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huesofblue · 4 years ago

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Gliding Across the Ice for Victory (Pt. II)

With the background information of figure skating now done and discussed, we will now move on to the main reason for this review blog: Full Match of the Women’s Singles Short Program of Figure Skating from the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.

Now, I would just like to put a disclaimer up that since I am not at all familiar with the lingos associated with this sport, they will not be used as much in this blog – if at all, really. If they do come up and did not seemed to be used correctly, then I apologize in advance for any mistakes.

For reference, we will be watching the match through this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEtYYtwX1sM

Because there were 30 competing athletes in this Olympic short program figure skating match at the Gangneung Ice Arena, there were 5 groups created with break gaps in between. Bearing in mind there were 6 skaters in each group, the order of performers were as follows:

Bradie Tennell, USA;

Isadora Williams, Brazil;

Anna Khnyechnkova, Ukraine;

Diana Nikitina, Latvia;

Kim Hanul, South Korea;

Anita Oestlund, Sweden;

Li Xiangning, China;

Alexia Paganini, Switzerland;

Aiza Mambekova, Kazakhstan;

Emmi Peltonen, Finland;

Larkyn Austman, Canada;

Mae Berenice Meite, France;

Kailani Craine, Australia;

Ivett Toth, Hungary;

Giada Russo, Italy;

Loena Hendrickx, Belgium;

Nicole Schott, Germany;

Nicole Rajicova, Slovakia;

Kaori Sakamoto, Japan;

Mirai Nagasu, USA;

Gabrielle Daleman, Canada;

Karen Chen, USA;

Elizabet Tursynbaeva, Kazakhstan;

Choi Dabin, South Korea;

Evgenia Medvedeva, OAR;

Satoko Miyahara, Japan;

Kaetlyn Osmond, Canada;

Alina Zagitova, OAR;

Carolina Kostner, Italy; and

Maria Sotskova, OAR.

Group 1

Starting the performance of the 1st group was Bradie Tennell who was representing USA. Skating to Taeguki by Dong-jun Lee, she was dressed in a velvet-looking red number. Tennell began her program with artistic movements, moving gracefully across the ice and building up her momentum for the first required element. She successfully landed a Triple Lutz jump as part of her opening combination, but failed to land on her feet for the next component. Personally, I think her fall was caused by the diminished strength on her landing foot, that which was maybe caused by her previous jump. She had dropped her weight too much on her landing foot, not evenly spacing it out, which then caused her to fail the landing on the next triple jump. Nonetheless, Tennell picked herself up and continued on to do a series of beautiful spins with defined lines and a neat execution for her second required element. Not long after that, she was able to land a Triple Loop jump – after the step sequence – that I believe was done cleanly, and another jump right near the end. As the announcer said after she finished, Tennell had performed a clean set despite missing the triple combination. Had she not made the mistake in the triple jump after the Lutz, I believe she would have posed a stronger front against her competitors. Right after the replay of her spins and jumps, her score came up to 64.01 points – 35.50 for technical elements, 29.51 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

The next performer was Isadora Williams from Brazil, and wearing a pretty lilac dress, she was going to be skating to Hallelujah performed by K.D. Lang. Just from the opening movements she did at the beginning of her program, I could already see how well in-tune Williams was with her body, moving with a certain sharpness that I cannot explain properly and an emotion that could be felt even through a screen. She did a Triple Lutz-Double Toe combination, a relatively safe decision, as the opening jump, and she did it cleanly and unhesitatingly, further proving her improvement from her previous games. She did a Triple Loop after that, and it was also executed neatly. Her spins were also nicely done, though I believe not as defined as Tennell’s. She soon completed the required jumps of her program with the Double Axel, and went on to do a series of spins and minor artistic jumps that added to the artistry of her performance, as well as executed her step sequence too. Williams had done remarkably smart choices for her program, and despite missing that bravely risky confidence – having gone for the sure and neat route – she did very well for her performance. Right after the replay of her program, her score came up to 55.74 points – 29.83 for technical elements, 25.91 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Anna Khnyechnkova, representing Ukraine, was up next, and she was going to be skating to Sorongo, Street Passions by Didulia in a black dress fit with gold and red details. Right from the beginning of her program, there was already much power in her movements. She did a Double Axel as her opening jump, and it was well-executed. Like Tennell, she also wasn’t able to land the second jump of her combination set, having done a good Triple Toe but unfortunately didn’t deliver as good for the next jump. I believe she failed so because she wasn’t able to build up the speed properly from the Triple Toe, which then costed her the execution of her next triple jump. She did a few spins and artistic movements then, as she built up for momentum for her Triple Lutz; however, she unfortunately wasn’t able to land that one as well. Now, I’m not sure of the accurate technicalities, but I believe she wasn’t able to land the Triple Lutz due to her incorrect footwork and lack of speed and momentum. Moving on, she continued with her program and soon brought it to a finish after completing the rest of the required elements. Personally, I could tell that there was a lot going on in her performance, feeling as though there was just maybe too much that her movements hadn’t harmonized well with each other. Nevertheless, she still performed well and nicely, despite her errors. Right after the replay of her performance, her score came up to 47.59 points – 26.66 for technical elements, 22.93 for presentation, and -2.00 for deductions.

