U.S. Women [#7]: Make Me a Believer!

Karen-W said:
Hard to say without more information about the nature of the injury. 😞

If she does petition for the Worlds team then I'm sure she will be given the spot, pending monitoring by the USFS in late February.
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I'm not sure about the petition or what it means exactly. I believe Isabeau would be given a bye through qualifying based on her results from the previous season's competitions.
 
Simone411 said:
I'm not sure about the petition or what it means exactly.
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USFS' 2025 Worlds/4CC/Junior Worlds selection document links are posted here: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/threads/2024-25-usfs-international-assignments.111847/#post-6615035

Relevant excerpts:

(D) Petition Athletes. Athletes/teams who qualified to compete but did not compete or
complete both segments of the competition at any of the events listed above due to injury
or illness, verified by U.S. Figure Skating medical personnel, may still be considered for
selection by petitioning to the International Committee for nomination to the World Team.
A petition in writing for consideration must be submitted to the International Committee
Chair prior to the International Committee meeting for the petitioner’s respective event

To be considered for selection by petition, the athlete must be able to prove competitive
readiness by performing complete competition programs (SP/RD, FS/FD) with all planned
program elements by a specified date, as approved and reviewed by a monitoring panel to
be determined by the International Committee. In addition, U.S. Figure Skating medical
personnel must verify that the athlete(s) will be physically ready to compete at the World
Championships. If the petition is accepted, the athlete/team will be added to the pool.

2. DISCRETIONARY SELECTION (if applicable)
2.1. Provide rationale for utilizing discretionary selection:
To field the most competitive team, U.S. Figure Skating’s International Committee
will take into consideration the criteria above to determine the athletes who will
have the best chance for success at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships to
win the maximum number of medals and future berths for the World Team the
following season.

It has been the experience of U.S. Figure Skating that the athletes who have had
success at the international level are those who have demonstrated consistent
performances as opposed to the athletes who have only a single great performance.
Therefore, by not having the selection process based solely on one event, U.S. Figure
Skating can select the best athletes to represent the United States at the ISU World
Figure Skating Championships. In addition, if there is an injury or illness that would
prevent a dominant athlete from competing at one of the events listed in section 1.2,
the petition process allows U.S. Figure Skating to consider for selection all the best
representatives for the ISU World Figure Skating Championships.
 
Sylvia said:
USFS' 2025 Worlds/4CC/Junior Worlds selection document links are posted here: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/threads/2024-25-usfs-international-assignments.111847/#post-6615035
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I found this from the link you provided under Selections:

From the pool of eligible athletes/teams established above, the respective International Committee Discipline Subcommittee will select the World Team plus up to three substituteathletes/teams in a ranked order. The purpose of the process is to select the athletes who will have the best chance for success at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships to win the maximum number of medals and future berths for the World Team the following season.
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Regarding what is stated here, Isabeau would possibly qualify. Wouldn't that be called a bye?
 
Simone411 said:
Regarding what is stated here, Isabeau would possibly qualify. Wouldn't that be called a bye?
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No a "Bye" normally refers to the qualifying process for Nationals. Top 5 in Senior in each discipline at the previous year's Nationals currently receive an automatic bye to the next year's Nationals - that's how Isabeau received her bye to 2025 Nationals (before her WD today).

Some fans do use the phrase "Bye to Worlds" (or 4CC or Jr. Worlds) but the official term used by USFS is "discretionary selection" (refer to the excerpt I added to my above post)
 
Sylvia said:
No a "Bye" normally refers to the qualifying process for Nationals. Top 5 in Senior in each discipline at the previous year's Nationals currently receive an automatic bye to the next year's Nationals - that's how Isabeau received a bye to Nationals (before her WD today).

Some fans do use the phrase "Bye to Worlds" (or 4CC or Jr. Worlds) but the official term used by USFS is "discretionary selection" (refer to the excerpt in my above post)
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Thanks so much for explaining this because I've been confused for years about exactly what a 'bye' means.
 
