Whoa. I didn't expect that. I'm nit the greatest fan of Satoko so I'm actually rather happy for Rika... but what condition is Rika in? Wasn't she also injured?
She was injured and competed at several competitions, so there might be some level of exhaustion for her. Either way, even if she didn't expect or prepare, I think the pressure is there for her as the only 'senior' lady to deliver. It's not an easy situation for all three of them. But I think an injured Satoko competing would've been worse. So if they are to lose the third spot it probably would have happened anyway - with disastrous results for Satoko's body and mind, so this is the best solution.
In addition, I believe she has not competed in any senior competitions, so she wouldn't have the minimum TES to go to worlds anyway even if she was.
Cause obviously she's too young to compete in them, LOL.
They're not harsh on Rika...
2014-2015 season she went from strength to strength, she was rewarded accordingly, she was setting new PB's almost every competition.
Then she went into a bit of a slump (comparitively speaking), she has been unable to return to form this season either, and her scores have reflected that too.
If there was any "harshness" I'd say it came from the tech panel at this season's Skate America*, rather than judges.
Her experience at SA might also have put a big dent in her confidence for the rest of the season.
*Edit: (correction: I meant Skate Canada. Thanks MaiKatze!)
Well Radionova & Tuktamysheva both competed in Senior Grand Prix events for a start before turning 15 IIRC but obviously without being eligible for any Senior Championships (like Euros or Worlds). I am not sure whether it's still allowed though.
Rika won Coupe de Printemps a week ago. My guess is this was her prep event before Worlds.
She didn't have a huge score (162.56), about 20 points less than she scored at CoC.
Not allowed anymore. They removed that loophole after Sochi.
Right. If that's a pathetic attempt to criticize her content, she did put out a lutz at national just less than 3 months ago. No edge call.
It is bad that Satoko has to withdraw, or she did not withdraw earlier to let Kaori to get the minimum score, because Kaori looks really promising this year, and better than Wakaba. I wonder if it had anything to do with Marin's junior worlds silver— 1) coach just came back from Taipei and finally made the decision; or 2) Marin is awesome, and next year, she may well replace Satoko's no. 1 position once she goes senior. Therefore, the more important thing is to prepare for the next season.
It is bad that Satoko has to withdraw, or she did not withdraw earlier to let Kaori to get the minimum score, because Kaori looks really promising this year, and better than Wakaba..
Yeah, that definitely sounds more plausible.Marin is awesome, and next year, she may well replace Satoko's no. 1 position once she goes senior. Therefore, the more important thing is to prepare for the next season.
Mariah Bell did very well to finish 6th at 4CC, her first senior ISU championship.
Guess where Gabby and Kaetlyn placed at their first 4CC? 7th in 2015-Gabby, 7th in 2013-Kaetlyn.
Mariah Bell did very well to finish 6th at 4CC, her first senior ISU championship.
Guess where Gabby and Kaetlyn placed at their first 4CC? 7th in 2015-Gabby, 7th in 2013-Kaetlyn.