Up next was Diana Nikitina for Latvia, and she was going to be skating to Soldier of Love by Sade in a black pant-one-piece fit. Before she began, I felt that she had a bit of a strong aura to her, a type of confidence that was really only furthered due to the ensemble she was wearing – and that was a good thing because it made me had high hopes for her. Her program started with a series of movements that complemented the music she was moving along to. Her jump combination of a Triple Lutz and a Triple Toe was very neatly and nicely done – there was no sensed hesitance, and it was delivered strongly and confidently, but later, the judges had come to the decision that it was, sadly, under rotated. Her next jump was a Triple Flip, and while she did change it to a Triple Loop, it was still done well and surely. She also did a Double Axel after a required spin element, and according to the announcer, it had a nervy landing but was still delivered well. She went on to perform her required combination of spins next, and soon, she was able to bring her program to a close with pride on her face. Personally, I think she did really well, especially at the fact that she made her performance work despite her tall height. I think she just needs to improve on the accuracy of her movements, like the build up towards her jumps, and her footwork as well – but other than that, she did a good job on executing her program. Following the judges’ deliberation and the review of her jumps and spins, her score was announced, and it had come up to 51.12 points – 26.35 for technical elements, 24.77 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Following Nikitina was Kim Hanul of South Korea, and dressed in a brown dress with a white collar and shoulder top, she was going to be skating to the soundtrack of The Piano. She began her program not long after she got on the ice, and right off the bat, one could sense the somewhat innocent feel to her movements. She moved softly, gently and gracefully – I couldn’t even tell that she was building up to her opening jump combination (a Triple Lutz and Triple Toe) and even then, once she landed on her foot for both jumps, the elements were done impressively and remarkably well. There was no hesitance, no apparent nervousness – her movements just blended well with each other, and her jumps were no exception to her exertion of accuracy and confidence. The speed of her spins was quick yet neat and sure, and her speed didn’t even stop there. She then did a Triple Loop that, honestly speaking, I thought wasn’t going to be successful because of the height of her jump, but she did not disappoint at all, in that her rotations were fast enough to land her successfully on her foot. She did a Double Axel after that too, and it was also as nicely and cleanly done, similar to her previous jumps. Her next spins before she finished her program were also done quickly yet cleanly, and soon, she finished her performance to a successful end. After the judges’ recheck of her program as well as the review of her elements, her score was announced, and it had come up to 54.33 points – 29.41 for technical elements, 24.92 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

The last performer for the 1st group was Anita Oestlund, representing Sweden, and in a fuchsia-colored dress, she was going to be skating to Carmen Fantasie by David Garrett. She began with large movements, building up to what would have been a Triple Lutz – unfortunately, once she got to its execution, she had only done a Single Lutz, and according to the announcer, that one was going to be costly of her score. Her next spins, though, were very nicely done – low and centered, a hard feat to achieve, especially with a height like hers. The execution of her footwork for the step sequence was also clean, but when it came to her jump combination, she unfortunately made an error on the second jump, almost falling flat on herself – thankfully, she was able to catch her balance and land wobbly on her foot, nearly flattening her hand on the ice to save herself. Like a true professional, she went on with her program and performed a Double Axel before launching into her required spins. Personally, I think that the reason why she had backed down from the Triple Lutz and did a Single Lutz instead was because she had momentarily lost the will and confidence to do it. I don’t know what went on in her head during that time, but from what I could see, her nerves had probably gotten the best of her, which unfortunately costed her a huge loss on her final score. Moreover, for her error on the second jump, I think Oestlund lacked the weight on her landing, which caused her to wobble and almost fall. Other than that, everything else was pretty good. And soon, the announcement of her scores came: 49.14 points – 25.35 for technical elements, 23.79 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Group 2

