Nationals is now over, I'm dreading to see which teams break up.

 

[skatingguy]

Thanks, Dobre. I also saw improved choreography and programs for the top pairs. But since Nationals is now over, I'm dreading to see which teams break up.

It's always sad when a pairs team you like splits, but with this being the end of an Olympic cycle it would be the best time for skaters, coaches, and the USFSA to look at how to improve the US pairs program by 2022. If that means splitting up pairs that aren't producing and spending the next 8 months finding those people new partners to give them the best possible chance to make the 2022 Olympics then that's what should happen. Particularly in pairs in the US at the moment it doesn't seem that this process happens naturally or at least when it does it doesn't produce pairs teams that can compete for the podium at the World/Olympic level.

 

[flyingsit]

Frankly, it's not necessary for pairs to be together for a long time to have success. It's more important to have the right skills and the right match.

Look at the splits/re-pairing that the Chinese did -- both of the teams are top 10 in the world. Look at Marchei/Hotarek -- four years ago she wasn't even a pairs skater, and they'll likely be top 10 at the Olympics.

 

[Dobre]

Both Chinese teams were already GPF finalists. This is not the norm. Of course, we hear about the new partnerships that are successful. But a great many are unsuccessful & fade away into a quick dissolution.

 

[chachacha]

Frankly, it's not necessary for pairs to be together for a long time to have success. It's more important to have the right skills and the right match.

Look at the splits/re-pairing that the Chinese did -- both of the teams are top 10 in the world. Look at Marchei/Hotarek -- four years ago she wasn't even a pairs skater, and they'll likely be top 10 at the Olympics.

It's always sad when a pairs team you like splits, but with this being the end of an Olympic cycle it would be the best time for skaters, coaches, and the USFSA to look at how to improve the US pairs program by 2022. If that means splitting up pairs that aren't producing and spending the next 8 months finding those people new partners to give them the best possible chance to make the 2022 Olympics then that's what should happen. Particularly in pairs in the US at the moment it doesn't seem that this process happens naturally or at least when it does it doesn't produce pairs teams that can compete for the podium at the World/Olympic level.

If we took the existing US pair teams (excluding Chris and Alexa because they are very well matched) and could mix up the partnerships who would be the best matches? Anyone have any thoughts if given the opportunity to mix up the teams for the most success?

 

[Sylvia]

^^^ Maybe you could start a thread in the Trash Can for such a topic since this is supposed to be a skating news thread?

ETA:

Sarah Brannen has 2 pairs-related items in "The Inside Edge" blog (scroll down to The show must go on! for an update on Novice pair skater Jasmine Fendi's hand injury -- she was incredibly brave in finishing the Novice FS while bleeding): http://web.icenetwork.com/news/2018/01/11/264566414

 

[Willin]

I think the biggest problem is that we need each pair's skater to be a stronger singles skater.

I remember back in the days when Jenny was on TSL, she mentioned that in Canada they pick out a lot of top ladies and men to become pair's skaters. I don't know if this is still the case, but I think it could work. Certainly, Cain/Leduc was the first sign that USFSA was trying this. I know pairs can be hard to learn (and that may be part of the issue with SBS jumps), but certainly there are some Junior/Novice and even Senior ladies I think would do better switching to pairs.
I think that especially for ladies it can be very crowded at the top with lots of skaters who won't be competitive at the top international competitions, but still have the potential to be competitive in Pairs - where they don't have to do a 3-3 or even a 3Lz.
Personally, after seeing them at Nationals, I'd love to see Hannah Miller and Francesca Chiera try pairs. I don't think either will ever break through in ladies, but they have more to offer.

@Sylvia Good idea! ETA: Thread is here https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/threads/us-pairs-shufflepalooza.102942/

 

[Sylvia]

@Willin, I don't want the credit because I dislike these types of topics. And I don't think you should limit it to just U.S. pairs...

 

[el henry]

I scrolled through, but didn't see this interview posted, apologies if it has been posted. Charlie White's post LP interview with Deanna and Nate:
http://web.icenetwork.com/video/topic/264197000/v1871813783

Even in a five minute talk, they are so funny and self-aware and mature. Deanna: I'm majoring in pairs and minoring in ice dance, and I just want to do the major

Nate: To the guys [younger skaters], the sillier you look, the better it is

Can I also say, as a confirmed Deanna and Nate fan, how distasteful I find the post about Danny O'Shea. For shame. I find it impossible to believe that this is anyone in "Deanna and Nate's camp". Nate has been with Jim Peterson for like, forever, and I do not believe that he or Deanna would associate with spreading this info about a rinkmate.

Anyone who uses Danny's troubles to "support" Deanna and Nate is no fan at all.

 

[pairskatingfan]

At Nationals:

Kayne & O'Shea landed clean triple sals in both the SP and the LP.

Stellato & Bartholomay landed clean triple toes in the SP.

Cain & LeDuc landed clean triple sal+double toe+double toe combinations in the LP.

Pfund & Santillan landed clean triple toe+double toe combinations in the LP and clean triple sals in the SP.

Meanwhile, kudos to Mervin for improved jumps. Sigh for Marissa.

