healthnut

Thanks for posting, the link also contained his very thoughtful response.

He’s definitely best during the side by side chats with Tirico but considering this is his first real opportunity in the booth, I think he’s doing fine. Granted my expectations were pretty low, I expected him to be pretty dry but I’ve enjoyed him. I’ve enjoyed Elizabeth Beisel, too. She’s got a great personality.

I agree Joke deserves to be the 20 club but I still don’t care for him and I probably never will. I’m ready for someone, anyone to take this man out this year.

I have lots of thoughts on Grand Prix assignments: 1. C/B & H/D going head to head right out if the gate at Skate America. Usually they split them up and they don’t go head to head til Grand Prix final. Meanwhile G/P get a free pass at Skate Canada. 2. No assignments for Calalang & Johnson. Jenni and Todd posted a clip them yesterday just to make sure people know they’re still together. 3 Chelsea Liu & Danny O’Shea getting a spot at Skate America. I didn’t even know they had teamed up and then On Ice Perspectives release a video from their short program the same day. Interested to see what they look like. 4. Alysa Liu and Kamila Valieva are both debuting at Skate Canada. 5. All the women’s events are STACKED. It will be difficult for America’s ladies to medal at all. At Skate America alone, Bradie and Amber are up against Young You, Kaori, Trusova, and Daria.

So here’s my thinking…are they trying to maximize Simone’s medal chances? She did medal in bars at worlds a couple of years back, right? If Riley were to go she’d be in the event finals over Simone, whereas Simone probably makes top 8 without her, yes? Giving her a shot (albeit probably slim) at another medal.

They actually had her outfit in the official NBCOlympics Instagram account so they must be egging it on.

What on earth was Nastia wearing? Happy for Grace, like Tim said it didn’t matter who they chose, this team is winning gold. Can’t disagree with their decision, Makayla makes sense as the +1

I completely agree with you. There was an opportunity but no one really took it. I do think Sam’s experience is worth something and it seems like the floating chip in his elbow bothers him the most on rings and pommel and he won’t do either of those at the Olympics. Seems they’re kind of weak on vault. Too bad they couldn’t have another spot for Donnie. So does Brody have a chance to medal in AA? I remember a couple of really strong AAs from Russia and one or two from Japan in 2019 but I didn’t see Europeans this year and no clue if the Japanese guys are still around and healthy.

I’m so glad Simone pulled through and qualified for the 50. Those who are more up on swimming camps, is she out of contention for the 4x100 relay or can they still select her? Phelps always swam in it and I’m pretty sure he didn’t swim the 100 at trials.

Jade is going to take the individual spot because if she had taken a team spot, the US would’ve lost her individual spot and only five would be able to go. So Jade won’t be on the four person team.

It’s not a strong discipline for the US for whatever reason. The US men haven’t gotten a gold in that event since 1984.

In the absolute craziest off season news yet. Aljiona Savchenko has teamed up with TJ and will compete for the US. She has been released from Germany. Yes, TJ Nyman, the same skater who’s been accused of sexual assault. And he’s 21. She’ll never get citizenship to compete for the US in an Olympic Games anytime in case anyone was wondering.

So basically they took the top 17 at nationals plus Riley McCusker. Riley, Morgan, and Chellsie all petitioned but only Riley’s was accepted. Hernandez, Hurd Out

Does anyone have a list of this invited to trials, both men and women? I’ve been looking everywhere.

Sam Mikulak is like Sasha Cohen, world class but CANNOT do it when it counts.

The only news these days seems to be music selection. On Ice Perspectives posted a video clip of Mariah’s new short program to Lady Gaga’s Chromatica album. Her free program music is Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell. I highly recommend following On Ice Perspectives on either Instagram or YouTube. They posted a clip of Lu/Mitrofanov’s new free a while back, complete with a triple salchow/Euler/triple salchow combination.

So according to the Flutzes and Waxels podcast, Trusova has left Plushenko and is back with Eteri. As the world turns...

How expensive are prep classes though? Aren’t they only like $25

Apparently Shoma Uno is using Bolero for his free skate, just doesn’t seem like a good fit to me.

All the drama aside, I’m very interested to see what they look like as a pair. I understand Vanessa had to know something about the cover up but she didn’t send the pic so I did hate for her career to end on that note. It sucks for Meaghan but verbal agreements are not contracts. Meanwhile, the Russians must be most angry right now because for once this season, no one is talking about them 😜

In all fairness, Instagram and Twitter weren't around in 2003, their partnership definitely didn't end well. Good article about it here. I certainly understand where Meaghan is coming from as it definitely affects her financially but it happens. Pretty sure Kyoka Ina and Jason Dungjen's partnership didn't end too well after she fractured his face. Heck, Charlie Bilodeau just up and retired last year without even telling his partner.

Crazy skating news today. Eric Redford and Vanessa James (who was born in Canada and has been released by France) are teaming up. Pairs in Canada are LIVID as is Meaghan Duhamel.

Mark Hanretty

Jean-Luc has joked about his height and the fact they were expecting him to grow after Kaitlin did and he just didn’t. I think this year’s FD has been their strongest and they managed to find a way to work with their similar heights. Their scores at this years worlds really concern me though. I’m not sure the international judges are ever going to get behind them. It will be very interesting to see how Green/Parsons (who I believe have the highest ceiling) and Carreira/Ponomarenko do in the Grand Prix next year. Once, C/B and H/D inevitably retire after next year’s Olympics, I think the US will run with whoever they feel has the best chance to be the next medal contender. I’m just not sure that’s H/B.

That was the ice dance episode. They had Todd Eldredge for the men’s episode and some Ukrainian guy for the ladies. Renee Roca has some interesting things to say but not opinionated enough for me. She thinks it was good for P/C to sit out this year. I guess we will see...