The 1st group finished and on went the 2nd group, with Li Xiangning representing the People’s Republic of China. Wearing a blue-colored ombré dress, she was going to be skating to the soundtrack of Nuovo Cinema Paradiso. Beginning her program nicely, her first jump as the required element was unfortunately unsuccessful because she had landed on her backside rather than on her foot. I think this was because she had leaned too far out on the outside edge of her skate, which caused her to lose balance. Nevertheless, the show must go on, and so did she. Her spins were remarkable – quickly and neatly executed for the first combination, and good and even for the second combination. She also did a jump combination out of a Triple Lutz and a Double Toe, and that too was done cleanly and well. Following that was a Double Axel, and even though the height was a bit lower for comfort, Li was still able to deliver that properly and land on her foot neatly. Her step sequence was so graceful and clean, and her ending spins were impressive, as well. To conclude her part of the match, her scores were announced, and it had come up to 52.46 points – 27.27 for technical elements, 26.19 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

The second skater to perform was Alexia Paganini for Switzerland. In a lilac-blue dress, she was going to be skating to Forbidden Love from Romeo and Juliet. Her opening jump combination was two sets of a Triple Toe, and everything was executed spotlessly. They were accurate, sure, and unhesitant; she had a good form as well as a good landing. Her next jump was a Triple Loop that was also executed cleanly and impressively. Not only that but her Double Axel was also neatly successful. All that’s left for her were the other required elements such as the spins. Her footwork though was a little messy, but her spins were also graceful and well-done. Soon after, she completed her program, then the replay of her performance followed, before the announcement of her scores came. Ultimately, she scored 55.26 points – 29.99 for technical elements, 25.27 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

After Paganini was Aiza Mambekova who was representing Kazakhstan, and she was going to be skating to a radio edit of Amanama, Hourshaker in a black dress with a daring diagonal slit at the front. Her first two required jumps – the combination of a Triple Salchow and a Double Toe, and then a Triple Toe – were successful, however her second jump of the combination was under rotated, as evidenced by the turn she made when she landed. Nevertheless, she continued on with her program, doing flowy and harmonious movements that led up to her spins (that were fortunately well done) and to her other required elements. Her Double Axel, though, was personally phenomenal – clean, quick and convicted. Her step sequence was also remarkable, not too much that it had become messy but not too less as well as that it wasn't eventful, and her last spins were also well-done. Soon after, she finished her program and got off the ice with a smile on her face. Aside from the errors in her jumps, there weren’t any other problems for me regarding her performance. She had performed well, and the only thing she should improve on is the tightness and speed of her spins as she does her jumps, so as not to deliver other under rotated jumps. After the judges’ deliberation and the replay of her program, her score was announced, and it had come up to 44.40 points – 21.29 for technical elements, 23.11 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Following Mambekova was Emmi Peltonen for Finland. In a black and gold dress, she was going to be skating to Tango Jalousie by Jacob Gade. It wasn’t long after she started that she launched into her opening jump combination: two sets of a Triple Toe – it was magnificently high quality; it had enough speed, height and tightness, and it was in no way underwhelming to witness. Her movements were graceful and complementary of the background music. Though she was doing a good run so far, she unfortunately made an error in her landing after doing her second required jump. The reason for this, I think, was she had probably dug too deep in the ice during her landing, causing the ice to catch on the front pick of her skate which led her to an error in the backward transition. Nonetheless, her program continued and she went on to deliver really pretty spins. The next element she delivered after the spins was a Double Axel, and that, too, was done really well with a high jump and the right amount of speed and tightness. She did another set of spins for the next element, and her following step sequence was superb; it was artistic and creative in that she included bodily movements rather than just letting her feet take the show. After her last impressive element of spins, her program had come to a close and the replay of her performance with the judges’ deliberation followed. Soon, her scores were announced, and it had come up to 55.28 points – 28.48 for technical elements, 27.80 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