So, we had one team that was able to do two different triples between both programs and no teams do both jumps in the free skate? Sad. Hopefully those juniors are able to keep up when they move up.

 

[kirkbiggestfan]

1 week after Nationals and no break-ups?

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

^^^^ Honestly it seems like all teams in top 6-7 will stay together!!

Not sure about Pfund & Santillan. Them and Liu & Johnson tho their skating has never made any improvements.... If Liu doesn't learn how to jump I can't see this team going anymore......

 

[Dobre]

^^^^ Honestly it seems like all teams in top 6-7 will stay together!!

Not sure about Pfund & Santillan. Them and Liu & Johnson tho their skating has never made any improvements.... If Liu doesn't learn how to jump I can't see this team going anymore......

Chelsea did the triple jump in the SP. Brian stepped out. I think they have improved this season, though--sigh--the LP wasn't a good reflection of it. Don't know if she will get the jumps, but she does look stronger. She's growing up.

Pfund & Santillan are the only team that did two different clean triples. You had to feel for them when the lift imploded. Every team had a couple issues in the free, but a missed lift in pairs is always so frustrating because most of the time, teams can count on those points.

 

[clairecloutier]

An emotional Instagram post from Chris Knierim. Read it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd29Dv8hdWq/

 

[Tesla]

Thank you, @clairecloutier. I'm trying not to cry here. What an incredibly strong young man. I hope the Knierims have a fantastic Olympic experience.

 

[Skittl1321]

Well, that did make me cry. Probably the first time I haven't rolled my eyes at #wegetup.

I didn't know about his Dad or Uncle. But I imagine his view on skating is incredibly different after going through what he did with Alexa. My husband went through my healing of a near death injury, and I cannot imagine life with someone who didn't share that experience with me. I hope their Olympic experience is everything they want it to be.

 

[Willin]

I had no idea about the Dad/Uncle, and I don't ever recall hearing about the knee injury... Poor Chris!

 

[Yazmeen]

Just to give everyone a smile, please look at my new profile photo. Got it from the woman who runs the skating shop I buy tights and other stuff from.

And blessings to Chris and Alexa and their families.

 

[once_upon]

That made me tear up. Go Chris and Alexa. I've loved your skating from the first day I saw you.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

Thank you for sharing this @clairecloutier

 

[Frau Muller]

I think the biggest problem is that we need each pair's skater to be a stronger singles skater.

I remember back in the days when Jenny was on TSL, she mentioned that in Canada they pick out a lot of top ladies and men to become pair's skaters. I don't know if this is still the case, but I think it could work. Certainly, Cain/Leduc was the first sign that USFSA was trying this. I know pairs can be hard to learn (and that may be part of the issue with SBS jumps), but certainly there are some Junior/Novice and even Senior ladies I think would do better switching to pairs.
I think that especially for ladies it can be very crowded at the top with lots of skaters who won't be competitive at the top international competitions, but still have the potential to be competitive in Pairs - where they don't have to do a 3-3 or even a 3Lz.
Personally, after seeing them at Nationals, I'd love to see Hannah Miller and Francesca Chiera try pairs. I don't think either will ever break through in ladies, but they have more to offer.

@Sylvia Good idea! ETA: Thread is here https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/threads/us-pairs-shufflepalooza.102942/

Seconding the Hannah Miller idea!

 

[skatfan]

"But someone who made a big mistake in their 20's which fortunately didn't harm anyone should suffer eternally for that"... said no one ever.

An emotional Instagram post from Chris Knierim. Read it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd29Dv8hdWq/

What a brave couple they are. Kudos to Chris for coping with 3 different traumatic incidents in such a short period of time. Alexa too - my goodness, from going from not sure you're going to live (or live normally) to Olympian, to the stress of knowing that you aren't able to solve your achilles heel element at the final qualifying competition! I hope that they put out skates that they can be proud of, and get some down time after the season is over. They'll need it.

 

[AxelAnnie]

WOW!

 

[aftershocks]

An emotional Instagram post from Chris Knierim. Read it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd29Dv8hdWq/

Thanks for sharing Chris' post @clairecloutier. I'm choked up. I can relate to losing a parent at a young age. It's certainly beyond words to experience a series of losses. Thank God for Alexa's recovery, and kudos to Alexa and Chris for coming back so strong at Worlds last season! Good luck to Chris & Alexa at the Olympics. Soak up every moment in Pyeongchang! I'm sure for Chris that his Dad and his uncle will be with him proudly watching in spirit.

Kudos also to Tarah for enduring and overcoming her injury and rehab with Danny by her side, and to Haven for all that she's been through with her knee surgery and rehab, and a difficult rebuilding season last year. Brandon remained steadfast and used the time to work on his aesthetics. Meanwhile, Haven had to relearn how to walk before relearning how to jump. And now Haven and Brandon are still in the process of rebuilding which is quite difficult, but they've been so courageous and determined. Kudos as well to all the other pairs who have surely all been experiencing difficult obstacles, both large and small. It's nice to see the way they are all fighting back.

 

[jkl]

Junior Pairs skater, Jonah Barrett, is on icepartnersearch.