In skating, as in many other areas of life, someone is always happy to take your place when you walk away from something. While I feel great admiration for the skaters I've watched for years, I'm excited about the younger talents who are making their mark on the skating world.
Sasha Cohen had been away from competitive skating for four years. She came back to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships to compete again and maybe win a trip to Vancouver. In the words of one of the TV commentators, "This is a very brave thing to do." While Cohen has the best spirals and the best split jumps of anyone competing today, she couldn't rely on those strengths to get the scores needed to win. The many jumps she landed on two feet really put her behind teenagers Rachael Flatt and Mirai Nagasu, who will represent us at the Olympics this month.
Other young skaters I'll be watching compete are in the ice dance category. Charlie Davis and Meryl White beat five-time U.S. champs Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto for the first time ever, claiming the national title last month. Davis and White's long program was enthralling. I'll be rooting for them in Vancouver, even though Belbin and Agosto will be competing there too.
In the pairs category, Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig, along with Caydee Denney and Jeremy Barrett, will represent our country at the Olympics. Denney and Barrett made a splash at last year's championships in Cleveland. I remember seeing their coach joyfully pounding his fists on the boards. At this year's championships, he was in tears. Like all female pairs skaters, who are routinely lifted over men's heads and thrown distances the length of a small couch, Denney is fearless. Somehow, she seems to have more grit than anybody.
In the men's category, Jeremy Abbott will be worth watching. Now a two-time U.S. champ, he transitions seamlessly from one element to the next. He has the technical skill and the artistry, with no apparent weaknesses.
I don't know how these first-time Olympians will fare against other countries' best, but it sure will be fun to see. Hey, the rest of you have your Super Bowl. This is mine.
Hi Jane, You leave no doubt that you're excited about your ice skating. Your enthusiasm is contagious, too. Again, thanks for the fun. :)
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to be able to visit Vancouver in '86, during some kind of international festival or another. It's simply breathtaking. Even more beautiful than San Fran. I recommend everyone tries to get there at least once.
ReplyDeleteBased on what I've seen on tv, Vancouver certainly is a beautiful place.
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