The next skater to perform was Larkyn Austman, representing Canada. In a black halter ensemble, she was going to be skating to Mein Herr from the musical, Cabaret. In an unrelated note, I think she resembles a little of Margot Robbie – really pretty. Moving on, she began her program with a series of movements that matched and complemented her music. She then launched into her opening jump combination – a Triple Salchow and a Triple Toe, and while the Salchow was delivered well, she had failed at landing the Toe. I think this was because she had exerted less conviction and commitment in delivering it. Nonetheless, her program continued. Her next jump was impressive, as well as the spins that followed – it really shows how much confidence and trust she had in herself, plus the fact that she was moving complementarily to the music. Her next jump, a Double Axel, had landed successfully, if not a little shaky but other than that, it was still good. Her step sequence and the last spins had followed soon after, and not long after that did she finish her program. The one thing I can really comment about her performance was the artistry and interpretation in her program; she had danced across the ice according to the song that was playing, and while it was well done and really nice to witness, I personally think that the arm movements were a bit lacking. She did great with moving her feet, obviously, but her hands and arms were left to fend for themselves, merely swinging largely for grace in action. Other than that and the errors she committed, she performed a good program. Soon, her scores were announced, and it had come up to 51.42 points – 25.93 for technical elements, 26.49 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

The 6th and final skater for the 2nd group was Mae Berenice Meite, and she was going to be representing France. In a black one-piece with gold detailing on the top, she was going to be skating to a mash-up of Halo and Run the World by Beyonce. Her opening jump combination consisted of a Triple Flip and a Double Toe, and while both jumps landed successfully, she had a little hiccup in the landing for the Triple Flip that may cost a bit of her score. Nonetheless, she then went on to execute her spins which were gracefully well-done. Her Triple Loop was very cleanly executed, with another jump that followed not too long after. She had finished the required jumps and was now left with the last spin and the step sequence. Meite’s step sequence was good, but it was a little slow which made it a bit underwhelming, especially after the previous skaters’ performances. The crowd did still love it, though, because it had somehow matched the entertainment brought on by the Beyonce songs. Closing her program with the last spin, Meite was done with her program, and her score was announced soon after. What I liked about her performance was that she really did dance – including her hands and her body – and while she committed some errors in her execution, it’s still safe to say she did well with the program she presented that day. At the announcement of her scores, it was found that it had come up to 53.67 points – 28.24 for technical elements, 25.43 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Group 3

For the 3rd group, the first skater was Kailani Craine, representing Australia. In a pink ensemble, she was going to be skating to Dream a Little Dream of Me and One Day. Starting off with movements that hint at a born-performer vibe, she built up the momentum to launch into her opening jump which was a Triple Flip. It was really well done, and she followed that jump with the execution of her first spins, doing that cleanly and prettily as well. Her facial expressions were really spot on, and so far, her performance has been really fun. Her step sequence was really quirky – complementary of the music playing on the background. She then did her jump combination of a Triple Loop and a Double Toe, and following that was a Double Axel – all of which had landed successful and were done impressively. Craine’s program was progressing really quickly, and it wasn’t long until she finished her performance with the last required spin. In all honesty, not much can be said about Craine’s presentation because it was already good enough as it is. Granted that she can improve herself into doing more difficult skills for more points, everything about her was just amazing to witness, and hopefully, the judges think so too. Soon, her score was announced, and it was found to have come up to 56.77 points- 30.36 for technical elements, 26.41 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Following Craine was Ivett Toth for Hungary, and she was going to be skating to AC/DC songs called Back in Black and Thunderstruck, in a black one piece ensemble with leather and metal details, obviously going to match the feel and genre of the AC/DC songs. She began with strong movements, before shortly going into her jump combination of a double Triple Toe. The opening jump was well and tightly executed. She then executed her spins, and though they were slow, they were still nicely done. What followed next was the Triple Lutz – also successful, but she did land on both of her feet instead of one. Her step sequence came next and it was a really good show, fun to watch, and got the judges’ green light of approval. She then did her clean Double Axel, hand over the head, before finishing off the program with her last spins. All in all, despite the contradicting images of figure skating and AC/DC, Toth did a job well done in mixing the two and performing the best she could with her program. Soon, her scores were announced, and it had come up to 53.22 points – 27.60 for technical elements, 25.62 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

After the 2nd skater was Giada Russo who was representing Italy. In a dark-colored dress with ¾ sleeves, she was going to be skating to the soundtrack of Eyes Wide Shut. Starting off her program with grand movements, she had built up the momentum to perform her first jump which was a Triple Flip. It was very nicely done, but the next jump that followed it was unfortunately unsuccessful because she had landed on her backside. The next spins were actually really pretty and well-done, so that was a silver lining after her errors. The next element she performed was a Double Axel, and that too was nicely and cleanly executed. What’s left then was her step sequence and her last spins, which were also completed satisfyingly. I should say that I really like how she moved along the beat, making sure that every single pump of her limbs had gone along the music and expressed a story that took more than just what meets the eye. Unfortunately, for her errors, I think she should improve her landing and balance more because they were what, I think, costed her some pretty hefty points. Soon after, her score was announced, and it had come up to 50.88 points – 25.90 for technical elements, 25.98 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

