tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87690748909047913862024-03-06T01:04:35.371-05:00Naked IceOne spectator's bluntly honest and (sometimes) objective take on ladies figure skating...Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.comBlogger272125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-88745910690391995622022-02-01T10:17:00.002-05:002022-02-01T10:17:18.584-05:002022 Beijing Olympics: Top Women to Watch<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The 2022 Beijing Olympics are about to begin! In case you haven't been keeping up with what's going on in the world of women's figure skating, I've put together a quick who's who for the women's event. These are the women to watch over the next few weeks: Kamila Valieva, Alexandra Trusova, Anna Shcherbakova, Kaori Sakamoto, Loena Hendrickx, Alysa Liu, Young You, Wakaba Higuchi, Mariah Bell, Yelim Kim, Mana Kawabe and more!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="316" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X7EoJBTh5as" width="479" youtube-src-id="X7EoJBTh5as"></iframe></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-17783743632130469932022-01-26T11:11:00.005-05:002022-01-26T11:11:23.500-05:002022 Four Continents Championship: Recap<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We're down to the final big competition ahead of the 2022 Olympics kicking off next week. In an Olympic year Four Continents is a chance for Olympians to work out kinks ahead of the big event and a chance for those who didn't make the team to end their season on a high note. Check out my quick review featuring Mai Mihara, Haein Lee, Yelim Kim, Audrey Shin, Young You, Rino Matsuike, Yuhana Yokoi, Starr Andrews and Gabrielle Daleman.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="316" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/omQcwJKNgoI" width="480" youtube-src-id="omQcwJKNgoI"></iframe></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-87298626087124029292022-01-19T08:36:00.005-05:002022-01-19T08:36:49.162-05:002022 European Championships: Recap<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The 2022 European Championships was one of the last major competitions we'll see ahead of the Olympics in Beijing. As usual, these championships are like a rematch of the Russian nationals, with the top three finishers (Kamila Valieva, Anna Shcherbakova and Alexandra Trusova) all battling for the gold medal. There were some surprises, however, from Belgium's Loena Hendrickx as well as stand out performances from Poland's Ekaterina Kurakova and Georgia's Anastasiia Gubanova. Check out my quick review of the women's event.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="321" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EXGn5M7dyQM" width="480" youtube-src-id="EXGn5M7dyQM"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-3113603072517242152022-01-14T14:13:00.006-05:002022-01-14T14:13:59.372-05:002022 U.S. National Championships: Part Two<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In part two of my 2022 U.S. National Championship recap, I take a look at the men's, ice dance and pairs event.
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="314" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/20TpnkBb0Zk" width="482" youtube-src-id="20TpnkBb0Zk"></iframe></div><p></p>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-17864110063966565072022-01-12T19:55:00.000-05:002022-01-12T19:55:02.633-05:002022 U.S. National Championships: Part One<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This past weekend the U.S. National Championships took place. The competition is always stressful but the pressure was on even more as this year it counted as the Olympic Trials for the selection of the 2022 Beijing Olympic Teams. With the additional hurtle of COVID to worry about, the competition quickly turned into a bit of a hot mess. Hot mess that it was, there were still some great moments as well as some rather controversial ones people will be talking about for weeks...
In Part One of this recap I take a look at the women's event which featured Alysa Liu, Mariah Bell, Karen Chen and Amber Glenn as well as Isabeau Levito and Gracie Gold. Check back soon for Part Two which will cover the men, ice dance and pairs!</span> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hsfrla1nUBI" width="482" youtube-src-id="hsfrla1nUBI"></iframe></div><p></p>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-45961568615743053892022-01-06T00:39:00.005-05:002022-01-06T00:39:48.862-05:002022 US Nationals: Preview<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The 2022 US National Championships are here! The senior women will compete in the short program later this evening. We'll see Alysa Liu, Mariah Bell, Karen Chen, Amber Glenn, Isabeau Levito, Lindsay Thorngren, Gracie Gold and more. Check out my quick preview of this event before the competition gets underway! Click the video below or check it out on my YouTube channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZEEeILFvhYWD7cFWMJrCw" target="_blank">Bare Ice</a>.</span></p><p><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="312" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vdZ5WGszDRY" width="479" youtube-src-id="vdZ5WGszDRY"></iframe></div><br /><p></p>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-21451155441967448632022-01-05T10:13:00.002-05:002022-01-05T10:13:55.015-05:002021-2022 Russian & Japanese Nationals: My Thoughts<p><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Happy New Year! Over the holidays two of the biggest countries in figure skating held their nationals championships. With spots to the 2022 Beijing Olympics on the line, the pressure and stakes were higher than ever. I'm a little too late for a recap but decided to give my thoughts on the outcome of the events for the women's event anyway. I take a look at Kaori Sakamoto, Wakaba Higuchi, Mana Kawabe and Mai Mihara of Japan, and then give my thoughts on Kamila Valieva, Alexandra Trusova, Anna Shcherbakova, Adeliia Petrosian and Elizaveta Tuktamysheva of Russia. Check it out below or on my YouTube channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZEEeILFvhYWD7cFWMJrCw" target="_blank">Bare Ice</a>. </span></p><p><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O-6GD3Oqqa0" width="468" youtube-src-id="O-6GD3Oqqa0"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-16258002656945445202021-12-16T09:12:00.003-05:002021-12-16T09:12:31.557-05:00Alena Kostornaia's Season Ends & Figure Skating Fails Yet Again...<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Alena Kostornaia suffered a fracture to her wrist which will prevent her from competing at Russian nationals, effectively ending her chances to make the Olympic team and her season as well. I take a look at this devastating end to this chapter of her career as well as give my thoughts on why injuries like this are symptomatic of a much bigger problem within the skating community.