This and That: 2017 U.S. Figure Skating Championships

This and That: 2017 U.S. Figure Skating Championships

[@kimakamaddog]

This was absolutely delicious! Thanks, guys.

[@othermonilovesyou156]

That gracie gold drama tho 😍

[@BmcC102]

The sound is finally better!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

BmcC102 I bought a different microphone and upped my internet speed.

[@juanantoniomoreno3409]

Way to go! Thank you!

[@elbertwang7827]

I'm stuck at the airport for the next 4 hours, but I know what I'm doing for the next 2. Thank you two for this!!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Elbert Wang Canadians is uploading as well.

[@EnviousAzn16]

really love this pairing, Dave and Jonathan. although Dave, if you could let Jonathan finish his thoughts, that would be great. it's clear that you have your comments raring to go - and they are insightful - but the interruptions were pretty consistent and I would find myself bracing for those moments. or you would ask him a question only to have you come in not a few moments later with your own thesis. that being said, this was great to watch.

[@lorraineu.martinelle4119]

Great pairing, indeed!

[@embeth446]

I have to agree. There were so many times I really wanted to hear what Jonathan was going to say and then he would get cut off 4 words into his thought. That said, I really enjoyed and appreciated all the nationals coverage and this video. Thank you!

[@Frooti.loopz23]

Joe Lee I agree

[@BrentWolgamott]

^^^^ As an interrupter myself, I can unequivocally say: "Dave: STOP THAT!!!!" ;-)

[@libbypropp4846]

Ah I'm so glad other people caught it. I'm obsessed with Dave Lease but oh my goodness he kept interrupting. Jonathan kept starting thoughts and I so wanted to hear what he had to say. Jenny used to sort of steer the interviews and keep things in line. Please let the guests speak and let them give their full thoughts. But thank you so much for TSL and all you do. TSL made me love skating again

[@audreyluna]

Jonathan is the funniest and so knowledgeable. LOVE HIM!!!!

[@JohnnyOpera1]

Audrey Luna I reference Karin in this episode!!

[@hannahhoefer1996]

Oh my gosh - "Diamonds Are Forever" would be an insane program for Ashley; lets get this campaign going!!!

[@jjkaykay8552]

I never thought the Gracie and Frank partnership was a good idea. This is for the best, Gracie needs someone who is not constantly forcing her to fit into a mold that doesn't fit her. I want her to go back to Alex, he seems to inspire something in her that Frank does not at all. I keep updated. I don't think Frank is at fault at all, I just don't think this partnership was ever meant to be. I agree with a lot of Golden Skate forum people that Marian Zueva would be good for Gracie. Unlike Max Aaron, Gracie's season has been an absolute nightmare for someone who was one landed jump away from making the worlds podium.

[@juanantoniomoreno3409]

Alex can push her buttons and makes her mad. Frank cannot. However, it is funny most of us are pushing to go back home even when we thought her 2013 programs were not up to par.

[@brynosborne954]

I feel like Bryan Orser would be a good fit for her, if it was possible that he could stay in one place long enough and provide her the support she needs mentally

[@Frooti.loopz23]

Bryn Osborne I agree but he has so many students and I don't know if he can take another one.

[@19aries19]

Great recap. Not sure I agree regarding the Shibs...way harsh ouch. I do agree with Chocks/Bates music choice- tough to watch (hear)

[@JonathanBickford]

Mirai looks so fit! Probably the most fit I've ever seen her. Her spins look stronger than ever too.

[@vohonganh200]

Ashley's fs, the part where the music really builds up, is where I want to see her skate with more power and passion...

[@thesovgc]

Dave I love that you are a kindred spirit who doesn't pronounce the T in "often"

[@daphenaxa]

the accuracy about the Shibutanis was refreshing. I really like your duo, it was a fun episode!! :)

[@KatHasenauerCornetta]

"It's towards the end of the Britney album. It's not Womanizer." - Love it. Well done.

[@lukeferrante497]

The "flag people" are everything... they are the highlight of Nationals every single year.

