Surprises

Okay so the three men expected to represent the USA in the Vancouver Olympics all made it - no big surprise there. Johnny Weir (the "d" is apparently silent) turned in a pedestrian performance, just enough to secure the #3 spot, not even attempting a quad. His costuming resembled something more likely to be seen on American Idol. Evan Lysacek, probably our best shot at a medal, fell on his opening toe-loop quad but was solid, if lackluster, after that. Jeremy Abbott gave a flawless and exciting performance (nailing the very same quad jump that Evan had not) but questions remain as to the status of his nerves and whether he will be able to skate anything like that on the international stage.

But the day really belonged to Ryan Bradley, who unfortunately did not do well (enough) in the short program to be able to completely overcome that score. His performance was the skate of his life and encompassed all elements of the skate - the music, the costuming, the techniques and choreography. It was an electrifying performance that had the entire arena on our feet before the conclusion. (Small wonder that Johnny Weir took the safe option for his skate - the scores were that close.) This was his 11th national competition (he finished 2nd here in Spokane in 2007), Ryan recognizes this might be his last competition - not that he doesn't appear much younger than his 26 years, but the thought of maintaining this level of training and grueling pace of competition probably means it was his last opportunity to make an Olympic team. I would hope not, but if it is, what a way to go out on such a high note.

There are definitely some others on the horizon (since our current Olympic team are 26-Weir and 24-both Abbott and Lysacek): 23-year-old Jonathan Cassar, who skated first in the Free Skate with an excellent performance, 20-year-old Adam Rippon and nearly 18-year-old Keegan Messing (from Girdwood, AK).

The evening was spent watching the Free Skate of the Junior Men. I think we saw the final skate on this level for several performers and expect them to graduate to the Senior level soon. They definitely have youth on their side: 15-year-old Jason Brown took 1st with a perfect skate to the Nutcracker Suite; recently turned 15-year-old Joshua Farris (from Renton, WA) gave an amazing performance from one so young capturing 2nd place; and 3rd place finisher Max Aaron, the "old man" of the three who will turn 18 next month. These are definitely guys to be watching for the next Olympics.

~later, tw