Adult National ....

[Jackylutz]

Does anyone have any information on this year's AN? I read some things on the FSW but they are mostly on women competitions.

I also want to find out how the men did besides the result that the USFSA posted.

Thanks

[sammson99]

Jackylutz,
I'm not sure what kind of information you are looking for. I was at AN this year and watched some of the men compete (silver, bronze and masters). Overall I impressed. The quality of jumps was better than in the corresponding women's event and they seemed more relaxed. The women were quite competitive. The men seemed to be enjoying themselves more and were looking up into the stands involving the audience. Are you an adult skater?

[Jackylutz]

Yes, Sammson99

I am a 21yo male skater. I first found out about AN last year online. And I found a lot of info about the competition on line, including pictures of the winners, articles written about the winners(ie what jumps they did in order to win that title). I got to find out a lot about the women's competition on FSW but they never mention much about the men, like their spins, jumps and footwork. :)
I just want to know where I stand. I think I am in the bronze level but not sure.
So it much be exciting to attend AN. One of my dream is to compete there and hopefully medal. :)
I am a late skater also, started when I was 18 learning "on my own" sorta thing. But this summer I finally decided that I am going to need lessons in order to move on to the next level. I just love this sport.

Anyway, so if you can tell me what the top 3 did in each category of the men's competition, I would greatly appreciate.
Thanks,
Jacky :)

[sammson99]

Bummer that you are 21 and have to wait to go to AN. I wish they'd change that rule. I found out about it when I was 21 and started taking private lessons, too. It was a long 4 years. As far as the top 3 in each level I didn't take any notes and really don't know who the top 3 were, but I can give you a general impression. I didn't watch the bronze, but at silver I remember several of the men doing Axels that were nice and nice camel spins. In silver there were a few nice combo spins, mostly camel to sit. In gold I think the best men had through double loop. All of their jumps were higher and overall better than in silver. Masters men were doing lots of doubles, flying spins and double doubles. Quite impressive.

Where do you stand test-wise? It seemed that most of the men were about one step beyond the test if that helps at all.

Good luck with your skating.

[Jackylutz]

Well Sammson,
I have never taken any test. I want to improve on my skating first, then take a test. I can do all single jumps and combos except for the axel. Spin-wise, I can do scratch spin and camel, but they are my weakest. :(
But Im taking lessons this summer and hopefully improve on my jumps especially the axel and my spins.

All along, I learn how to do everything on my own, with some helpful tips from generous skaters. Now, I decided that in order for me to improve on my skating, I need a real coach, no more self-teaching. So I am extremely excited about this summer, and cant wait till my finals are over. :)

I cant wait!!!!!!!!!

How about you? How are you doing w/your skating?

Thanks for the info about AN.

[sammson99]

I can't believe you have learned all of your jumps on your own. That is amazing. I started skating mostly on my own about four years ago. After six months though I got confused about some things other skaters were saying and I dug around until I found a coach I liked. I admire you for sticking with skating on your own. It sounds like you could pass the pre-bronze and bronze tests with flying colors although you may want to wait until you see what competitions are like. The top silver men at nationals had Axels, but not the entire group. Good luck on your finals. I am so glad to be done with school.

I am taking the gold test in three weeks. I tried to take it in February, but failed it because it was much earlier than I am used to skating. Hopefully this time I will pass. I've been in silver for two years now and am ready for new challenges. I'm a little nervous about skating in gold because my doubles are still a little new and shaky, but at least I'll be able to do them somewhere besides practice.

Keep me posted on your skating.