U.S. Women [#8]: Meet Me in St. Louis

[ChillSkate]

Interesting to note that Amber's 214.78 would have been 4th at Grand Prix de France and Alysa's 212.07 would have been 5th. For reference, Isabeau finished 4th and scored 212.71 at GP France - it was a tough field!

 

[PRlady]

But it also shows how close the three women are: who goes to Milan as national champ will come down to who’s best on that day at Nats. They’re really a talented crew and so different from each other, it’s a pleasure to watch them.

 

[ChillSkate]

But it also shows how close the three women are: who goes to Milan as national champ will come down to who’s best on that day at Nats. They’re really a talented crew and so different from each other, it’s a pleasure to watch them.

Totally agree. And I do think it will be those 3 in Milan barring injury. Very glad we get to enjoy all 3!

 

[A.H.Black]

Amber and Alysa are so different in that Amber just with her face looks so stress all of the time when she goes out there and Alysa is smiling like nothing is bothering her even thought we know she gets those nerves like any competitor does. It is fascinating how some skaters like Alysa can hide the nerves but other skaters like Amber and Gracie when she was skating look terrified at times.

Alysa has mentioned in interviews that she doesn't get nervous. She has tried to make herself nervous so she will feel an "edge" but it's not natural to her. I think that's amazing, though not unheard of. I think she feels excitement and anticipation, but not the debilitating feeling of nerves.

 

[PRlady]

Alysa has mentioned in interviews that she doesn't get nervous. She has tried to make herself nervous so she will feel an "edge" but it's not natural to her. I think that's amazing, though not unheard of. I think she feels excitement and anticipation, but not the debilitating feeling of nerves.

I hope she goes on to a career in the military or diplomatic corps, the country could use her.

 

[Allskate]

Interesting to note that Amber's 214.78 would have been 4th at Grand Prix de France and Alysa's 212.07 would have been 5th. For reference, Isabeau finished 4th and scored 212.71 at GP France - it was a tough field!

That was a very tough field. Bummer for Isabeau, who would have medaled in China, but an even bigger bummer if you are a Japanese skater trying to make the Olympic team and are going up again the GPdeF medalists. I can understand why Rinka went for the triple axel combo; she's battling for a spot on the Olympic team.

Fortunately for both Amber and Alysa, they don't have to go up against Kaori or Ami in either of their GP events. Amber and Alysa have really good shots at making the GP Final. Isabeau will be skating against Ami again next week, alongside Mone Chiba. More of a Japanese competition within a competition. At this point, Isabeau doesn't really have a chance of making the final anyway, so I'm glad it's her that's going to be there and not Amber or Alysa. Maybe it's good for Mone that Isabeau and Ami just had a competition and might be a little tired? I'm there for the Japanese skating drama.

OK I am going to tell you something, I do secretly wish that after most programs she didn’t go right to …my back …or my neck or sad because she missed one jump yet still wins everything. I want to see her, stand up, smile, and take her bows and show she is fierce no matter what.. then go to the KNC and emote.

I generally hate it when someone tells people to smile, but I agree. I don't think it's strategically smart to look unhappy immediately after you finish your program, especially when you did quite well, just not perfect. If you don't look happy with how good your performance was, then why should the judges think it was good? That's the last image they see before giving PCS scores. Amber rarely looks happy when she finishes her programs.

I feel the same way about Isabeau. I get being a perfectionist. But, if she makes even one small mistake, as soon as she finishes her final pose she breaks character and you can immediately see the disappointment. Not wise. It would be good for her to save that look until after she gets to the kiss and cry and the judges aren't watching or already have scored her.

 

[jägerbomb]

Good event for Amber and Alysa in China.

It's clear MacArthur Park's moment has passed. I love Alysa, but she was the recipient of World Champ scoring bonus here. Let's hope the retooled Gaga program is successful.

 

[Wyliefan]

It's clear MacArthur Park's moment has passed.

I'm not so sure. It wasn't the program that was the problem in the last minute; it was the fact that she was gassed. When she's not, she makes that footwork sing.

I can't believe I'm defending this program after I disliked it for most of last season. But the way she rocked it at Worlds made a believer out of me.

 

[Allskate]

I can't believe I'm defending this program after I disliked it for most of last season. But the way she rocked it at Worlds made a believer out of me.

IMO, Worlds is the only time she's really rocked it. She deserves a better program. I'm looking forward to seeing a reworked Lady GaGa program.