The 4th skater of the group was Loena Hendrickx from Belgium, and she was going to be skating to Frozen, as performed by Madonna, in a dark blue one-piece ensemble with see-through and sparkly detailing. She opened her program with the jump combination of a Triple Lutz, with both hands above the head, and a Triple Toe – both executed nicely, cleanly and tightly. Her spins also incorporated some minor jumps which were very impressive overall; they had just the right amount of speed and confidence that it bode well with its total delivery. Her next element was a Double Axel, and that too was superbly done. After the Axel was a Flip, but since it was singular, it was considered invalid. Her step sequence followed soon after, and it’s safe to say that it was really jam-packed, but even then, she didn’t forget to incorporate hand and arm movements as well, further completing that element. Once she closed her program with her last spin, you could see the disappointment on Hendrickx’s face despite the really well-done performance. It was a pity she had missed that Double Axel because had she done it, I’m sure her scores would have racked up really high. Nevertheless, her program was still really amazing and powerful to watch. After the judges deliberated and did a final check of her performance, her score was found to have come up to 55.16 points – 27.79 for technical elements, 27.37 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Nicole Schott, representing Germany, followed after Hendrickx. In a blue, long-sleeved dress, she was going to be skating to Nella Fantasia. For her opening jump, she did a really neat Triple Flip, and following that was her combination of a double Triple Toe – all of which were accomplished marvelously precisely and polished. Her movements, so far, have been really graceful and smooth. The next element she performed were her spins, and they too were also neatly executed. Her step sequence was elegantly polished – just the right mix of artistry, interpretation and conviction in her movements. After finishing her remaining jump and spins, she completed her program with a felt fragility that made her performance all the more impressive. Personally, I really found her performance captivating due to the feeling she just emitted, despite the minor errors that the judges and specialists may have found. Right after the replay of her program, her score was announced to have come up to 59.20 points – 31.62 for technical elements, 27.58 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

The last skater for the 3rd group was Nicole Rajicova, and she was representing Slovakia. In a magenta-colored dress with long, see-through sleeves of the same color, she was going to be skating to Une page d’amour by Nathalia Mansner. With a dramatic start to her program, she performed a combination of a Triple Loop and a Double Toe as her opening jump. Transitioning well for her spins, she spun on the ice gracefully for her required element. Her next element was a Triple Lutz, and there’s no surprise that it was done remarkably well. She then transitioned to a position that allowed her to perform another set of spins, that which was accomplished cleanly. Following that was her last required jump of a Double Axel (also done nicely) before she then launched to perform her step sequence which was jam-packed with flips and turns on the ice. Her final spin finally brought everything to a satisfying close, and there’s no question there that she did a magnificent and clean job for her program. Her scores were announced not too long after that, and it had come up to 60.59 points – 32.36 for technical elements, 28.23 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Group 4

For the 4th group, the 1st skater was Kaori Sakamoto, representing Japan. In a blue-ombré dress, she was going to be skating to Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven. Her program began with a series of dramatic turns, then later transitioned to perform her first required element which was the first spin out of three. Following that was her step sequence which, too, was beautifully and elegantly done. Her next element was another spin, and from here, I think she chose to place her jumps halfway through her performance in order to grab that bonus of doing so. Her first jump, right after the first two spin combinations, was a combination of a Triple Flip and a Triple Toe, and the only thing I could describe it was flawless – it had the right amount of speed, the mid-air spins were tight enough, and the landing was successful. In a ballsy move, Sakamoto then did a Triple Loop that was also nicely and cleanly executed. Not long after that did she perform her last jump which was a Double Axel, and it’s not even a surprise that she executed that one spotlessly as well. After she performed her last required element of a spin, she grandly closed her program to a magnificent success. In all honesty, the only thing I can describe her entire performance was effortless and high-quality. I wouldn’t be surprised if she did score very highly from that. Soon after the replay of performance as well as the judges’ deliberation, it was found that her score had come up to a staggering 73.18 points – 40.36 for technical elements, 32.82 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

