gpf 2013 has come and gone
Over halfway through the skating season, and the Grand Prix Final which took place in Japan this weekend is a wrap.
*Was pleased with the ice dance competition. Super excited the French overtook the Russians for the bronze! I fear this rises a fool's hope in me that they will contend for the Olympic bronze medal despite it seeming that medal WILL go to one Russian team or another. At least this sets up for an interesting battle between the French and Russians at Europeans.
*Davis/White and Virtue/Moir gave strong performances, confirming what I've thought since the start of the season: they are the co-favorites for Olympic gold in ice dance.
*For the second year in a row Patrick Chan was beaten at GPF. I think he is still the favorite for the Olympics, but he has competition. All the Japanese men gave good performances in the long program. It is going to be heartbreaking at Japanese Nationals for the men -- three spots available, so many skaters...
*Ladies was mostly a splat fest in the long. Hope they all will rebound at their respective nationals.
*Surprise of the GPF: Germans Savchenko/Szolkowy winning the gold in pairs over Russians Volosozhar/Trankov was a big upset. The Germans long program to "The Nutcracker" was lovely.
*Best performance of GPF: China's Pang/Tong's long to "I Dreamed a Dream," competing in the 40th Grand Prix event of their career. A very beautiful, emotional performance. I got goosebumps, at times did not breath while watching, and nearly cried. It was amazing how seamlessly moments of the choreography fitted perfectly with the music. They were magical.
*My favorite events of the series were NHK Trophy and the Final because of the excitement of the packed Japanese audiences, being enthusiastic towards ALL the competitors, and for providing the best camerawork.
*Was pleased with the ice dance competition. Super excited the French overtook the Russians for the bronze! I fear this rises a fool's hope in me that they will contend for the Olympic bronze medal despite it seeming that medal WILL go to one Russian team or another. At least this sets up for an interesting battle between the French and Russians at Europeans.
*Davis/White and Virtue/Moir gave strong performances, confirming what I've thought since the start of the season: they are the co-favorites for Olympic gold in ice dance.
*For the second year in a row Patrick Chan was beaten at GPF. I think he is still the favorite for the Olympics, but he has competition. All the Japanese men gave good performances in the long program. It is going to be heartbreaking at Japanese Nationals for the men -- three spots available, so many skaters...
*Ladies was mostly a splat fest in the long. Hope they all will rebound at their respective nationals.
*Surprise of the GPF: Germans Savchenko/Szolkowy winning the gold in pairs over Russians Volosozhar/Trankov was a big upset. The Germans long program to "The Nutcracker" was lovely.
*Best performance of GPF: China's Pang/Tong's long to "I Dreamed a Dream," competing in the 40th Grand Prix event of their career. A very beautiful, emotional performance. I got goosebumps, at times did not breath while watching, and nearly cried. It was amazing how seamlessly moments of the choreography fitted perfectly with the music. They were magical.
Click to view*My favorite events of the series were NHK Trophy and the Final because of the excitement of the packed Japanese audiences, being enthusiastic towards ALL the competitors, and for providing the best camerawork.