[@juanantoniomoreno3409]

Totally agree with Tom Z's "vision" and Tessa Hong.

[@JonathanBickford]

Juan Antonio Moreno I think she should go to Frank!

[@jadeneilsen9739]

It was great how cool Nathan remained despite all the hype. Of course, the pressure to continue this type of quad output is going to inevitably increase, which will make things harder. It was good for Ashley to not be at her absolute best at these Nationals; it definitely worked for her last year. And I was enormously pleased to see our top pair Alexa & Chris on the World & 4CC list. That was more exciting to me than the pair event itself.

[@nikkikaczmarek2446]

Agreed. I'm thrilled the Knierims are going to Worlds. They absolutely belong there. It's great to see the country putting the right people in the spots.

[@taliagrigorian397]

Oh absolutely. Seeing Alexa and Chris's name on there was the most uplifting occurrence in pairs. They have the most talent, and the Worlds pair field is stacked this year.

[@skaterboy-cz9wj]

I have mixed feelings. I mean it is sad they had to come back from injury/illness. But they didn't compete all year. Some people put themselves out there and to lose a spot to a team who hasn't competed all year seems somewhat unfair. I know USFA has their interesting rules or policies.

[@taliagrigorian397]

But the others had the entire first half of the season to put up strong scores, and honestly, they didn't. Realistically, certain teams are better equipped for Worlds than others. Sui/Han haven't competed all season either, but their return will of course make the Chinese contingent more formidable. Countries are supposed to send their top skaters to Worlds, and encourage proper recovery from injury/illness. If your top pair is healthy and strong in monitoring, to me it would be unfair NOT to give them a spot. Pairs at Worlds this year is no joke; you can't just send anyone.

[@cumbresbo]

I don´t buy the arguments of some people saying C/B had a better response in their programs. Shibs videos of this nationals have more views, even in the FD where they lost. And their SD has 2 million of views in NBC facebook, more than even Nathan, who has been promoted a lot more than them. Lets face it, if an american team has a chance of beat to P/C are Maia and Alex. When C/B were winning everyone were always annoyed about the results. And the eternal complain about their speed and abandon (Shibs) I think has been exaggerated, especially when you consider how some teams are getting their speed. If you see their FD at GPF they had enough speed and abandon, yes, they can to get better but the situation is not so bad how some people claim.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

cumbresbo referring to crowd response/volume of applause in the arena.

[@cumbresbo]

But it's interesting that people did not feel the need to revive the special moment by watching the video (C/B) again. Or that despite the deficiencies of Maia and Alex people still prefer to see their performances again. I know this is not a popularity contest and tech and PCS are very important, but given that some people are using the people reaction as an argument to favor to C/B I just think it was not obviously overwhelming and if we are speaking about appreciation, we can´t ignore the others reactions to the programs, because of that I mentioned the views. I think was fair C/B winning the FD at this competition, but the final result is fair in my opinion.

[@SDoesNotKnow]

Not to mention the Shibs did get a standing ovation for both programs. C/B had a stronger response in the FD because honestly, it was a long time since they skated that well and it was great to see. They performed on the edge and are very dynamic, so their program was a lot more crowd-friendly (like how Fix You was more crowd friendly than Rachmaninoff 2). The Shibs do need to bring more of that, but I do think Dave and Jonathan are underselling the Shibs, not only in performance quality, but in actual skating skills and dance skills because they simply have a story they want to sell and it seems there might be personal feelings there. Anyway, Hubbell/Donohue skate fast and have great ice coverage because they are beautifully skilled. But they have the simplest programs, are on two-feet a lot, and gain that coverage by doing much more crossovers than the Shibs. The Shibs are also so detailed oriented when it comes to positioning the footwork, being on a deep edge even if they don't have the same glide as Hubbell/Donohue, and actual ice dance moves that there is a reason the are ahead of other teams technically. Re-watch the Blues pattern step. The Shibs actually covered more ice than H/D, who covered a lot more ice than C/B. The pattern is where you see who the stronger teams are. Not that Dave or Jonathan would point that out because it's all about selling a story about how the Shibs don't deserve success for them. Then there's their actual dance position and attention to detail. The Shibs were low-key poppin' and lockin' throughout their SD. H/D looked so foolish doing white person dancing hip hop moves. Evan disappeared in his hip hop even though he actually has moves while Madison Chock danced her hip hop like she dances to EVERYTHING else.