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BDMVazTpixo" width="484" youtube-src-id="BDMVazTpixo"></iframe></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-28137698963135835342021-12-09T11:40:00.001-05:002021-12-09T11:40:20.721-05:002021 Grand Prix Series: Top 5 Element Scores - Short Program<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">With the Grand Prix Final canceled, the Grand Prix season is officially over. In light of that fact, I decided it was time for some fun with numbers. I selected a few elements from the short program and free skate, and compared them across all six competitions. Many of the top scores were predictable but there are a few surprises. Click the video below or check it out on my YouTube channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZEEeILFvhYWD7cFWMJrCw" target="_blank">Bare Ice.</a></span></p><p><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="316" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vwnsuW97IrE" width="481" youtube-src-id="vwnsuW97IrE"></iframe></div><br /><p></p>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-6700485688447094902021-12-01T10:08:00.000-05:002021-12-01T10:08:03.322-05:002021 Rostelecom Cup: Event Recap<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The final event of the 2021-2022 Grand Prix Season, Rostelecom Cup, took place last weekend. With spots to the Final on the line, there was still plenty of competition in this last event. Check out my review for 2021 Rostelecom Cup below or on my channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZEEeILFvhYWD7cFWMJrCw" target="_blank">Bare Ice</a>.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/un12r7qUuoc" width="480" youtube-src-id="un12r7qUuoc"></iframe></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-25616433653923607192021-11-24T15:57:00.005-05:002021-11-24T15:57:28.876-05:002021 Internationaux de France: Women's Event Recap<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The 2021 Internationaux de France was the second to last event of the 2021 Grand Prix season and spots were on the line for a number of skaters. Anna Shcherbakova went for her 4th straight Grand Prix gold medal, Alena Kostornaia looked to bounce back after disappointment at her first event, and Wakaba Higuchi aimed to finish her Grand Prix season on a high note. Check out my recap of the women's event below or on my channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZEEeILFvhYWD7cFWMJrCw" target="_blank">Bare Ice</a>. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="328" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WLIz7ZSjeQg" width="478" youtube-src-id="WLIz7ZSjeQg"></iframe></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-73813616365657506672021-11-17T11:30:00.008-05:002021-11-17T11:30:54.518-05:002021 NHK Trophy: Event Recap<br />Injuries took a lot of key competitors out of the event, but NHK Trophy still ended up being a great competition overall. Check out my event recap below or on my channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZEEeILFvhYWD7cFWMJrCw" target="_blank">Bare Ice</a>.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="351" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4vfWAYpQLMw" width="476" youtube-src-id="4vfWAYpQLMw"></iframe></div></div>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-15001985108172203712021-11-10T12:34:00.001-05:002021-11-10T12:34:28.344-05:002021 Gran Premio D'Italia: Event Recap<p>Check out my recap of the 2021 Gran Premio D'Italia! Click the video below or visit my YouTube channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZEEeILFvhYWD7cFWMJrCw" target="_blank">Bare Ice</a>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="316" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S-y3RXwK_ks" width="488" youtube-src-id="S-y3RXwK_ks"></iframe></div><br /><p></p>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-4871876831875312902021-11-04T10:56:00.001-04:002021-11-04T10:56:34.130-04:002021 Gran Premio D'Italia: Preview<p> I take a quick look at the women's event for 2021 Gran Premio D'Italia. Click the video below or check out my channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZEEeILFvhYWD7cFWMJrCw" target="_blank">Bare Ice</a>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="314" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/poJjagCfv5Y" width="478" youtube-src-id="poJjagCfv5Y"></iframe></div><br /><p></p>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-69671894625281724602021-11-03T10:19:00.004-04:002021-11-03T10:19:26.402-04:002021 Skate Canada: Event Recap<p>I'll take a look at all of the action that went down at 2021 Skate Canada. Click the video below or visit my channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZEEeILFvhYWD7cFWMJrCw" target="_blank">Bare Ice</a>. Please like, share and subscribe!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="314" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9YvKpZUrRWs" width="475" youtube-src-id="9YvKpZUrRWs"></iframe></div><br /><p></p>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-40581125616680346102021-10-28T21:57:00.002-04:002021-10-28T21:57:42.047-04:002021 Skate Canada: Preview<p> It's a packed field in the women's event at Skate Canada this year: Kamila Valieva, Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, Alysa Liu, Alena Kostornaia, Wakaba Higuchi, Mai Mihara, Mana Kawabe and Haein Lee... This event is going to be amazing! </p><p>Check out my quick preview of the competitors we'll see when the competition kicks off tomorrow. Click the video below or visit my channel, Bare Ice. Please like, share and subscribe!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="316" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8y0m8W1eJDI" width="481" youtube-src-id="8y0m8W1eJDI"></iframe></div><br /><p></p>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-85998961681727774732021-10-27T22:00:00.002-04:002021-10-27T22:00:49.664-04:002021 Skate America: Event RecapI'll take a look at the women's event at 2021 Skate America and, for the first time, I'll also give my thoughts on the men, ice dance and pairs. Check it out below or on my channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZEEeILFvhYWD7cFWMJrCw" target="_blank"><b>Bare Ice</b></a>. Please don't forget to like and subscribe!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="333" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/564NiugLKWM" width="488" youtube-src-id="564NiugLKWM"></iframe></div><br /></div>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-82849151131393258992021-10-21T22:09:00.004-04:002021-10-21T22:09:47.109-04:002021 Skate America: Preview<p>Woot woot!! The Grand Prix season is officially here! Check out my preview of the top women competing this weekend at Skate America on my channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZEEeILFvhYWD7cFWMJrCw" target="_blank">Bare Ice</a>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Wsqzi3mwFg" width="497" youtube-src-id="3Wsqzi3mwFg"></iframe></div><br /><p></p>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-75406839520477830062021-10-17T22:22:00.001-04:002021-10-17T22:22:38.912-04:002021 Budapest Trophy & Asian Open<p> Check out my thoughts on this past week's competitions, Budapest Trophy and Asian Open, on my channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5TCWuCzTek" target="_blank">Bare Ice</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="311" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y5TCWuCzTek" width="497" youtube-src-id="y5TCWuCzTek"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-33229669619467457192021-10-15T11:18:00.000-04:002021-10-15T11:18:53.448-04:00I'm Back and I've Got Big News!<p>Guess who's back? It's ME! Yes, I know, I've missed all of you too! So it's been three years (<i>to the day!