I'll Be the Judge of That: 2018 U.S. Nationals - Ladies' Event

The scoring of this sport is and will always be a subject of debate.  It's just bound to happen in a subjective sport like figure skating.  Every now and then the scoring leaves me not so sure if I agree with the results.  U.S. nationals gave me that "not sure" feeling this year, so I decided it was time for me to grab a pen and paper, watch these performances, and judge the competition myself.

Did the judges get it right?

2018 U.S. National Championships: Review

There's nothing like the Olympic Trials to remind everyone that this sport is the epitome of grace, athleticism and controversy.

This was one for the books!

2018 U.S. Championships: Preview

It's almost here!  The most pressure-filled event any U.S. skater will attend this year--yes, that includes the Olympics.  I expect this to be a dramatic event, especially in the women's field.  No one is a lock.  Some may have a better chance than others, but no one's ticket is stamped yet.  I'll take a look at where the competitors stand coming in and give them a bottom line for these championships.

There can only be 3...

2017 U.S. Championships: Review

I was hoping to see some good skating here from a number of the competitors.  Luckily some of them didn't disappoint.  Unfortunately, a few others did...

A brand new champion is crowned!

2017 U.S. Championships: Preview

The 2017 U.S. National Championships are just around the corner.  In most cases there is a clear front-runner...unfortunately, that ain't the case this year.  Everyone seems to be struggling in some way which means this could be a very interesting competition, especially if someone has a breakout performance.  I'll take a look at where the skaters are coming in and give them a bottom line for these championships.

Who will stand on the podium?

2016 U.S. National Championships: Ladies Review

This went from being one of the worst competitions I'd seen since last year's NHK Trophy to rather interesting at the end.  Put on your reading glasses and get comfortable.  I have a lot to say about this one...

Gracie is back on top!

2016 U.S. National Championships: Ladies Preview

The U.S. National Championships will take place later on this week and I'm so ready to watch this one shake down.  With the 2016 World Championships taking place in Boston, a much bigger spotlight will be trained on the U.S. champion this year.  The U.S. champ skating on home ice at Worlds...that's a major advantage.  So who will have it?  I'll take a look at where the top contenders stand coming in and give them a bottom line for these championships.

This year's top contenders have their work cut out for them

2015 U.S. National Championships: Ladies Review

All of the promos for this event centered on one thing: Gracie vs. Ashley.  This is the new "it" rivalry in U.S. skating.  Both want the crown...only one can wear it.  Drama, drama, drama!  Everyone was expecting a big showdown and, thankfully, that's pretty much what we got.

Diva Wagner reclaims the throne!

2015 U.S. Nationals: Ladies Preview

Nationals are right around the corner!  The senior ladies will take the ice for their SP in less than a week!  There have been plenty of story lines in US skating this year but it always comes down to who does what at nationals.  I'll take a look at where the top competitors stand coming in and give them a bottom line for these championships.

Battle of the Blondes!

2014 U.S. National Championships: Ladies Review

This year's competition was like an amazing television drama.  There were so many story lines going on and everything played out in a shocking/unexpected way.  Tears, surprises, disappointments, revelations, heartbreak...this year's nationals deserves a Golden Globe for Best Drama!

Congrats to the medalists! And congrats to the blonds for making the team!

I'll Be The Judge of That: 2013 U.S. National Championships - Ladies Event

Following the results of 4CC, discussion has resumed regarding the US ladies, their placements at nationals and the prospects of the world team. I am one who believed there was a fair amount of propping as well as holding down at this year’s nationals. So, I decided to see what the scores would have been like if I were the one judging the ladies…

Was the "not impressed" expression justified?

2013 U.S. National Championships: Ladies Review

Wow. This was definitely one of the most dramatic and controversial ladies championships we’ve seen in quite a while. I still don’t know how I feel about the outcome. This review isn’t going to follow my usual format mainly because I’m still really conflicted and don’t even know how to begin to sum this competition up. These judges took cheating, inflation and holding up to a completely different level this year...

The most blonde podium we've ever had!

2012 U.S. Nationals Recap + Kween Worship + 2012 Four Continents Championship Recap

I'm so, so, SO late again!  I just don't have the amount of free time I used to have when I first started this blog.  Still, I wanted to give my belated thoughts on US Nationals and Four Continents and a few other things.

2012 U.S. National Championships

2012 U.S. National medalist