After Sakamoto was Mirai Nagasu from the USA, and she was going to be skating to Nocturne No. 2 in C sharp minor in a maroon (with a hint of a magenta hue) dress. After elegantly beginning her program, she built up her momentum to perform her opening jump which was a Triple Axel. From what I could see, she actually launched herself correctly, revved up mid-air successfully, and was even standing up right after too, but I think that the reason why she failed that jump was because she had lost her balance due to the tip of her skate catching deeper into the ice than she planned. She had lost her footing, and though I’m not an expert in figure skating skills, I think she would have made that Triple Axel successful if she firmly planted her foot on the ice. Her next element was a jump combination of a Triple Flip and a Triple Toe, and thankfully, that one was successful – it had just the right amount of security, speed and tightness. She performed her first spin out of three next, and that one was gracefully done. Right after, she launched into the footwork for the Triple Loop and soon, after completing the Loop jump, began another spin as her next element. Following the spin was her step sequence and then her last spin – there’s no doubt that those elements were executed as gracefully as the progression of the music. Her program ended then, and the judges began their recheck of her performance. Soon, her score was announced, and it was found to be 66.93 points – 37.24 for technical elements, 30.69 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

The 3rd skater was Gabrielle Daleman who was representing Canada. In a black dress with a red-hemmed skirt, she was going to be skating to Habanera (from Carmen) by George Bizet. Beginning with a dramatic start of movements, her first jump of the program was a combination of a double Triple Loop, which unfortunately ended with the second jump being unsuccessful, having lost her balance and landed her hands on the ice to stabilize herself. The first spin out of three was her next element, and it was done absolutely seamlessly. Next, she did another spin that entered through a minor jump, and following that was the footwork for and the actual Triple Lutz – both elements done wonderfully. Her third and last jump was a Double Axel and again, like her previous elements, it was also done so well. Soon, the execution of her step sequence came and so was her last spin, and when those were done, that signaled the finale of her program. Personally, I think she had a really good run, just that she lost her balance and footing when her landed foot unexpectedly rotated on the ice, and I think that could be avoided next time if she leans her weight back a little more to stand firmer on the ground. Nonetheless, she had a really personalized, well-interpreted and amazing program. Soon, after the judges’ deliberation and the replay of her performance, her score was announced to have come up to 68.90 points – 35.90 for technical elements, 33.00 for presentation, and 0.00 for deductions.

Following that program was Karen Chen, another athlete representing USA. And using the music of On Golden Pond by David Grusin, she was going to be skating in a beautiful sparkly white ensemble. The beginning of her program began with refined detail-oriented movements, which then transitioned to the execution of her first element which was a type of toe jump, partly successful but also partly a failure due to her having planted her hands on the ice to stabilize herself. But, like a true professional, she brushed off her hiccup and quickly moved on to her spins, doing those elegantly and of a high quality. Following that was her second spin and her step sequence, and those too were done so prettily and poised. With two spins and the step sequence out of the way, she then executed her jump combination of a Triple Loop and a Double Toe, launching herself strongly and spinning tightly enough that she was able to land back on her foot successfully. Her next element was a Double Axel, which she entered from an incredible-looking sparrow move, and then moved on to her ending spin; thus, bringing her majestic bird-themed program to a close. According to the announcer, Chen had a tendency to overdo the build-up towards her jumps which leads her to blow some of the landings, and I agree as well that she should improve on that since her other skills were already refined and familiar to her. Nonetheless, she had a captivating program that interpreted and went well with her music. Right after the replay of her performance, the announcement of her score came, and it was found to have come up to 65.90 points – 33.53 for technical elements, 32.37 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Right after Chen was Elizabet Tursynbaeva, also an athlete representing Kazakhstan. In a purple dress, she was going to be skating to Carmen as performed by David Garrett. Starting off her program with really flowy movements, her first jump was only a Double Loop instead of a Triple, and just like what the announcer said, that decision was going to be costly. Her next element which was a combination of spins definitely redeemed her of her earlier jump error, as it was fast and impressive. Next, she launched into the footwork for a jump combination of a Triple Salchow and a Triple Toe, before executing the actual jumps – I honestly thought that wasn’t going to be successful because of the low launches, but thankfully, she was able to pull through with her skills. After that, she completed her three required jumps with a well-done Double Axel. Spinning through to her fourth element which was a combination of spins, she then executed her fifth element which was also the spin that completed her required spin elements. Lastly, the accomplishment of her step sequence was definitely eventful as she weaved through the elements it comprised of in a quick manner. All in all, I think she did a really good job, and the error on her first Loop jump was only to be blamed on the power she exerted for its launch, or the lack thereof. If she exerts more power into picking the tip of her skate into the ice, I’m sure she’d be able to achieve a higher height on her jumps which will allow her more time to do the mid-air revolutions. For the short program, Tursynbaeva was able to score 57.95 points – 28.27 for technical elements, 29.68 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