[@noramajorvski1976]

I think Gracie could benefit from unattaching herself from the hip of her twin and finding a motivating training environment. I don't see training in relative isolation in suburban Chicago with Ouriashev being a great fit- everyone seems to leave Illinois at a certain point. There aren't many upper level skaters there, and it's not a place that could give her a good sense of community. Kori Ade might be a good fit- someone who will be tough on her, but might also be willing to guide her through the ups and downs. She'd get to train with Jason, a good friend of hers who is on a similar career path, and she'd get to go to the Olympic Training Center regularly, which would give her an athlete community feel. There are other female coaches in CO as well- someone like Christy Krall at the World Arena. The scenery there is an added benefit- some hikes through the beautiful mountains might be therapeutic and calming.

[@mattcastg5170]

I don't get at all the sudden dropping in standings for the Shibutani's they allude to. They should be in the top 5? Looking at the last season I don't know how you can't say they should be in the top 3 (in the 3rd position). I get that the two hosts in this episode love Hubbell and Donohue, and it's clear they are no fans of the Shibutani's or there free dance this year. But we've seen them compete on the international scene all season and the international judges prefer them to Hubbell and Donohue, that's just the way it is. They won both of their Grand Prix assignments this season, finished in the top 3 at the Grand Prix Final, well ahead of Hubbell and Donohue (and even beating the French in the Short Dance). They did that with these 2 programs. We all know how meticulous and committed the two of them are, they'll show up at worlds well trained and prepared. Wondering how the fact that they came in second in the free dance at nationals will affect them and the judges??? Likely not at all (though I'm sure it'll only make the Shibutani's work that much harder). Virtue/Moir came in second to Chock/Bates in the free dance at skate Canada, it didn't ruin the rest of their season. I'm not even one of those in the Shibutani's fan base, I just think some of the arguments here make no sense. In terms of my actual enjoyment of a program, I like Hubbell/Donohue and Chock/Bates's free dances over the Shibutani's. Both teams music selections build to a crescendo at the end, bringing the audience into the performance while the Shibutani's is a much more quiet, refined and reserved program. While the two hosts fault them for that, I respect what they wanted to do there and think it does showcase some of their strengths. The bashing of both the Shibutani's and Chock and Bates (though they didn't talk as much about them) seemed solely to come from their personal preference for Hubbell/Donohue and not the actual skating quality we saw being performed at nationals. Cause let's be honest, Hubbell/Donohue did not skate well here this nationals (and Im a fan, I love their free skate, but they fell for Christ sakes.. and their short program is.. not great). The hosts say the Shibutani's free dance "is missing that something extra you need in Ice dance" and Hubbell and Donohue'a has it, Really? Cause international judges don't agree, they've seen both programs and have consistently preferred the Shibutani's. While I get what they're saying and agree H/D's program brings the audience in more (and is my own personal preference) this is largely all because of music selection, it's just not true that the Shibutani's more reserved and quiet program has hurt them on the international scene this season.

[@Michael-fw9op]

I've failed at getting my friends into skating so I eagerly await these recaps to get some opinions... Interesting that you both prefer Chock/Bates to the Shibs here seeing as Dave has never really been much of a fan. I still prefer the Shibs just because I can't with the Chock/Bates programs. I hated Tiffany Tolnay's floor routine to "Bad to the Bone" and I don't like it any more on the ice. With that said, the Shibs' free dance does fall flat. It has some gorgeous moments, but when its over I just don't feel anything at all. I do prefer the Shibs SD to the other Americans though. I know Dave hates the music, but I actually like the idea behind the program and I think a team with a little more pizzazz (like Hawayek/Baker) could pull it off brilliantly. LOVED the body language during the ice dance press conference. Last year the Shibs' whole argument was that they had the crowd reaction, but this year Chock/Bates had the crowd and didn't win. Madison looked pissed during the press conference and the Shibs said their scripts with less happiness than in past competitions because they knew what just happened.