</i>) since my last post here on <i>Naked Ice</i>. As promised, I'm back...but things are going to be a little different around here...</p><p>Managing this blog was a labor of love and I'm immensely proud of it. However, I'd been feeling like I wanted to take <i>Naked Ice</i> to the next level. It was an idea I bounced around for the past year or so and, finally, I decided to just go for it. So...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I started a YouTube channel!</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ewokPlIjj2A" width="320" youtube-src-id="ewokPlIjj2A"></iframe></i></b></div><b><i><br /></i></b><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Introducing <b><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZEEeILFvhYWD7cFWMJrCw" target="_blank">Bare Ice</a></i></b>, my new figure skating channel! (<i>*squeal!*</i>) I've wanted to start a channel for the longest and, like they say, there's no time like the present. As much as I love my blog's moniker (<i>Naked Ice</i>), I know asking anyone to go to YouTube and search "naked" anything is just asking for all kinds of potentially gross and therapy inducing trouble...</p><p>Therefore, <i>Naked Ice </i>has evolved to become <b><i>Bare Ice</i></b>.</p><p>I'm SO excited to be doing this! My first video, an intro to the channel, is up now (click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewokPlIjj2A" target="_blank">here </a>or above). It would mean the world to me if you would check it out, like it and subscribe to my channel. I won't say I'll never write anything on <i>Naked Ice </i>again, but for now my focus will be on <b><i>Bare Ice</i></b>. I'm keeping the same Twitter account (<a href="https://twitter.com/NakedIceBlog" target="_blank">@NakedIceBlog</a>) with a slight name change and I'll post <i><b>Bare Ice</b></i> updates here on <i>Naked Ice</i>. Thanks to everyone who followed my blog and I hope you'll continue to follow me over at my new channel.</p><p>Thanks!</p>Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-35588892938673871822018-10-15T14:29:00.000-04:002018-10-15T14:29:02.297-04:00Naked Ice is Taking a Break!Hi all!<br />
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After giving it lots of thought I've made the decision to take a break from my blog for this season. I'm not sure if I'll take the Grand Prix off and pick it back up for nationals, or if I'll take the entire season off and come back to blogging full-time next season. As of now, it's an indefinite break.<br />
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I will, of course, continue to follow the season as I always do--the only difference is I won't be talking about it at length here on my blog. However, I will be around on the forums and I'll give my quick thoughts on Twitter too, so make sure to follow me if you don't already (@NakedIceBlog).<br />
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Thank you <b><i>so much </i></b>to everyone who has continued to check in over the years. I'll be back, I promise!<br />
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- Naked Ice 😘Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-88197050609587995542018-08-15T10:17:00.001-04:002018-08-16T13:03:05.900-04:002017-2018 Off Season Fun: Top 5 Favorites From the Past 4 Seasons (2014-2018)I'm going to wrap up the 2017-2018 Off Season Fun with a look back at the past four seasons. There have been so many amazing moments over the past four years but I've narrowed it down to my top 5 favorite things from each season.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">2014-2015 Season</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<u><b>5. Samantha Cesario's "Carmen" FS</b></u></div>
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<a href="https://i.imgur.com/q9YARp7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://i.imgur.com/q9YARp7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
"Carmen" is <i><b>so </b></i>overused but Sammie's amazing program breathed new life into this battered old warhorse. This is my all-time favorite "Carmen" program.<br />
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<b><u>4. Elena Radionova's Stellar Season</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://i.imgur.com/7bYsFKZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="615" height="260" src="https://i.imgur.com/7bYsFKZ.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
Elena's sophomore season was her best. She won gold at both of her GP events, silver at the Final, a national championship, silver at Euros and bronze at Worlds. Amazing season!<br />
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<b><u>3. Elizaveta Tuktamysheva's Rise to the Top</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://i.imgur.com/Rk8W9zj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="395" height="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/Rk8W9zj.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
Liza T had a monster season this year. Armed with consistent jumps, two strong programs and a triple axel, she won the Final, Europeans and the World Championships.<br />
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<b><u>2. Ashley Wagner's 3rd National Title</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://i.imgur.com/ADb1AZi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="436" height="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/ADb1AZi.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
After somewhat struggling through the GP Ashley surprised everyone by winning bronze at the Final and followed it up with a showstopping performance in the FS at nationals to win her 3rd title.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>1. Satoko Miyahara's "Miss Saigon" FS</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://i.imgur.com/CCOk9jt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="396" height="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/CCOk9jt.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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I feel like this program was an absolute masterpiece: the music edits, the gorgeous choreography, Satoko's elegant and graceful performance. This is my favorite FS of the quad.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">2015-2016 Season</span></i></b></div>
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<u><b>5. Elena Radionova's "Titanic" FS</b></u></div>
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<a href="https://i.imgur.com/nbwFoMU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="475" height="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/nbwFoMU.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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This FS was the absolute worst but I love it because of Elena. Despite the ridiculousness of this terrible program Elena proved that she was a performer through and through...Y'all, it was SO bad!<br />
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<b><u>4. Anna Pogorilaya's Mid-Season Turnaround </u></b></div>
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<a href="https://i.imgur.com/Z2Bvlip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/Z2Bvlip.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
