Right now, I think, all we can say I that the US has good talent that they can exploit. We need to let them develop and see what happens.
I think consistency is a myth. People say internal competitions help this. What they actually do, I think, is that it gives the top developing talent 'ready for prime time'. They get their mistakes out BEFORE they go before international judges. Unfortunately, I think the judges now expect this from skaters. This is sad. For one thing, not all skaters can do that and judges may ascribe a reputation to a skater based on early performances. Early competitions should, above all, give young talent experience in front of judges which is different than a practice environment. Some mistakes can be due to inexperience and skaters wouldn't be labeled for life. For another, it doesn't allow for growth stories. It's nice to see athletes grow to become competitors (e.g. Ashley Wagner). Most of the Russian girls are cookie cutter and formulaic, but are ready for prime time.
This being said, I wonder if Zagitava article Worlds was a sign of a chink in the Eteri armour, time will tell. People gush over them, but nothing is perfect.
I think that the US needs coaching turnover.
I think consistency is a myth. People say internal competitions help this. What they actually do, I think, is that it gives the top developing talent 'ready for prime time'. They get their mistakes out BEFORE they go before international judges. Unfortunately, I think the judges now expect this from skaters. This is sad. For one thing, not all skaters can do that and judges may ascribe a reputation to a skater based on early performances. Early competitions should, above all, give young talent experience in front of judges which is different than a practice environment. Some mistakes can be due to inexperience and skaters wouldn't be labeled for life. For another, it doesn't allow for growth stories. It's nice to see athletes grow to become competitors (e.g. Ashley Wagner). Most of the Russian girls are cookie cutter and formulaic, but are ready for prime time.
This being said, I wonder if Zagitava article Worlds was a sign of a chink in the Eteri armour, time will tell. People gush over them, but nothing is perfect.
I think that the US needs coaching turnover.