Melodie

Nathan's 4Lo is back it seems. His jump at Las Vegas Invitational was pretty good (if we skip the fact that he has no transition into it, basically set up, look behind and jump). Haven't watched his full performance but from reports it seems he nailed 4 quads. I would say that's pretty impressive given that this even was held, what, 2 days after SkAm. Barring injuries, sickness and other possible wacko things in between, if he keeps up like this, with his strong fed support and inflation, I would say his chances for a podium finish at Beijing (not lower than second) look pretty locked.

A blast from the past

I don't understand why they are so hellbent on the GPF. I kind of get it originally because they need a test event for Beijing, but now that's not possible and half of the skaters are out anyway. Big fed's wishes to have some sort of legitimation and PR pre-Beijing????

That, or wherever NHK is about to be held IMO

It's already mid-November. Where is the white wall update (or better yet, on ice update)? Where is Yuzu????

I have many, many, MANY concerns RusFed ...

Thank you. I feel so bad for them. My heart especially breaks for Gabi This is truly a nightmare season

That's not an ideal situation. So they are not practicing together now?

No Papadakis/Cizeron at Nationals or EC this year. Also, it is confirmed that they had COVID back in July.

This skate really reminds me of Kosto's Adios Nonino for some reasons, particularly the beginning part. PS: How old is he? He looks so tiny but already has a 4T to put in combo. Speaking of which, his combo looks less labored (than some other skaters from Sambo), which is good I suppose (He didn't swing his arms as low and hard). Also, good spins.

Iconic She does need mileage. More training, more run-throughs and more competitions will help her lots

Fair enough, but I still expect them to like be a bit faster. Anyway, it really comes down to the moment where bare minimum is applied to every one LOL. PS: I have an inkling feeling they have something else in store about Yuzu and just wait for the right moment to release.

But we are way faster, that's no excuse

What took them so long LOL? Is it because the troll has been residing in his forest for so long the media sort of becomes rustic when it comes to detecting any news at all about him?

Ah okay, I think I know that one but some info here are kind of new for me so

I don't think so, if the selection criteria do not change. But also, the same thing happened with Ice Dance. Surely Russia would want their top teams to make it to Nationals and then Euros / Worlds next year?

Just found this on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/p/CHORgHbpfwR/). Seems to be an interview with Pirouette. Those who are fluent in German can maybe confirm the quality of the translation? Anyway, From Alyona: There were some problems. Athletes like me, Anna and Kamila can’t train together with children born in 2010. You have to explain to them that the older girls will not be considerate. My suggestions were not accepted. So I called Sergei Alexandrovich and he told me to think twice before the move but he helped me make the change (to Plushenko) I also didn’t like my program (created at Tutberidze school) which I said more than once. I really like the new program, I find the new program very suitable for me, the lyrics correspond to what is happening in my life. Now I feel happy, satisfied and ready to train for new victories and goals. From Plushenko: (The question is so then Alena Kostornaia suddenly came to you?) It was her own choice. If the athlete wants to, why not? I have the opportunity and I am ready for it. She wasn’t quite ready for the test skates, we’ve only been training together for a month. Before that, she had lost her whole form, she hadn’t trained in her old group (at Tutberidze) for 3 weeks. They wouldn’t let her go, it was like this. So a lot of time was lost and we had to create a program in 1 month until the test skates and get (Aliona) back into shape. She did a lot of work. Now we are bringing back the 3A, building a free skate, running the short program & sewing costumes. From her answers, I like that she seems to be very strong-willed and determined (outspoken too). She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to make changes to pursue them. Her explanations as to why she left Sambo-70 also make so much sense. Next stage is coming, I can't wait to see her performances PS: Many people don't seem to like her SP, but I like it

Wakaba!!!! Now go fix the flip and lutz, please (And add more TR too)

And unpleasant news keep coming

You do? No comment on the last one (what was that all about, truly?) but I draw the line at Nathan's jumps having far more height, better edges and less prerotation on the loop (Luckily no one brought up the 4A cos if I hear Nathan having less prerotation on the Axel...). As for rotation, it's debatable. Yuzu did receive boogus calls while Nathan got away with some before, and both have had moments where their jumps were iffy. All skaters have. However, I completely agree that Yuzu will kill all the madness when he comes back

So, in a moment of utmost boredom, writer's block and missing Yuzu hour, I turned on Youtube and found this video One among many to compare Nathan's and Yuzu's jumps, I suppose. What caught my attention is the comment section (I don't know why I did that to myself ). Here are some comments which I thought were really mind-boggling and eye-opening - Nathens jumps are far more superior not saying yuzaru aint good he is .nathens jumps have far more height an are better quality edge wise . - When you just compare jump to jump, Nathan’s jumps are cleaner when it comes to rotation. 100% rotated, no question. He also has less pre rotation on the loop. Yuzuru’s landings are not as clean, often tend to be a bit under but not enough to be called under rotated thankfully. - The only difference is Yuzu is a Goddess; Nathan is a God. PS: This is just to say that I miss Yuzu Grace the ice and kill all madness, please, Yuzu

There is rumor that Nathan attempted 4A at SkAm (someone allegedly saw his attempt but was not allowed to post the footage) PS: His 3A is not exactly the best thing out there. It is always on the smaller side (both in height and distance) and not with a lot of speed going into it so I don't know where he would find extra room for another rotation?

He is an honorary Canadian after all

Is it round, q or UR?

He can go back to Tsuzuki-sensei and Nanami-sensei. He got his rock solid foundation from them. Plus, he can consult other ex-Skaters with great techniques like Takahito Mura-San, and it is not like his coaching team from TCC is completely unavailable. This situation is definitely not ideal, but if there is anyone who can pull thru, it is Yuzu.