I wish GPF was perceived as even more prestigious of a competition. I think in prior years, it wasn't too much of a challenge to make GPF but nowadays, you really have to be in the top echelons of the field just to make it in. I hope the general perception of GPF changes because it's insane how hard it is to qualify, given that it's arguably mostly merit-based.
I think finishing 5th or 6th in a GPF would establish you as part of the top! Finishing 5th or 6th at GPF for a Worlds podium threat would be disappointing, but Bradie and Mariah should be delighted if they were able to qualify.
(If Bradie/Mariah makes it) judges should realize that they had to out-qualify top-tier skaters like Evgenia, Elizaveta, Kaori, Satoko to be part of the "Top 6". In today's field, that's damn prestigious and should be a momentum builder going into Nationals, Continentals, and Worlds! Now let's see if an American lady can finally qualify back into GPF again
(If Bradie/Mariah makes it) judges should realize that they had to out-qualify top-tier skaters like Evgenia, Elizaveta, Kaori, Satoko to be part of the "Top 6". In today's field, that's damn prestigious and should be a momentum builder going into Nationals, Continentals, and Worlds! Now let's see if an American lady can finally qualify back into GPF again
People here tend to forget that skaters need to earn money. The sport is very expensive. So if have a GP spot u better go there even if not in shape. GP pay quite well. I believe the money and some sponsor contractual requirements which again is connected to money were the only reason we saw not in shape gracie last year at GP Russia.I wonder if strategically it would be better for the US ladies NOT to go to the GPF. They could easily place last there even with two clean skates. I don’t know if that kind of thing has a subconscious effect on judging for the rest of the season. Probably not, but at the moment they have wins over big names and if they continue with strong performances at nationals and four continents I wonder if that would not place them in better stead in terms of momentum.
also not sure if it's been shared previously, but Bradie and Hanna Harrell are on the list for Golden Spin, Dec. 4-7. i'm assuming Bradie will compete here if she's out of the GPF, since it's the same week.
Bradie didn't do any ISU competitions before the GP this year. Yes, she did Japan Open, an invitational event consisting of just a FS. JO is basically a cheesefest where the competitors earn big $$ and have a good time.
Last year, Bradie did the CS Autumn Classic (where she beat Medvedeva) before the GP and also did Golden Spin after.
This year, the Warsaw Cup is making up for her missing an early competition. I'm not worried about Bradie burning herself out. She is a very steady and determined competitor and knows what is best for her.
How much time does Bradie have between Warsaw and Golden Spin? I worry about jetlag and fatigue with all the travel. She has always been a consistent skater so I'm sure she'll skate cleanly it's the mental exhaustion that I worry about.
Start orders are up for sectionals. Here is the senior ladies group where Gracie will compete on Friday evening-
https://www.usfigureskating.org/leaderboard/results/2020/27740/CAT009SEG016.html
looks like her main competition will be from Sarah Jung, Emily Zhang, Jill Heiner and Audrey Shin, if i'm remembering past results correctly. i'm sure Gracie and her team know what they are facing here and she can't put out the same skates as regionals if she wants to advance. i think regionals may have been a bit of a wake up call for them. but i hope she will be happy with whatever she does and if things don't work out for nationals, she will come back stronger next season and use it as a motivating factor.
also, Courtney Hicks and Pooja Kalyan will be competing at midwesterns.
Don’t at least some of these ladies already have byes to nationals, and if so, doesn’t that mean their placements here don’t count for the purposes of others (like Gracie) qualifying? Or is that only for regionals?
The other thing is, Gracie still needs the tech min.
Excited for and hoping she does the best she can here!
Don’t at least some of these ladies already have byes to nationals, and if so, doesn’t that mean their placements here don’t count for the purposes of others (like Gracie) qualifying? Or is that only for regionals?
The other thing is, Gracie still needs the tech min.
Excited for and hoping she does the best she can here!
Don’t at least some of these ladies already have byes to nationals, and if so, doesn’t that mean their placements here don’t count for the purposes of others (like Gracie) qualifying? Or is that only for regionals?
The other thing is, Gracie still needs the tech min.
Excited for and hoping she does the best she can here!
Don’t at least some of these ladies already have byes to nationals, and if so, doesn’t that mean their placements here don’t count for the purposes of others (like Gracie) qualifying? Or is that only for regionals?
The other thing is, Gracie still needs the tech min.
Excited for and hoping she does the best she can here!