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Anna had a rough time on the GP but turned it around at nationals with two clean programs and a bronze medal. She went on to place 3rd at Euros and win a surprise bronze at Worlds.<br />
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<u><b>3. Evgenia Medvedeva's Reign Begins</b></u></div>
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<a href="https://i.imgur.com/10XrBUz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="532" height="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/10XrBUz.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
Evgenia's senior debut was unbelievable. She won gold at her first event, silver at her second, and then won the Final, nationals, Euros and Worlds. Evgenia remained undefeated until January of 2018.<br />
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<u><b>2. Mao Asada's Return to Competition</b></u></div>
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<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
After sitting out in 2014-2015, Mao returned to competition. Even though she struggled at times, Mao continued to amaze us with her skating. Her "Bei Mir Bistu Shein" is one of my favorite SPs<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; font-size: 14px;">.</span></span><br />
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<u><b>1. Ashley Wagner Wins Silver at Worlds</b></u></div>
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<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
Despite a zillion naysayers Ashley rose to the occasion and delivered at Worlds in front of a home crowd, earning a silver medal and ending the 10 year medal drought for the U.S. women.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">2016-2017 Season</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
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<u><b>5. Rika Kihira's Historic 8-Triple FS at Ljubljana Cup</b></u></div>
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<a href="https://i.imgur.com/H6gzNWB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="501" height="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/H6gzNWB.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
Rika became the first woman to receive full credit for 8-triple jumps in a program at a junior level event. This was a major milestone for women's skating, even though it didn't get as much attention as it deserved.<br />
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<b><u>4. Mao Asada's Final Season</u></b></div>
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This wasn't a favorite moment but it was very significant for the sport. Mao retired as an Olympic silver medalist, 3-time World Champion, 6-time national champion and an absolute <b>legend </b>in this sport.<br />
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<u><b>3. Evgenia Medvedeva's Back-to-Back World Titles</b></u></div>
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<a href="https://i.imgur.com/JIfWaDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="695" height="312" src="https://i.imgur.com/JIfWaDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
Evgenia continued her domination of the women's field by winning her second consecutive World title. She became the first woman to defend the title since Michelle Kwan in 2001.<br />
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<u><b>2. Canada Goes 2-for-3 at Worlds</b></u></div>
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<a href="https://i.imgur.com/W3ntL0N.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="223" src="https://i.imgur.com/W3ntL0N.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
Kaetlyn Osmond and Gabrielle Daleman made history, finishing 2nd and 3rd at Worlds. It was the first time Canada medaled at Worlds since Joannie Rochette took silver in 2009.<br />
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<u><b>1. Kaetlyn Osmond's "Sous le ciel de Paris" SP</b></u></div>
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<a href="https://i.imgur.com/iaxaUx4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="444" height="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/iaxaUx4.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
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<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
This program was the perfect vehicle for Kaetlyn to showcase her elegance and presence as well as her speed and power. This is a masterpiece and signature program. It's my favorite SP of the quad.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">2017-2018 Season</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<u><b>5. Alina Zagitova's Game Changing Debut</b></u></div>
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<a href="https://i.imgur.com/YtYJiCi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="648" height="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/YtYJiCi.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>
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<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
Alina debuted in a whirl of tutus and triples. Her 100% backloaded programs changed the sport and helped her to claim gold at both of her GP events, the Final, nationals, Euros and the Olympics.<br />
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<u><b>4. Alexandra Trusova's Historic Quads</b></u></div>
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<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
Alexandra made history by becoming only the 2nd woman to land a quad and the first woman to land two quads. She went on to land an additional 7 triple jumps en route to her 1st junior world title.<br />
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<u><b>3. Carolina Kostner's SP at Worlds in Milan</b></u></div>
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<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
Carolina gave a stunning performance of her "No me quitte pas" SP in Milan at Worlds. It was such a wonderful moment to see her have that kind of skate in front of a home crowd.<br />
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<u><b>2. The 2018 World Podium</b></u></div>
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<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
This was the biggest surprise of the quad for me. No one could have predicted the outcome of this event. That was one of the reasons it was such a thrilling ending: no one saw it coming...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>1. Mirai Nagasu's Olympic Moment</b></u></div>
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Mirai's historic triple axel/8-triple program and bronze medal in the Olympic team event were amazing. As a long time fan it was heartwarming to see achieve her goal.<br />
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It has been an amazing quad of skating and I'm looking forward to the next four years. I feel like a lot of things are changing...whether the changes are good or bad remains to be seen. I suppose we'll find out. I'm looking forward to seeing how these next four years go. Thanks to everyone who has checked in/lurked around for the past 7 years. <br />
