Early Training = GP Participation?

[fdevine]

I know this is just speculation. I don't pretend to know Michelle's mind. But she hasn't started training this early in a long time has she? I think this may indicate she wants to be ready for Skate America. What do the rest of you think? Hey it's off season. I thought it would make a good topic to ponder.

grannie frances

[Nathan]

I think her early training and serious efforts to have well choreographed programs, with higher difficult elements indicates that she's seriously considering the GP this year. But then again you never know.

I won't believe Michelle's doing the Grand prix until I see her step on the ice at Skate America.

[nymkfan51]

grannie, I think she started training early last year as well ... don't know if it was THIS early or this intense, but I think she was planning to go SA last year. But then she had the back problem, which caused her to be unable to even do a layback spin ... which is why I think she finally opted out of the GP last year.

As for this year ... I'm guessing she's leaning towards doing the GP, but will wait to see how her training goes before she makes a definite decision.

[WorldsGreatestMK]

Michelle is working VERY HARD!! This is a stupid question not relating to this topic at all, but if Michelle did skate a clean performance at the 02 games, no double foot on the toe and not fall in the flip would she have won the gold??? That's a question that me and my friends can't answer.

[fdevine]

Of course she would have won without the mistakes during her long program.

[machina111]

She would have won if she hadn't fallen on the flip...the twofooted triple toe was very minor and wouldn't have knocked her off of the top spot.

Edited to add: (to stay on topic) I think Michelle is really leaning toward doing the Grand Prix this year. She knows the politics and that the ISU will hold her in much better standing if she makes them money. The Grand Prix is absolutely essential in helping her to really learn how to milk the new system for all it has. She could just do the American Cheesefests that are using COP this year...but the International judges for the GP's are going to be alot tougher and she needs that to reflect how they are going to judge at the Olympics.

[Undaunted Courage]

That's a question that me and my friends can't answer.

Why is this question so hard to answer? Of course, Michelle would have atleast beaten Irina's terrible skate if Michelle had landed a perfect triple flip, which she did at every competition that year except for the Goodwill games.

[Katie]

I would venture to guess that Michelle is training earlier this year to get new elements into her program, and to make sure that she's confident with all those level 4's! ;)
I'm hoping she'll do at least one of the GP events because it will give her a good indication about where both her programs are in the eyes of the judges.
:FL

[fdevine]

I thought they had to do two if they participated. I know Michelle did Skate America alone year before last, but that was because of the last minute withdrawal of SH.

grannie frances

[attyfan]

They have to do two GP events. They are also supposed to do the final, if they qualify, unless there is a medical excuse.

[bjb22]

Why in God's Name would she want to do "early" (51-secret facility relay) training in GP (Grants Pass)? This "place" (phony base) is far too brutal for a kind and sensitive woman like her. The politics are a "joke" (100 key) and primarily revolve around talking to invisable HB's (hell beings) who subliminally bounce silly ideologies around your brain and psychologically terrorize. The Hidden Cult of the Cavemen in GP collect living human skulls for money. Stay away from GP until it's closed!!!

"And like Pharohs tribe they'll be drowned in the tide
And like Goliath they'll be conquered"

"When The Ship Comes In"- Bob Dylan

:rollin :rollin :rollin