- Joined
- Mar 4, 2004
As for the pairs, I was really impressed with Purdy/Marinaro. I don't remember them being so good. Their elements were clean, and some of them quite unique and interesting. They went for a higher level of technical difficulty than they have in the past, and their unison was pretty spot on. I even liked their programs. I did feel like some of the movement was a bit mechanical, but that is to be expected this early in the year. I think this bodes really well for the rest of their season.
ITA! They look nothing like the team who struggled so much at Canadians this year. Amazing what a difference a few months can make when you’re dealing with teenagers. And I agree also about the creativity. Alison Purkiss does some very nice work as we saw with Hole & Johnson the last two seasons. Good to see P&M attempting a triple twist, and putting down a decent triple-toe double-toe combo too. Excellent job!
I also think that a 12th place finish shouldn't automatically qualify Nam for a second assignment. This is part of what frustrates me with SC's selection strategy. Despite the fact Nam didn't skate well, there are (were) enough spots and too few Canadian men who met the selection criteria, that he could easily have his second assignment anyways. He could have a chance to redeem himself, and get over the nerves. But since SC has been declining spots, I agree completely that other skaters should be considered for events before Nam automatically get a second.
I don’t think it’s nerves – he’s (thankfully!) grown. His current ISU bio lists him as 5’. He was listed as 4’9" at Canadians. 3 inches taller, and all of it in the legs from the looks of him. Things may get worse before they get better, but that’s how it goes with the really young ones.