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The Junior Grand Prix series kicks off next week. Due to some obligations I won't be reviewing the series as I have in years past. I'll definitely watch and tweet my thoughts (@NakedIceBlog) so I'll still be around. At the end of the JGP season I'll do a season review and take a look at the top skaters heading to the Final. <br />
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Here's to another four years of figure skating!Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-22607263646573269902018-08-10T09:02:00.002-04:002018-08-10T09:02:28.797-04:002017-2018 Off Season Fun: Top Fashion Looks + Top 5 Favorite SPs & FSsHi all! It's time for Off Season Fun, YAAAY! Given it's a bit late this year, I'm only doing two posts. Still, it should be fun. First up, Fashion Review and Top 5 Favorite programs for both the SP and FS...all in one!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2017-2018 Fashion Review - Top Looks</span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Short Program</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Winner - Ashley Wagner</b></span></div>
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<a name='more'></a>This dress was all kinds of gorgeous and might be my favorite SP dress of hers ever. Gorgeous gold accents, I loved the jewel toned ombre color and the asymmetrical skirt of the dress. Ashley's sleek ponytail and smokey eye made the whole look pop. My favorite of the season!<br />
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<b><i>Honorable Mention</i></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://i.imgur.com/RGXfkbb.jpg" target="_blank"><b>Elena Radionova:</b></a> It was like art deco meets flapper style. I thought she looked amazing!</div>
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<a href="https://i.imgur.com/PqRrpUu.jpg" target="_blank"><b>Starr Andrews:</b></a> This looked perfect on her. Definitely the best bodysuit of the season!<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Free Skate</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Winner - Dabin Choi</span></b></div>
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<i><b><br /></b></i>
I don't know what it was about this dress but I remember saying "Ooooh" when I saw it. The neckline was lovely and the color was gorgeous on Dabin. All of the crystal accents on the bodice were what really made this one stand out. I thought Dabin looked stunning.<br />
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<b><i>Honorable Mention</i></b></div>
<b><a href="https://i.imgur.com/N2dfTjp.jpg" target="_blank">Evgenia</a> <a href="https://i.imgur.com/z2DllLp.jpg" target="_blank">Medvedeva</a>:</b> These dresses were almost too much...but for some reason they still work for me.<br />
<b><a href="https://i.imgur.com/nBY6Vho.jpg" target="_blank">Ashley Wagner:</a> </b>Loved this <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0wEVBJHpJpa0I_xQbapBUxCK3GaXRwSFQysXMqe3eddyY-CTVySlJiQHLHcPE99ItjYi54zrbpysZTkqJXVyufI2dzh_nAWbifx3ZMLKqUep99VOUQVxXx6dX8JaMU9kNGE-TUd6XAk/s1600/EmmaStone.jpg" target="_blank">Valentino inspired</a> dress. The color, the star accents...everything. Beautiful!<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2017-2018 Top 5 Favorite Programs</span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Short Program</span></i></b></div>
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<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>5. Alena Kostornaia - Adios Nonino</b></u><br />
I'm a huge fan of Alena, especially her style. She's controlled, smooth and elegant and not at all like your typical Eteri skater. There's a real maturity and polish to her that the majority of skaters her age lack. I wouldn't have expected her to pull off this music but she did and did it brilliantly.<br />
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<b><u>4. Marin Honda - The Giving</u></b><br />
Marin is a dream to watch. There's this lovely smoothness and ease to her skating that is so gorgeous. I loved this music and thought it fit Marin's style perfectly. The jumps weren't always working but when they did, she was able to cast a spell with this program.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="250" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nUuiiiuhpJw" width="460"></iframe></center>
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<b><u>3. Wakaba Higuchi - Gypsy Dance</u></b><br />
This program showcased Wakaba's versatility and really illustrated to me how much she's grown. The music went from dramatic to light to energetic and fun. Wakaba was able to bring something different to each part of the program. Loved this one!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="250" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IEzrxwUjTpI" width="460"></iframe></center>
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>2. Carolina Kostner - No me quitte pas</b></u><br />
This was Carolina in her element. She brings so much emotion and depth to her performances and it was amazing to watch. Beautiful choreography paired with the epicness of Celine Dion's voice made this program one of my all-time favorites from Carolina. Her performance at Worlds in Milan was one of her best ever.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="250" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eELrw9MpWOc" width="460"></iframe></center>
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<u><b>1. Satoko Miyahara - Memoirs of a Geisha</b></u><br />
This program is in the running for best SP of the quad for me. The choreography, the music selections, the delivery...this was nothing short of a masterpiece. Satoko continues to find ways to blow my mind. Absolutely stunning program and my favorite of the season.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Honorable Mention</b></i></div>
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<u><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxp8lENwg70" target="_blank">Emmy Ma - One More Try:</a></b></u> If you don't watch the JGP you may have missed this one. This SP was a perfect example of movement illustrating music. So few people who use lyrics do this and it kills the effectiveness and point of even having lyrics. Hats off to the choreographer, Jamie Isley, and to Emmy for delivering this gem so beautifully.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Free Skate</span></i></b></div>
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<u><b>5. Ashley Wagner - La La Land</b></u><br />
I think it was a major mistake not to use this program from the beginning. This was a lighter and fresher feel for Ashley and brought out a different side of her performance. I hate that she only got to perform this once competitively.<br />
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<b><u>4. Evgenia Medvedeva - Anna Karenina</u></b><br />
I really loved this program for Evgenia mainly because it felt so different from everything else she'd ever done. I enjoyed the range of emotions she was able to portray during the program and her performance in Pyeongchang was the best I've ever seen from her.<br />
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<b><u><br /></u></b><b><u>3. Kaetlyn Osmond - Swan Lake/Black Swan</u></b><br />
I know there were mixed feelings about this one but I loved it. I thought the intensity and drama of the music matched well with Kaetlyn's powerful style. There were beautiful choreographic touches throughout and the program was very effective, especially when she skated well.<br />