[@MichaelinNeoh]

I know how you feel. This sport should be more popular! People don't get it when I talk about it. :(

[@MsJubjubbird]

I love love love the Shibs short program. It's the best one of everyone nationally and internationally. i prefer it to the karaoke/aerobics work out melodies that most teams have. It's got a bit ore class to it. However, the long program is BORING. Yes the music is pretty, yes their skating is lovely but it's the same thing for four minutes. Neither their music or their skating has any dynamics or changes.

[@Liveengineer]

Dave... Ashley and Shirley combo would be Breathtaking

[@davidreign7724]

Richie C She could also do wonders with Audition, from La La Land.. she has already tweeted about the movie and soundtrack multiple times.

[@TheGymnast71]

Great guys thanks for the update....i was looking for this...

[@MichaelinNeoh]

Is there a video of jacket-gate?

[@agc2477]

Dave, you interrupt way too much. If you want to do all the talking, don't have a guest.

[@ManuelPabloArnao]

Chock & Bates' long program is a nightmare. It's so bad!!!!!

[@Blosmbubbs]

Under pressure?

[@ManuelPabloArnao]

Diamonds Are Forever would be AMAZING for Ashley. She needs to do this!!!

[@JonathanBickford]

ManuelPabloArnao with blonde hair!

[@davidreign7724]

ManuelPabloArnao She has tweeted about La La Land and the soundtrack multiple times.. She could really Emotion the fuck out of Audition.

[@ManuelPabloArnao]

Yassssss. Diamonds are forever for the short and La La Land for the long. It's a little something old and new. Sassy and emotional/dramatic. She has to do it!!!

[@thesovgc]

I love Jonathan so much. It would be nice if he was allowed to complete a thought.

[@lexismith8325]

Very surprised you guys don't like Ashley's hair! Dark looks good with her skin color-- the red is very fake. Just a personal preference though :)

[@davidreign7724]

lexi smith I think Ashley looked stunning

[@felicialovesnkotb]

I love both the red and the dark on her.

[@starsmoon0216]

Ashley looks great whatever hair color she chooses to wear.

[@laureyjaros6436]

OMG NO! Hair dyed black never has any life --no shine, and no natural movement. She didn't dye it; she died it as it draws every bit of color from her skin and makes her look like she died at least 3 weeks ago. And while the dark red also looks phony-baloney, it does look better.

[@alisonmidgley107]

Love love loved this video. Everything they said is on point 😊❤

[@lily__e]

Totally agree with your assessment on the the Shibs. I still don't think they deserve to be #1 in the US, but I don't see it changing now before the Olympics.

[@sameoldsteph]

Rewatching this a year later. Stay hydrated, Jonathan!

[@JonathanBickford]

Too soon for Mirai! I'm still devastated.

[@lorraineu.martinelle4119]

Oh, Dave. I would have had the SAME reaction as you to Michael Shanley's saying he would go to Nationals.

[@freeradical3592]

David -- GOD BLESS YOU for the La Strada comment at 1:14. American in Paris might follow suit fairly soon. Must. Be. Banned. #Ijustcant

[@kirstenneville1934]

dave i love love love your videos but the audio is inconsistent and sometimes not the best quality. is there any chance you'd consider doing a podcast? would john wilson sponsor you to get a couple mics to record with your guests, and then you could publish a consistently high quality podcast? i feel like your format could work perfectly for that.

[@noramajorvski1976]

Tessa just needs a non-backloaded program and she'd be fine. But even with a simpler program, she still may have felt the nerves being in the final group of her first Sr Nationals (and first Nationals in any level in a while). She has gained two different clean 3-3s under Tom and she's only 14- he is doing a good job. She works with Drew Meekins on components, and maybe more time with him could help. But you can't expect Tessa to focus as much on the components as when she was an Intermediate level skater because there are far more technical demands for a Sr lady, including on the step sequences where a lot is involved to get Level 4.