The last skater for the 4th group was Choi Dabin, hailing from and representing South Korea. She was going to be skating to the soundtrack of Papa Can You Hear Me in a turquoise ensemble. Right from the start, I could feel a despondent emotion from her performance - which I believe was what she was going for, - and my amazement only went higher as she performed her first element which was a jump combination of a Triple Lutz and a Triple Toe. Not only that, but she also executed a combination of spins as her next element, and that was really impressive to witness. Right after that was another set of spins, tallying up her accomplished required elements to three. Next, she launched right into the steps for a Triple Flip, and then accomplished a Double Axel, finishing up her required jump elements. Following that was her step sequence, and she did not disappoint with it as it was equally graceful and eventful as the rest of her program so far. She then closed her performance with her last spins which were quick and seamless, further cementing her reputation of filling in the shoes of Yuna Kim. In my opinion, I think only good things can be said about Choi’s performance because it had just the right amount of strength and gentleness in the movements, as she skated her way through a beautifully prepared and executed program. And rightfully so, she was rewarded for her impressive presentation with a score of 67.77 points – 37.54 for technical elements, 30.23 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Group 5

Evgenia Medvedeva, representing OAR, was the first skater for the 5th group. In a blue dress that similarly resembles the galaxy, she was going to be skating to Nocturne by Frederic Chopin. Her program was off to a gracefully refined start that began with a combination of spins as the accomplishment of her first required spin element out of three. She went with her step sequence next, and its poised execution was a good interpretation of the music, as it was artistic and fluid. Following that was her first jump of the program which was a jump combination of a Triple Flip, with the hand above the head, and a Triple Toe. The execution of that element was definitely spotless – the speed was just at the right amount that it allowed her to launch herself up high in the air to accomplish triple tight revolutions for both jumps. Next was a Triple Loop and a Double Axel with the hand above the head, and just like her previous required jump, those two were just so sophisticated and polished; there was no question as to how good she was with her jumps. Right after the Axel was the execution of her last two combination spins, which gave a sweet ending to her incredibly captivating performance. After witnessing that, I just want to comment on the maturity and gentle fluidity of her performance – all her chosen skills were so well-prepared and well-executed; the jumps had good heights and landings, her spins were also defined, and that step sequence was just *chef’s kiss*! For such an immaculate performance, she was definitely rewarded for it with a score of 81.61 points – 43.19 for technical elements, 38.42 for presentation, and 0.00 for deductions.

Following Medvedeva was Satoko Miyahara from Japan, and in a pretty pink ensemble, she was going to be skating to the soundtrack of Memoirs of a Geisha. Her program began with a smooth, emotion-filled start, which was followed by the execution of her opening jump combination of a Triple Lutz and a Triple Toe. That combination happened quickly yet surely that there’s no doubt she’d score high with that one. Next, she did her first combination spin and after that was the next combination spin – both combinations executed so flawlessly and polished. Right after that did she transition to the footwork for a Triple Loop, and the jump itself was no doubt going to be a success (which it was) because of how secure it was. Her step sequence came next, and the movements it comprised of were so well-matched to the rising height of her music. Soon, she flowed into a seamless Double Axel, before ending her performance with a quick combination spin that brought about a strong conclusion. Not much can be said about Miyahara’s program because it was already so impressive in itself – everything she did was connected to each other that it strengthened the relay of the message she was interpreting. Right after the replay of her performance and the judges’ deliberation, it was found that her score had come up to a rewarding 75.94 points – 40.25 for technical elements, 35.69 for presentation, and 0.00 for deductions.

The third skater of the group was Kaetlyn Osmond who was representing Canada, and skating to Sous le ciel de Paris, Milord, she was dressed in a dark blue outfit that stood her out from the rest in her group. Right off to a brilliant start, she opened her program with a double Triple Flip, the combination just done so beautifully. She then went into the execution of her next jump which was a Triple Lutz, and quickly after, she did her first combination spin which was of high quality with even speed. Her next element was her last required jump which was a Double Axel, and then, she went straight into her next successful combination spin. Her performance was progressing quickly yet in a polished and graceful manner. Her step sequence came next, and there’s nothing that can be said about it other than it was eventfully fun to witness, especially as it was aided by the music. And after transitioning smoothly to the finale, she ended her program with her last required spin that definitely brought the crowd to a loud applause. All throughout her performance, there was such a teasing and amusing feel to her movements, it was no doubt a fun act to watch, as evidenced by the collective audience’s reaction to her finish. Rewardingly, her score was announced to be 78.87 points – 41.83 for technical elements, 37.04 for presentation, and 0.00 for deductions.