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<u><b><br /></b></u><u><b>2. Satoko Miyaraha - Madame Butterfly</b></u><br />
There have been a million Madam Butterflies over the last couple of years but this was a definite standout for me. Amazing attention to detail and masterful delivery, as always. Oh Tiny Queen, we are not worthy...<br />
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<u><b>1. Wakaba Higuchi - Skyfall</b></u><br />
This program was a showstopper. Hats off to Shae-Lynn Bourne for this masterpiece. I thought the music edits were brilliant and the pacing of the program was just perfect. Wakaba brought this quiet intensity to the performance and then just exploded with all of the passion and emotion at the end. Fantastic delivery, awesome program and my favorite of the year.<br />
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<i><b>Honorable Mention</b></i></div>
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<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<u><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wai02a9ogMA" target="_blank">Alina Zagitova - Don Quixote:</a></b></u> Let me be clear: I did not like this program. I found it completely snooze-worthy for the first two minutes and nothing but a display of jumps beyond that...however, that display <i>was </i>rather spectacular. As the jumps were landed in time with the music it built this kind of energy that you really couldn't help but be impressed by. I have to give respect where respect is due.<i> #HellaRespect </i>But I did not like this program...<br />
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I've got one more post for Off Season Fun coming soon: My Top 5 Favorite Things from the past four seasons. Check back soon!Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-38770037890123241742018-03-25T13:39:00.002-04:002018-03-25T13:39:45.855-04:002018 World Championships: ReviewThis was by far the most surprising World Championship competition I've seen in a long <i>long </i>time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you predicted this I'll give you a million dollars</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a>The final results:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2018 World Champion</td></tr>
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<b><u>Kaetlyn Osmond (CAN): 223.23 - 1st</u></b><br />
I really wasn't sure if Kaetlyn had another strong competition in her after what she was able to do at the Olympics. She was a bit off in the SP. She was a little slow checking her free leg in the combo, held on to the lutz but stumbled out of the axel. Kaetlyn finished 4th in the SP, more than 7.50 points out of 1st. By that time I figured she'd be in the battle for bronze...but no one could have predicted what happened in the FS. Kaetlyn skated first in the last group and other than a step out on the landing of her 2A-3T (-0.70) and a ding on her lutz, she was excellent. The program didn't have that same spark like it did in Pyeongchang but it was still a very strong and beautifully skated program. Kaetlyn posted a big 150+ score that I figured would definitely hold up for a medal but it ended up blowing past everyone to take 1st place in the FS which pushed Kaetlyn to 1st place overall and the gold medal.<br />
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Kaetlyn is the first Canadian to win Worlds in 45 years. I couldn't be happier for her! This has been an amazing year for her and she deserves this. I think she is a tremendous talent and it's great to see her realize her potential.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wakabaaaaaaa!</td></tr>
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<u><b>Wakaba Higuchi (JPN): 210.90 - 2nd</b></u><br />
After missing out on a spot at the Olympics this competition was Wakaba's time to earn some redemption. It didn't start off too well for her. A fall on her combo and ding on her flip in the SP severely hurt her score and left her in 8th place heading into the FS, more than 13.50 points out of 2nd place. At that point I figured she could still move up to the top 5 with a strong FS performance. Not only did Wakaba move up, she <i>jettisoned </i>up the ranks with what was the skate of the competition for me. Her "Bond/Skyfall" FS has been a favorite of mine all season and to see her have that kind of performance here was incredible. She gave it everything she had and you could see it. She broke down at the end of the program and again when her 145+ FS score came up. Given her deficit in the SP I thought she had a good shot at 4th or 5th place but I was thrilled to see her place 2nd here and win the silver medal.<br />
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Wakaba is another tremendously talented skater who struggles from time to time, so to see her deliver at the perfect moment was amazing. This silver medal earns Japan that 3rd spot they lost last year and will hopefully make the judges respect Wakaba more as we head into this next quadrennial.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two-time World Medalist</td></tr>
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<u><b>Satoko Miyahara (JPN): 210.08 - 3rd</b></u><br />
Satoko came into this competition riding a wave of momentum from Pyeongchang where she placed 4th. I knew if she could deliver here she had a great shot at a medal. The SP wasn't Satoko's best but it was still pretty damn amazing. She got called for an under-rotation on her combo but was able to rack up points with her other elements. Additionally, her strong PCS kept her in fighting range and helped her finish the SP in 3rd place. Satoko's FS was lovely but not without issues. She got an under-rotation on her 3-3 combo and on a double jump, and also had a strange fall on an opened up double salchow. I figured she was off of the podium after that but, as fate would have it, Satoko's scores held up and she finished 3rd here, less than a point out of 2nd place.<br />
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I'm so happy for Satoko. Small jumps aside I think she is one of the top 3 best skaters in the field. Her elegance and artistry are simply divine and she's such a strong competitor. It was great to see her hold on for a podium finish and her second World medal.<br />
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As for the rest...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.imgur.com/bYMi7rR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="800" height="265" src="https://i.imgur.com/bYMi7rR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a moment...</td></tr>
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<b>Carolina Kostner (ITA; 208.88, 4th): </b> Carolina started off this competition in grand fashion, nailing everything in her SP and posting the top score of the segment (80.27). It was such a gorgeous performance and to do it in front of a home crowd must have felt amazing. Unfortunately things didn't go so well in the FS. Carolina's content is weaker compared to everyone else and with the scores that came prior to her taking the ice as the final competitor of the competition, she needed to be perfect...and she wasn't. It wasn't enough to keep her on the podium and she dropped down to 4th overall. Medal or no it's such an amazing thing to see Carolina still competing, still being competitive and still creating moments like she did in the SP. She is a treasure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.imgur.com/NBrX5AX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://i.imgur.com/NBrX5AX.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's okay. This is just the beginning.</td></tr>