[@shvaughn5636]

The audio and the video are off beat it's annoying me but I'm still gonna watch ❤️

[@britjessica]

I know other people have suggested this, but what about Liz Manley as Gracie's coach? Isn't she coaching now? I agree - Christy Kjarsgaard Ness is also a good option. Anyone but Robin Wagner.

[@Xosidhe]

19:54 Watching this from the future. Whew you called it with the needy for attention coach Vincent. Why don’t skaters listen to you??

[@skaterboy-cz9wj]

Gracie and Frank - who cares. Frank is a great coach for certain skaters. He is very set in his ways and he is old and immoveable. Yes, Gracie was upset, ,mad, frustrated after her skate but Frank should have been more professional and showed his experience in not making his star look bad when she tossed her vest. Gracie is very talented but she has to deliver the goods. So sad about Mirai too; she had her chance. Good work by Karen Chen but some of her jumps seemed to have been overlooked as to rotations. The triple axel was non existent for Mirai. I think they should have waited to name the team until after 4CCs.

[@sameoldsteph]

I just fired a neuron and thought, what about Carly Simon's 'You're So Vain' for Ashley's short next season? (No offense meant, just thought she could DO that!)

[@JohnnyOpera1]

sashimi73 brilliant!

[@pandaz1993himick]

I think Ashley is the Cher of skating: a fabulous, always-entertaining, sometimes messy, DIVAAAAA

[@MichaelinNeoh]

love it. and hopefully like Cher she'll be around forever.

[@pjbottoms8095]

I missed Adam too!

[@JonathanBickford]

You didn't talk about your girl Caroline Zhang!?

[@JohnnyOpera1]

JonathanOhHey we love Caroline and totally didn't realize we had skipped her until we finished. Thrilled for her though!

[@txprettyboy07]

Let's be honest, Tom Z is a champion killer. If I was his skater I would run and never look back.

[@antoniothunderhunter8424]

Gracie!! To Kori Ade!!

[@andreagoldstein4070]

Your assessment of Tom Z is spot on. He doesn't take the human element into his periodization process, and he shouldn't be hyping his skaters until they show results. Tom Z was the losing coach this Nationals and Raf was the winner.

[@clairejones7232]

@TheSkatingLesson, what do you think of Gracie Gold's new choice of coaches?

[@ManuelPabloArnao]

Kristie Ness would be great for Gracie!

[@saboriana]

I wish this was more of a two way conversation. There were so many times when Jonathan was about to make a point and Dave would start to talk over him and the point would be lost. After listening to this I was left wishing I knew what Jonathan wanted to say. without being disrespectful, I wish Dave would talk less, and I really hope he will stop talking over his guess.

[@carterforrester2802]

Some knowledgeable opinions but overshadowed by such excessive Ashley and Shibs hate. Credibility eroding hate. What have these particular skaters done to you Dave and Jonathon, to warrant such snideness? Just not a good look.

[@JohnnyOpera1]

Carter Forrester we admire Ashley a lot. This is why Dave brings up her world medal contention and i so admire her performance abilities! We also love how crafty she is in press conferences. It is an impressive skill. We just prefer her material from last season and hope she takes that approach for next season.

[@assiak532]

Hey !! it's a shame there is no subtitles in english !! thank you :)

[@queenmaoasada8447]

"Miss America with a Silver"?!? Whattt?!? Ashley is incredibly gracious and sportsmanlike... What's their problem with her?

[@davidreign7724]

Jules Mekler Preach!

[@Qacc6]

The Shibutanis don't really dance with their upper body, their arms looks especially expressionless. I don't understand exactly why their Cold Play program catapulted them to the top. That program had nothing on Hubble/Donohue's program last season.

[@MichaelinNeoh]

Tessa Hong really does have great skating skills I just watched both her skates. Her problem is that she has to wait for the next olympic cycle to get attention and that's a long wait, but if she's 14 now she'll only be 19 then. She could be the future. Those 3 pops were rough though, if she doesn't have the jumps down they can't force all the jumps one after the other, they should just eliminate some.

