GP additions/deletions

[mikey]

From the ISU website:

I/Z are out, and S/D are now seeded.
I/B now have 3 events.

Why isn't VV seeded? She was 7th at Worlds, and since apparently MK is not competing, VV should move up to seeded status... I assume it's because that TBA spot is being "reserved" for MK should she decide to grace us with her presence...

[musicman]

How can I/B have three events? I thought only seeded skaters could do three events.

[Amy L]

Any pair can do 3 events whether they are seeded or not. The ISU allows this because there aren't very many pairs compared to the other disciplines.

[Sylvia]

F.Y.I., Inoue/Baldwin's names were removed from Skate America on the USFSA assignments page today (8/29), leaving them with the GPs in Germany and Russia:
http://www.usfsa.org/team/assign.htm

There's currently no "TBA" for a third US pair at Skate America, but that doesn't mean there won't be one added later (i.e., after Nebelhorn Trophy).

[purplecat]

Today's L.A. Times said that Inoue and Baldwin were doing Skate America and battling Roth and McPherson for a spot in the NHK competition. In other words, whoever did better would get the NHK spot. Is that true? According to the ISU page Roth & McPherson already have an NHK berth and as Sylvia said I&B weren't listed in the USFSA assignments as going to Skate America.

It also said that Naomi Nari Nam is back training with John Nicks.

[Trillian]

Originally posted by purplecat
Today's L.A. Times said that Inoue and Baldwin were doing Skate America and battling Roth and McPherson for a spot in the NHK competition. In other words, whoever did better would get the NHK spot. Is that true?

Well, if I&B aren't doing Skate America anymore, which seems to be the case, then obviously no. However, it's possible that was the idea before two extra spots freed up. I know R&M are already listed for NHK, but I have heard some buzz that after their iffy showing in summer events, they may not be guarunteed that assignment if they don't do well at Skate America. It's possible that if the USFSA does assign a third team to Skate America (there's no "TBD" listed but it still could very possibly happen), and that team beats R&M, there may be a change in the NHK assignment. I guess we'll have to see what happens.

[scooter133]

I think the USFSA should give the third pairs spot at Skate America to whatever American team finishes highest at Nebelhorn, whether it's Orscher/Lucash, Quigley/Cording, or Spielberg/Joeright. That competition may help determine what pair would replace Roth/McPherson if they are removed from NHK.

For the third ladies spot at Skate America, if Michelle Kwan decides not to compete, I think the spot should go to Ann Patrice McDonough or Andrea Gardiner.

[Trillian]

Originally posted by scooter133
For the third ladies spot at Skate America, if Michelle Kwan decides not to compete, I think the spot should go to Ann Patrice McDonough or Andrea Gardiner.

Well, right now both Jenny Kirk and Ann Patrice McDonough only have one GP assignment. I don't think it would be at all unreasonable to remove McDonough from the Cup of Russia (I think that's her assignment), reassign her to Skate America, and then send either her or Kirk to the second assignment depending upon who finishes higher at Skate America. Or, in the unlikely case that both of them do very poorly, give the second assignment to Andrea Gardiner instead.

[BigB0882]

Originally posted by Trillian
Well, right now both Jenny Kirk and Ann Patrice McDonough only have one GP assignment. I don't think it would be at all unreasonable to remove McDonough from the Cup of Russia (I think that's her assignment), reassign her to Skate America, and then send either her or Kirk to the second assignment depending upon who finishes higher at Skate America. Or, in the unlikely case that both of them do very poorly, give the second assignment to Andrea Gardiner instead.

I agree as usual, Trillian! I think it is a bit insane that the current 4CC Champion doesn't even have two GP events. After all, Michelle Kwan isn't competing on the GP this season (my best guess) so surely they could have managed a spot for her. Maybe they are upset at her withdrawal during Worlds. Who knows.

[Scott]

Originally posted by Trillian
Well, right now both Jenny Kirk and Ann Patrice McDonough only have one GP assignment. I don't think it would be at all unreasonable to remove McDonough from the Cup of Russia (I think that's her assignment), reassign her to Skate America, and then send either her or Kirk to the second assignment depending upon who finishes higher at Skate America. Or, in the unlikely case that both of them do very poorly, give the second assignment to Andrea Gardiner instead.

I vote to give Andrea a shot. She is deserving of this assignment. I have always enjoyed watching her skate.

[Intensity20]

I think Andrea and Amber both deserve a GP assignment, but also agree (despite me not being a fan of Jenny Kirk) that not giving her 2 GP assignments is ludicrous.