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<b>Alina Zagtiova (RUS; 207.72, 5th):</b> I think everyone on the planet assumed this title was Alina's. It just goes to show that ice is slippery and nothing is guaranteed. Alina had a slight issue with her combo in the SP which left her in 2nd place but only 0.76 out of 1st. Unfortunately Alina's FS was a disaster. A total meltdown I wouldn't have thought possible. She fell on her first jump (3Lz) and had zero time to regroup before her next jump, a downgraded 2A-3T which she also fell on. She fought through her 3 jump combo before attempting the 3Lz-3L combo she missed earlier. She under-rotated the 3L and fell a third time. She landed her 3S but under-rotated before finally hitting her final two jumps (3F, 2A). At the end Alina looked completely devastated. She placed 7th in the FS which dropped her down to 5th overall.<br />
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I feel bad for Alina. It was obvious she was a little off at the beginning. If she'd had a bit more time to breathe and refocus between jumps she may have been able to salvage more of the program. That is the danger of clustering jumps like that; if you can't <i>immediately </i>refocus things can go downhill quickly. I have no doubt she'll bounce back from this. She's an unbelievable talent and it's clear she's just getting started. This was a bad competition for her but she has every reason to hold her head high and be proud of what she accomplished in her very first senior season.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come through Bradie!</td></tr>
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<b><br />Bradie Tennell (USA; 199.89, 6th): </b> Bradie definitely exceeded my expectations here. I figured 7th or 8th would be the highest any American would finish but she proved me wrong. Her SP was solid and strong, and even though she got hit with two under-rotations in the FS she still placed 4th in the segment which moved her to 6th overall. Unfortunately, Bradie's placement combined with the other Americans in the field were not enough to hold on to three spots so the US will only send two women to Worlds next year. Bradie will definitely be a front-runner for one of those two spots.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.imgur.com/PKjvXnX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="438" height="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/PKjvXnX.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redemption looks good on you!</td></tr>
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<b>Gabrielle Daleman (CAN; 196.72, 7th):</b> Gabrielle came here looking for redemption and she got it. Her SP was clean and easy, and she was thrilled about it. You could tell getting that performance out of the way meant a lot to her. According to Twitter, Gabby injured her ankle prior to the FS but competed anyway. To say she was injured, she gave it her all. There were a few under-rotations and turned out landings but Gabby fought for everything and didn't give up. No matter which way you look at it, she's redeemed herself from those performances in Pyeongchang.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just enough to get it done</td></tr>
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<b>Maria Sotskova (RUS; 196.61, 8th):</b> Maria had a good SP though I was a little baffled by the no calls on some of her jumps. She had a number of scratchy landings but everything was called as clean. She finished the SP in 5th place. The under-rotations did show up in the FS (four total) which hurt her score quite a bit and dropped her down to 8th place. With Alina's shocking 5th place finish, Maria's 8th place finish was <i>just enough </i>to keep Russia's three spots for this event next year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.imgur.com/Ui0rPFh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="447" height="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/Ui0rPFh.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I see you Loena</td></tr>
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<b>Loena Hendrickx (BEL; 192.31, 9th): </b> Loena is the biggest surprise of the top 10. I don't think anyone expected to see her skate so well here. I've heard of her before but I've never paid attention to her...I will from now on! Loena delivered a solid SP (3Lz-3T, 3F, 2A) and placed 10th in the segment. She turned in a clean FS and ended up finishing 6th in the segment which moved her up to finish 9th overall. I was very impressed with her!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.imgur.com/URZBkfN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="450" height="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/URZBkfN.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amano can go to hell. She was wonderful!</td></tr>
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<b>Mirai Nagasu (USA; 187.52, 10th):</b> Mirai did not go for the 3A in either program here, opting to play it safe instead. I respect that. Her SP was lovely...actually the best I've ever seen her perform it. Much more attention to detail and feeling. It was lovely. Mirai received a downgrade on her combo which hurt her score and left her in 9th place. Her FS was very well-skated in my opinion. Apparently Shin Amano was the technical caller here. He is known for being brutal when it comes to rotation calls and he hammered Mirai here. Four under-rotations and an edge call. Honestly, I saw maybe two under-rotations...but four? I think he was overly harsh with Mirai's jumps especially considering how well she's been skating all season.<br />
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Here's something interesting...I paid attention the TES box at the top of the screen while Mirai skated. The judges gave her strong +GOE for all of the jumps she got called for (except the 3F which didn't have any GOE). I take that to mean the judges liked her jumps and thought they were clean in real time...until Amano started throwing carrots at which point everyone changed their mind and marked her down. Is that how it's supposed to go? Aren't the judges supposed to go by what they see? Harsh calls aside I think Mirai delivered a strong program and should be proud. Shin Amano can go kick rocks...<br />
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<u><b>Other Competition Notes:</b></u> <b>Elizabet Turzynbaeva (KAZ; 186.85, 11th) </b>had a much better competition here. Her FS was lovely...<b>Mariah Bell (USA; 174.40, 12th)</b> had a rough SP but had a slightly stronger FS. I wonder where she goes from here?...<b>Dabin Choi (KOR; WD)</b> got hammered with under-rotations in the SP and ended up withdrawing from the FS due to her boot breaking.<br />
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This was a crazy way to end the season but I'm thrilled with the results! Skating can be really unpredictable sometimes and that's what makes it fun. Congratulations to the medalists! I'll post my End of Season Power Rankings sometime soon. To be honest, I'm looking forward to a blogging break! <br />