[@sameoldsteph]

I LOVE this recap and absolutely LOVE Jonathan! I want to be your best friend! Both of you! (I watched Jonathan singing on youtube and WOW!) Keep that boy around, he's so much fun and the male version of Jenny (not really meant literally but in the entertainment factor). Anyhoo, seriously - what a especially dramatic Nationals! I was stunned that Ashley came in 2nd. I bet a part of her was as well. She def needs more material like last season's. I agree with her hair assessment. I like it with a hint of red. Not blond. And I like it UP. At least her LP dress was an upgrade. That grey/ silver number was not doing anything for me. I also agree that the Shibs are kind of boring. Not a huge fan of C/B or H/D but the Shibs need to LET GO! They have all the talent in the world but sweet mother of god let it fly! And Raf should get ALL the littles and ALL the physical therapists and training dollars! Pairs...got nothing to say. Shame about Tarah with an H. Tessa Hong is gorgeous but get away from Tom. Ash, step it up. Nathan, keep it up! Amazeballs. Cannot believe the way he skates! It's amazing! Mariah Bell is someone I've got my eye on and my hopes up for. Too bad for Gracie. But she's been so up and down forever. Hopefully she can salvage her skating career with another coach but it has to come from HER. Keep up the awesome stuff. I'd love to go to a competition sometime and meet up with you guys! Keep dreaming, right? A girl has to dream. Just have to say I'm not in love with your pick for Ashley's music next year. I think it needs to be more mind-blowing. I can't wait to see what she and Mariah come up with for the Olympic year, and I can't wait to see what happens at 4 Continents and Worlds this year. Ok! I've written a novel! Thanks again for all you have been doing!

[@GregorySparks1211]

She needs to go to Yuma Sato.

[@jdfox1]

Gracie is a fine skater, she will be fine. Frank Carroll is /was a good coach, but perhaps Gracie needs someone a bit more contemporary and a coach who lets her be her own style. I heard somewhere that Carroll was going to "retire" in the near future anyway, and if that's true then now is the time. Gracie needs to forget the big names, and find the right person to team with.

[@SayYesToAwesome]

jdfox1 I once had an egg salad sandwich at the airport in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was awful. It had more personality than Gracie Gold.

[@MsTeach3]

Well, I agree with other posters... I love you Dave but quit interrupting Jonathan!!! Also I agree with Jonathan that C/B's programs are awful, particularly the free dance. Music is horrendous. The Shibs SD is awesome, but their FD is definitely not as good as last year. I don't find it boring though.

[@ManuelPabloArnao]

Mariah also needs to light her hair. Why is it black?!?!?!

[@kristinab3838]

Yes!!! a warm brown would suit her best. And she needs to do something different for her short program. The long straight pony just looks unfinished.

[@betsyfairchild8183]

Why such a nasty tone, Dave? And from Jonathon too, is especially disappointing, I'm fine with opinions that differ from my own, and can respect strong options. But so much venom: "Fake" "Fraud" etc. It broke my heart when a kid I coach said to me that if this is how the top skaters get treated, she doesn't want to be a part of the sport. And this is not a 'sensitive' child. Just one who "calls it." Are you trying to build your audience based on generating aversion to the top athletes who work their butts off? The knowingly aggressive hatefulness in tone is just so disappointing,

[@gloriawu5122]

Had to deal with a similarly disheartened student. 13 yr old boy, a fan of the guys in the sport like Alex Shibutani.He wants to be an ice dancer too in no small part because Alex was positive, inspiring and encouraging to him during SkateFest. TSL calling Alex and Maia "frauds." What kind of people are you that you do that?

[@JohnnyOpera1]

Gloria Wu I debated whether or not to respond to this. We go out of our way to reassure that we admire the Shibs work ethic, talent, and all that they have done for US Figure Skating. Ice dancing is completely subjective and we have three of the best teams in the world right here in the US. My personal opinion is that Hubbell and Donahue are the best in our country right now. Saying that the Shibutani's come across as overly coached and fake in press conferences is a comment on the media coaching certain athletes receive.

