Gracie Gold - Shake it off @ 2015 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships
ST. PAUL It was slightly strange to watch Boston-based Ross Miner skate to Billy Joels New York State of Mind on Friday night in the mens short program at the 2016 US Figure Skating Championships.
But Miner looked more than comfortable with the music choice and choreography, skating a strong program that put him atop the leaderboard for much of the night. He finished second behind Max Aaron (91.83 points).
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Im doing whatever it takes to be an artist, to be the best technical jumper I can be, the best spinner I can be, said Aaron. Nothings easy about that, but Im doing whatever I can to be the best. I get these opportunities and everytime I get them, Im going to come out here swinging as hard as I can.
While known for his jumping ability, Aaron has become a more artistic skater. That helped him take the top spot for the night. Adam Rippon (88.01) currently stands in third and 16-year-old Nathan Chen (86.33) is fourth.
But the biggest surprise of the night was Miners second place in the standing.
It was really fun, said Miner, moments after he scored a 90.90 with his performance. I did a good job of staying patient and being tough.
Mark Mitchell, his coach from the Skating Club of Boston, added: Its the best short program hes ever done at Nationals.
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And that includes the performance that helped Miner win a silver medal at the 2013 US Championships.
Miner said the prospect of competing at TD Garden in Worlds in two months provided a lot of motivation, but he was focused on preparations for his long program. The mens competition will conclude Sunday, which is also Miners 25th birthday.
Hopefully, I can give myself a good birthday present, said Miner.
Before Miner took the ice, Chen thrilled the crowd with Michael Jackson-inspired short program that included two quad jumps. The performance was a good look at the future of mens skating in the US.
This is the first time Ive ever tried two quads in the short program, said Chen. Honestly, it was a big risk for me, but I thought this would be the best time to do it. Im trying to set myself up as a senior skater and I think this is a good step for me.
Work to doWill Ashley Wagner or Gracie Gold win the ladies title? That was the big question before the 2016 US championships started. Now, halfway through the event, intrigue and drama still surround Wagner and Gold, but for much different reasons. The new big question: Will Wagner and Gold both make the podium?
The answer will come Saturday night when the ladies free skate takes place at the Xcel Energy Center. Gold enters the free skate in second, while Wagner sits in fourth, though points-wise only fractions separate Gold (62.50), Tyler Pierce (62.45) in third, and Wagner (62.41).
Before Wagner and Gold made major mistakes in their short programs Thursday night, Polina Edmunds (70.19) separated herself from the pack with a clean, confident program to Moonlight Sonata. Edmunds, 17, appears poised to win her first US title.
I have confidence in myself and a belief in myself that when I step onto the ice I am able do what I do in practice, said Edmunds, a teammate of Wagner and Gold at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. I am totally confident that I can go out there and put what I just did out. I think I have been at this long enough to be comfortable, Ive been doing these jumps for six years now, so there really is no excuse not to land it.
Oddly, the more experienced Gold and Wagner could not muster the same confidence and comfort level in their short programs. Maybe theyll find it before their free skates. Then again, Gold has long struggled with the mental side of skating, especially in big competitions.
I have done a fair amount of work with a sports psychologist, said Gold. I am just by nature what you would call a perfectionist and a bit of a nervous competitor, because I want it so much I could strangle myself.
Even if Gold or Wagner perform flawed free skates and finish off the podium, its unlikely theyll be left off the US team for the World Championships in Boston. The winner will automatically qualify for Worlds, while the other team members will be chosen by committee.
Shibutanis confidentIts well known that Boston-born Alex Shibutani is a big fan of the Patriots, Bruins, Red Sox, and Celtics. So, when asked what made him more nervous, the Patriots-Broncos game or Saturdays free dance with his partner and sister Maia, Alex said it was the Patriots contest.
I have no control over that, said Alex. Weve been working really hard and were prepared for this competition. So, I know that were just going to go out there and do our best and really enjoy the experience. I have no idea what the injury report looks like going into this weekends game. There are so many Broncos fans here I feel really uncomfortable. But it will be nice to be in Boston back with my own kind.
If all goes as expected Saturday afternoon, the Shibutanis will head back to Boston for the Worlds. They may even return as US champions. Entering the free dance, the team of Madison Chock and Evan Bates (75.14 points) are in first, while the Shibutanis (74.67) stand close behind in second. Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue (71.10) finished the short dance in third.
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNG-Reo4nB-UnfEJItPVMzIuV0PlHw&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&cid=52779035676375&ei=ziGlVsDzGIfX3gGz94jIAw&url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2016/01/22/ashley-wagner-gracie-gold-staying-focused/MHhXkAmxXsLJTDnCvbWmLN/story.html