This Associated Press article by Dave Skretta is being reprinted in many different media outlets nationwide now:
apnews.com

World silver medalist Isabeau Levito to miss US Figure Skating championships with foot injury

World silver medalist Isabeau Levito withdrew from next week’s U.S. Figure Skating championships because of a foot injury, putting the Olympic hopeful’s chances of participating in the world championships in question.
apnews.com apnews.com
Levito could petition U.S. Figure Skating for a spot on the team that will compete at worlds in March in Boston. She has a strong case given her bronze medal at Skate America and medals at the lower-level Cranberry Cup and Nebelhorn Trophy.
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a bye is
"1.
the transfer of a competitor directly to the next round of a competition in the absence of an assigned opponent.
"he has a bye into the second round"

Within the US qualifying competition, that means from sectionals to Nationals. (And when there were regionals, there were a few provisions for byes through regionals to sectionals, but that's no longer relevant.)

Being assigned to an international competition is not advancing to a later round of the same competition structure. It's just an assignment, based on criteria that include results at Nationals, but other considerations as well. With more other considerations more explicitly spelled out now than was the case 30-40 years ago.
 
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Also, is it just me or do a lot of injuries these days since foot/Achilles tendon related?

Even Bradie broke her foot.

Isnt Loena having something going on with her foot?

Trying to remember when Amber was coming off the ice during the GP was it her foot? Or knee?
 
Pre-Nationals media call with Amber (cross-posting here from her fan thread):

@clairecloutier's thread (5 posts): https://x.com/adivinesport/status/1879312639714828577
“Last year’s Nationals, I didn’t know how to be a champion,” said Amber Glenn on a pre-Nationals call with reporters tonight. “I’m starting to get the hang of it.” She’s looking forward to skating & seeing people at Natls. “But Boston is my priority.”
“We have started building back up,” Glenn said of U.S. women. “People are doing it healthier. We’re seeing a resurgence of longer careers.” She pointed out that 3 different U.S. women’s champions will compete in Wichita (would have been 4 before Levito’s withdrawal).
Glenn said she’s “so proud” of Isabeau Levito for prioritizing her long-term health and career over the immediate pressures of Nationals.
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“There was an obvious disconnect that was happening,” Glenn said of her past consistency struggles. “A disconnect between my mind and body.” Neuropathy treatment has made a big difference. She feels that 2 past concussions played a significant role in her problems.
Her neuropathy treatment started with a baseline evaluation that included looking at heart rate variability. A session might involve watching a video of her skating, while getting messages onscreen, based on biomarkers such as her current heart rate or breathing.
“It’s not a fix-all. But it’s helped me calm down,” Glenn said of the treatment.
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Figure Skaters Online (4 posts): https://x.com/fsonline/status/1879314538136563869
Excerpt:
"I am feeling very excited. This is my ninth senior championships. Here I am going in as the top U.S. lady, which is a position I'm very fortunate to be in."
"Of course, it's [Olympics] in the back of my brain, but there are so many steps before there that are so important, especially Boston (Worlds) & getting the spots for the Olympics..."
"I don't know what things will be like in a year. All I know is that I have a training plan right now for Nationals & Worlds. But the Olympics is something that I know as long as I keep my trajectory, it'll be something that I'm capable of doing and going to."
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It's unfortunate to hear about Isabeal's withdrawal, but it's heartening to see her team prioritizing her health above all else. Considering the selection criteria, the rankings should likely be Sarah,>Elyce> Alysa. However, given the significant weight of the U.S. Nationals, I trust they will show their best form at the event. After all, the true joy of competition lies in the moment of achieving great results.
 
Well so much for bragging how much depth the US Women had at the start of the season especially with how they were winning all of those medals in the Challengers Senior B events.
 
Jammers said:
Well so much for bragging how much depth the US Women had at the start of the season especially with how they were winning all of those medals in the Challengers Senior B events.
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Well, Ava wasn't winning any of those Challengers at the start of the season. Nor was Clare. And, come to think of it, neither was Isabeau. ;)

Again, we have 4 women sitting in the SB Top 10 right now, with another 2 in the top 24 and a 7th sitting just outside at 26, and an 8th in the top 24 who is only junior age-eligible. Only Japan has greater depth - with 11 women in the SB Top 24. And Korea is the only other country with more than 1 in the top 24 - they have 2, with a 3rd sitting just outside at 25.
 
I'm most disappointed about Ziegler's injury -- her trajectory last season was exciting, and I was anticipating seeing how she'd progress this season.