[@JohnnyOpera1]

Betsy Fairchild what a wonderful teaching opportunity for you to explain that Internet opinions should have zero influence on anyone's life or goals. We experience this dilemma in classical music all the time. I believe passionately in what Hubbell and Donahue are doing and am less sold by the Shibs. Calling them fake in their press conferences speaks to the advice they are being given and nothing more. We are sure to give them the credit they deserve for being great role models and having exceptional twizzles.

[@lttalisman3206]

Jonathan Beyer

[@davidreign7724]

Dave, Chill out on the Ashley hate.. cmon, it's obvious and low cheap shots.. The Miss America Shade was pretty pathetic.. Ashley Wagner isn't fake, She was happy about her silver medal because she skated Beautifully, it was her Best free skate this season. And I agree with her, why peak here, she should peak in Two months at Worlds and help get USA 3 spots for next Season.. Dave, no need to reply, Just please pay attention and realize you keep bashing The Skater who for the past 6 years keeps US ladies skating Relevant! Ashley Wagner is a True All around Skater, She's not a robotic teen from Russia who jumps around and has very little artistic expression. I respect you Dave and I look forward to your videos so much, just stop with the personal hate on Ashley. Just giving my opinion, Good luck Ashley at Worlds, I love your Beautiful skating.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

David Horne Hardly any hate. Just said she could contend for a medal at Worlds and suggested music I think would be good for her. I also said she did a fantastic program. That is not hate by any means.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

David Horne And I also agreed that sitting out Four Continents is a good idea.

[@davidreign7724]

Actually, I had one question for you Dave I forgot to ask, Why shouldn't Gracie go to Ralph? He's obviously a tough coach and his skaters seem to respect/fear him. Gracie needs the toughness that Ashley has. Ralph seems to be on the right track with his athletes.. just wondering what your opinion on this is, Plus sticking Ashley with Gracie would make for some killer Drama on a reality show..lol. Maybe Gracie does need someone like Ashley to tell her to snap out of it and just skate. Knock on wood, but it's been like over a year since Ashley has fallen during a competition, she's has a few mistakes, but no falls.

[@gymerin]

why do people think it's hate when it's mentioned that ashley has no transitions. she's a great performer but if she thinks she will get high pcs scores outside of the usa with the vacant content she's kidding herself. obviously she can perform but the content is not there.

[@davidreign7724]

gymerin I said nothing about Transitions! I was referring to the Miss America comment. So, just to be clear. I also Gave Dave Respect for his work and videos.

[@cdenning8206]

Great recap as always! The only area I would slightly disagree on is dance. Everything you say about the Shibs is spot on, they are great dancers, but very stiff and forced in their performances. I think Chock/Bates should've won, I believed they were underscored in the short dance and the Shibs were over scored in the free dance, however I agree with Jonathan that Hubbell/Donohue have the best free dance out of any of the Americans. However, Hubbell/Donohue do not have a great short dance, and though in my dreams Chock/Bates would've been 1st, Hubbell/Donohue 2nd, Shibs 3rd, Hubbell/Donohue did not deserve the silver medal here. Just a thought, but thanks for posting these as always and keep up the great work!

[@sallygreenfield2665]

Dave, for the love of spandex, please stop talking over the top of your guests! It's so distracting.

[@Degrasman_Maddog]

Why do you guys hate the Shibs.....

[@JohnnyOpera1]

Mario MADDOG I don't hate the Shibs at all. I just much prefer the material of Hubbell and Donahue this season.

[@JonathanBickford]

Ashley needs the blonde hair back for the Olympics!

[@seattlesix6]

Ashley didn't exactly like her blond hair when she saw all of the other blonds at Nationals that year. She wanted to stand out in the crowd, not blend in ...

[@Qacc6]

Um...Nagasu's name in Chinese has nothing similar to the word underrotation in Chinese...

[@ManuelPabloArnao]

Castelli & Tran are just the worst! Why are you even competing together if you're not going to the Olympics. Besides, they NEVER skate clean.

[@WHATTHEBUCKSHOW]

I missed Adam too!