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<br />Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769074890904791386.post-22087633164252828102018-03-19T20:02:00.001-04:002018-03-19T20:21:02.357-04:002018 World Championships: PreviewThe 2018 World Championships are just a few days away. Post-Olympic Worlds are a good place for those who struggled at the Olympics to have a shot at redemption and for new talent to stake their claim for the coming quad. Here's a quick look at who we'll see this week...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Alina Zagitova (RUS)</span></b></u></div>
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<b>Coming In: </b>Alina is the overwhelming favorite to win here. The only person capable of catching her, Evgenia Medvedeva, is out which means the path to gold is virtually unobstructed for Alina. If Alina wins here, she will have won every single major championship there is to win in one year and in her first senior season. </div>
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<i>Bottom Line: Keeping making history. Win it all!</i><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Kaetlyn Osmond (CAN)</span></b></u></div>
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<b>Coming In: </b><i> </i>Kaetlyn delivered perhaps the two strongest performances of her career to secure individual bronze in Pyeongchang. With Evgenia out, she is the most logical choice for silver here; however, by no means is Kaetlyn a lock. She needs to dig deep and pull out two great performances if she wants to defend her silver medal.<br />
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<i>Bottom Line: One jump at a time, take your time</i><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Satoko Miyahara (JPN)</span></b></u></div>
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<b>Coming In: </b>Satoko was amazing in Pyeongchang and came very close to landing on the podium. She was technically perfect in the individual event and seems to have found her consistency again. If she can repeat those performances in Milan, she has a great shot at landing on the podium.<br />
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<i>Bottom Line: </i><i>Another world medal is ready and waiting</i><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Carolina Kostner (ITA)</span></b></u></div>
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<b>Coming In: </b><i> </i>Carolina had a decent but not great Olympics in Pyeongchang where she placed 5th. She's still in the mix for a medal at this event and the fact that she'll be competing in front of a home crowd in what could possibly be one of her last appearances at Worlds, I'm expecting some hometown love for her. Even so, if Carolina wants to medal she is going to have to deliver two strong performances.<br />
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<i>Bottom Line: Enjoy the hometown crowd and just be the Carolina everyone knows and loves</i><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Wakaba Higuchi (JPN)</span></b></u></div>
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<b>Coming In: </b><i> </i>Wakaba comes in as one of the more rested skaters in the field as she did not compete in Pyeongchang. When she's on, she's definitely a medal contender. Performances like she had on the Grand Prix can crack the top 5 and put major pressure on the others to perform.<br />
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<i>Bottom Line: Don't hold back or second guess, go for it</i><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Maria Sotskova (RUS)</span></b></u></div>
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<b>Coming In: </b><i> </i>Maria had an up-and-down Olympics. She's capable of placing higher but tends to struggle at the bigger events. With Russia's revolving door of skaters, Maria needs to prove she can handle the pressure and bounce back with a better placement here. If she doesn't, she may not get another opportunity to compete at this event.</div>
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<i>Bottom Line: You're capable of more. Prove it.</i><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Gabrielle Daleman (CAN)</span></b></u></div>
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<b>Coming In: </b><i> </i>Gabby is definitely in search of some redemption at this event. She had an epic meltdown in the FS at the Olympics and ended up placing a shocking 15th overall. A repeat of bronze might be a tall order for her but two great skates will help her regain her confidence and set her up well heading into next season.<br />
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<i>Bottom Line: Redemption, redemption, redemption, redemption...</i><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Dabin Choi (KOR)</span></b></u></div>
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<b>Coming In: </b><i> </i>Dabin placed a surprising 7th in Pyeongchang and established herself as a good top 8 bet at this event. She has the technical goods to compete and the consistency to place well if she can skate well. However, without the hometown boost, she will need to really bring it on the performance side to keep her scores up.<br />
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<i>Bottom Line: All eyes are on you for Korea. Give them something to see!</i><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bradie Tennell (USA)</span></b></u></div>
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<b>Coming In: </b><i> </i>Bradie didn't have the stellar Olympic debut many expected her to have but to say it was her first major international event, she did well in Pyeongchang. Hopefully the experience has prepared her for this event. As the US champion the pressure-filled task of retaining 3 spots falls to Bradie by default. She's expected to lead the Americans here so she'll need to be at her best.</div>
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<i>Bottom Line: Time to show the world what you can really do</i><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mirai Nagasu (USA)</span></b></u></div>
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<b>Coming In: </b><i> </i>Mirai made history in the team event but somewhat under-performed in the individual event. The triple axel is not a guarantee for her; however, if she can hit it she will put herself in the mix for a top 7 finish. Mirai and Bradie are the US's best shot at holding on to those 3 spots. It won't be easy but if Mirai can pull out her best, it's not impossible. <br />
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<i>Bottom Line: Stay focused and relaxed and just let it come to you</i><br />
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We will also see <b>Stanislava Konstantinova (RUS)</b>, <b>Mariah Bell (USA)</b>, <b>Laurine Lecavelier (FRA)</b>, <b>Elizabet Turzynbaeva (KAZ)</b>, <b>Hanul Kim (KOR)</b>, <b>Nicole Rajicova (SVK)</b> and more. The SP for the women will take place on <b>March 21st</b> around 6:00am. I definitely won't be up that early but I do plan to peek in around 8:00am when I get to work. As always I'll be tweeting live at <a href="https://twitter.com/NakedIceBlog" target="_blank">@NakedIceBlog</a>. Til then!Naked Icehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553268167175184548noreply@blogger.com0