As for Levito, she's a Worlds medalist, so she's entitled to a Worlds spot, provided she has recovered by March. But personally, I'd like to see her at another international before Worlds, like Challenge Cup or Four Continents.
 
Karen-W said:
At this point, based on what we saw from Haein Lee at Korean Nats earlier this month, she's not going to be a factor in the fight for Worlds Top 10.
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There were interruptions in her preparation, and she's been pretty inconsistent and unpredictable in the past. Who knows what she'll look like when Worlds rolls around. I'm really not sure what to expect from Loena either.

AngieNikodinovLove (ANL) said:
I’m surprised you say Sarah is a fridge break, I don’t feel about her that way at all.
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She's definitely a fridge break for me. I don't find Elyse terribly exciting but still prefer her. I'm not loving Bradie's programs this year. I'd much prefer to watch Amber, Alysa, and Isabeau. I hope Amber and Alysa earn spots on the World team by skating well at Nationals. I really hope that Isabeau takes the time necessary to recover. Next season is major. If she recovers and she is skating well enough to merit a spot on the Worlds team, then I'd love to see her compete at Worlds. Otherwise, I'll really miss her, but will understand if she's not at Worlds this year.
 
I agree Everhardt is a fridge break, with dated programs right out of the 1990s. BUT... I think she could easily have an Angela Nikodinov-like transformation and become a skater known for beautiful and elegant lines. The raw ingredients are all there. Relatively small differences could make huge impact. She desperately needs better choreography and training on how to present. If someone can do what Elena Tcherkaskaia (RIP) did for Angela Nikodinov, look out - she will be a world medal contender. Unlike Nikodinov, Everhardt seems to have good nerves.
 
This year aside, look at how some robotic Korean lady jumping beans with zero artistic presence have done well. Everhardt may never grow into an "artiste" but just working on her deepening edges would elevate her even higher with judges than just her being consistent with her jumps.

I'd say Yuma Kagiyama is THE BEST male skater with basic skills to die for, but I don't consider him the most emotionally artistic skater. While Ilia is THE BEST athletic skater, who is developing on the artistic side. I'd say Sarah is more like Ilia than Yuma, and can keep growing at this point. It's only her first year even being on the GP circuit. Kostner had many coltish seasons before developing into the skater many revere today.
 
peibeck said:
This year aside, look at how some robotic Korean lady jumping beans with zero artistic presence have done well. Everhardt may never grow into an "artiste" but just working on her deepening edges would elevate her even higher with judges than just her being consistent with her jumps.

I'd say Yuma Kagiyama is THE BEST male skater with basic skills to die for, but I don't consider him the most emotionally artistic skater. While Ilia is THE BEST athletic skater, who is developing on the artistic side. I'd say Sarah is more like Ilia than Yuma, and can keep growing at this point. It's only her first year even being on the GP circuit. Kostner had many coltish seasons before developing into the skater many revere today.
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This is ironic because Sarah and Ilia share coaches (his parents). Give her time. This is her 1st Senior Season. She has already made tremendous artistic progress from last season to this season. She and her team are not resting on their laurels. Rather than rush her to debut a quad this season (as we used to see every season with the Russian girls), they have made improving her artistry the priority. They are bringing in outside choreographers (like Shae Lynn-Bourne). It will make a difference over time (like it did with Nathan Chen, Yuma Kagiyama, Michelle Kwan and Carolina Kostner). Moreover, I can see that Sarah has made a big commitment this season to improving her artistry (I love that interview that she did for Goldenskate that @Sylvia posted). I give Sarah an "A" for effort. I think she is just starting her artistic journey.
 
layman said:
This is ironic because Sarah and Ilia share coaches (his parents). Give her time. This is her 1st Senior Season. She has already made tremendous artistic progress from last season to this season. She and her team are not resting on their laurels. Rather than rush her to debut a quad this season (as we used to see every season with the Russian girls), they have made improving her artistry the priority. They are bringing in outside choreographers (like Shae Lynn-Bourne). It will make a difference over time (like it did with Nathan Chen, Yuma Kagiyama, Michelle Kwan and Carolina Kostner). Moreover, I can see that Sarah has made a big commitment this season to improving her artistry (I love that interview that she did for Goldenskate that @Sylvia posted). I give Sarah an "A" for effort. I think she is just starting her artistic journey.
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:rofl: Erm... did you read my post? Giving her time is what I was advocating for, if that wasn't clear. But also just because she needs to develop that side, for me at least, it doesn't preclude her from getting a spot in Boston IF she earns it.

