What Are Your Predictions For Ladies Skating(new season)?

[amidala]

I predict a total shake down (on how things used to be). I predict that Sarah will lose some (but I don't know how much) of her drive to beat everyone in sight (I think everyone will be aiming to prove they can beat the new oly champ). Of course I think that the skater who will possess the most "fire" to beat everyone in sight will be Sasha (she knows she can skate circles around all of the elite ladies), and will be out to make this "her turn", since she is now "not" comming off a previous season with an injury. About Angela, I heard she dislocated her shoulder, that will not be good, but even without injury, I would not think her skating will surpass Sasha's (for obvious reasons), and won't be able to go ahead of Sarah (who may have her scores slightly inflated cause of oly win). If Michelle just competes at Nats, it will difficult for her I believe. I kind of hold the idea that a skater cannot take "competitions off" throughout the season & expect to go to Nats and win gold (theres just too much competition), and I don't think it will make the skating look stronger & "peaked" either. I think if she's going to take "off" time from the GP & still don't have a coach, maybe it would be best to just take the year off until ready to compete & is settled. I predict Irina will skate with a casual attitude & will rely more on her world champ status to win her gold medals, its always tough for such a seasoned skater to come back (post oly) & try to immulate a fierce competitor's mindset (training hard core, discipline, not relying on being "held up" by judges. Overall, I think that if clean, Sasha will win both Nats & Worlds, with Sarah finishing either second or third place behind her. Irina & Michelle-that's a tough one to predict in placement this year, cause Fumie will probably be skating with more determination & confidence (she'll be tough to compete against).

[Always_Sasha]

I totally agree with you. Where did you hear about Angela hurting her shoulder?

[Dustin]

Angela mentioned dislocating it on her latest diary entry:
http://skatinginc.com/default.asp?pg=os&sp=/Nikodinov

I think Sasha will start of not at her best, still trying to adapt to the coaching change. I think Sarah will start off weak because it doesn't seem like she has been preparing for the season as much as other skaters. As for Irina, I think she may start out strong but sort of lose interest later on in the season, if that makes sense. We haven't heard much, if anything, about her this off-season so I wonder what she is up to. Back to Sasha and Sarah. I think both will be stronger later in the season... should be an interesting nationals and worlds. I think we need to watch out for Jenny in the mix this year. I hope Callaghan has helped her!

[cmoneynoair]

I agree Sasha will probaly not start off at her best though i think she has a definate chance to win at Skate Canada then probaly win a first and second at her other 2 Gp events. I also think Sasha could win at both Nationals and Worlds if she skates well. Also I think that Fumie, and Jenny may be on the podium a few times this year.

[sk8ing_lady2001]

Originally posted by cmoneynoair
I also think Sasha could win at both Nationals and Worlds if she skates well.

I agree, I hope Sasha skates well. Good luck to her always. :)

[forevermkfan]

I hope Michelle's in this season. If Sasha gets her jumps consistent and Michelle competes with Irina, those will be the top three on the podium - some kind of arrangement there!! lol. :D

[sk8ing_lady2001]

Rachel, you seem like a nice friend to me. I like all three -- Sasha of course, Michelle and Irina.

[forevermkfan]

Yea sk8inglady!! They are the bestest!! Well hey - my screen name's forever MK fan lol. I see you over at the Michelle Kwan Forum all the time. Here's to us - who like Michelle, Sasha and Irina. :D :D LOL