Better to push the future of US ladies with at least one new entry and let veterans fight for the other spot.
 
peibeck said:
I'd say Yuma Kagiyama is THE BEST male skater with basic skills to die for, but I don't consider him the most emotionally artistic skater. While Ilia is THE BEST athletic skater, who is developing on the artistic side. I'd say Sarah is more like Ilia than Yuma, and can keep growing at this point. It's only her first year even being on the GP circuit.
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I think Ilia is much better than Sarah in this regard. But, she can look to Ilia for inspiration because he has improved a lot over the last few years. I also don't think that Sarah is currently in the same league as Yuma artistically (or, obviously, when it comes to skating skills). That doesn't mean she won't be eventually, but I definitely don't think she currently is. I respect her consistency, but I think she has a scoring ceiling right now and we have no idea how she would perform if there were big expectations on her.
 
I agree Everhardt has potential.

But Angela Nikodinov's Fridge Break Mummy program was more engaging than Everhardt's Firebird. She undoubtedly needs to work on her presentation and performance, but this program is far beneath her current abilities. A big misstep from her coaching team -- a more competent choreographer could disguise some of her weaknesses.

On the technical side, all of her non-jump elements are below average for a top-level skater.

I'd like to see her at Junior Worlds.
 
jägerbomb said:
I agree Everhardt has potential.

But Angela Nikodinov's Fridge Break Mummy program was more engaging than Everhardt's Firebird. She undoubtedly needs to work on her presentation and performance, but this program is far beneath her current abilities. A big misstep from her coaching team -- a more competent choreographer could disguise some of her weaknesses.

On the technical side, all of her non-jump elements are below average for a top-level skater.

I'd like to see her at Junior Worlds.
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All the love in the world to ANL, who I know is going to come swooping in here at the first whisper of a diss of Angela Nikodinov, but she was BORING and in no way nearly as interesting or exciting in her potential as Everhardt. Sarah has displayed better competitive nerve than Angela ever did, even after her "transformation" and that's something far too many fans discount for the flashier, prettier skater. There's a reason why my other favorite Sarah is an Olympic champion.
 
Karen-W said:
All the love in the world to ANL, who I know is going to come swooping in here at the first whisper of a diss of Angela Nikodinov, but she was BORING and in no way nearly as interesting or exciting in her potential as Everhardt. Sarah has displayed better competitive nerve than Angela ever did, even after her "transformation" and that's something far too many fans discount for the flashier, prettier skater. There's a reason why my other favorite Sarah is an Olympic champion.
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I definitely preferred Angela to Sarah. Angela certainly wasn't a dynamic skater, but I thought that she conveyed the music and choreography appropriately, and I enjoyed her a lot more than I do Sarah. (And, although I was not a big Sarah Hughes fan, I prefer her to Sarah E.) I don't find Sarah E. remotely interesting or exciting. But, as I've said, there is something to be said for Sarah's consistency. I loved Nicole Bobek's skating, but . . .
 
jägerbomb said:
I agree Everhardt has potential.

But Angela Nikodinov's Fridge Break Mummy program was more engaging than Everhardt's Firebird. She undoubtedly needs to work on her presentation and performance, but this program is far beneath her current abilities. A big misstep from her coaching team -- a more competent choreographer could disguise some of her weaknesses.

On the technical side, all of her non-jump elements are below average for a top-level skater.

I'd like to see her at Junior Worlds.
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I really don’t think anything has to do with the program itself. The program is not bad imo. The movements are not bad. She is not expressing herself at all unless she is portraying a statue. I would argue that Angela‘s mummy program was just not good and rather boring the same with her short program for that year just really did not doing much of anything with bizarre music cuts. Angela was much better than those programs and she showed us the next year. It wasn’t that Angela‘s programs needed to become more complicated or actually even use different moves, but the pacing of the program was not right in previous years. It just didn’t flow and I don’t think Angela believed what she was doing.
 
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