In a light blue ensemble with black details, Alina Zagitova was the fourth skater and another representative of OAR, skating to the music of Black Swan. Her program began with a dramatic start that fit nicely to her music, and with the opportunity, she executed her first required element which was a combination spin. Launching next to her step sequence, there was no doubt that her choreography was strong and well-polished. Moving fluidly like a swan across the ice, she then executed her first jump which was a combination of a Triple Lutz and a Triple Loop, evidently scoring high for that one due to its clean execution. Her next element was a Triple Flip that had both her arms above the head, and to finish off her required jumps, she did a Double Axel; and what followed quickly after was the execution of her last two combination spins. With the end of her program, there was absolutely no question that she ended it strongly and beautifully. To end such an incredible act, Zagitova was able to score a staggering 82.92 points – 45.30 for technical elements, 37.62 for presentation, and 0.00 for deductions.

Representing Italy, Carolina Kostner was the fifth skater, and she was going to be skating to Ne me quitte pas, performed by Celine Dion, in a red dress with sparkling detailing. With a dramatically artistic start to her program, she did a combination of a Triple Flip and a Double Toe as her opening jump combination. Not too long after, she did a Triple Loop that, while she was able to land to her feet, was partly unsuccessful due to having had her hand planting flat on the ice for the stabilization of her form. Nonetheless, she launched right into her first combination spin which progressed and was executed really nicely. Transitioning right into a Double Axel, she followed that jump element with her second combination jump that still exuded the same emotional dramatics that flowed well into her next element which was her step sequence. As the ending to her program, she executed her last required combination spin that brought her emotion-filled performance to a successful close. Aside from her needing to gain balance for landing, and more speed in catching herself up for her second jump in the jump combination, Kostner had definitely put on a sophisticated performance. After the replay of her performance and the judges’ deliberation, her beautiful program was rewarded with a high score of 73.15 points – 35.06 for technical elements, 38.09 for presentation, and 0.00 for deductions.

Maria Sotskova, representing OAR, was the last athlete both for the 5th group and for the entire short program match. In a light pink ensemble, she was going to be skating to Swan Lake by Petr I. Tchaikovski. Eventfully, she began her program with a fluid set of movements that built up the momentum for her first required element, which was a Triple Lutz, but unfortunately, it had her landing her backside on the ice. Nevertheless, she went on with the show and then got into the execution of her first combination spin. Right after that, she redeemed her earlier jump mistake with the accomplishment of a jump combination that consisted of a Triple Flip and a Triple Toe with a hand above her hand for both, same with the Double Axel that followed quickly after it. I honestly thought the second Flip of that combination wouldn’t be successful because of the wobbly landing of the first (which is a common mistake, as I’ve noticed) but regardless of that, Sotskova was still able to do it, and successfully too, might I add. Moving on, she launched right into her next combination in a partly wobbly entrance, but she made that work as well and transitioned smoothly to her next element which was the step sequence, that which went along powerfully well with the height of the music. For the finale of her program, she did her last combination spin, which unfortunately (?) ended in her slightly catching the end of her music. Right after the judges’ deliberation and the replay of her performance, she was able to score 63.86 points – 31.47 for technical points, 33.39 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

With the ending of Sotskova’s program comes the finish of the Women’s Single Figure Skating (Short Program) match. After their performances, the qualifying athletes for the next round (in order of highest rank to lowest) were: Zagitova (OAR), Medvedeva (OAR), Osmond (Canada), Miyahara (Japan), Sakamoto (Japan), Kostner (Italy), Daleman (Canada), Dabin (South Korea), Nagasu (USA), Chen (USA), Tennell (USA), Sotskova (OAR), Rajicova (Slovakia), Schott (Germany), Tursynbaeva (Kazakhstan), Craine (Australia), Williams (Brazil), Peltonen (Finland), Paganini (Switzerland), Hendrickx (Belgium), Kim (South Korea), Meite (France), Toth (Hungary), and Li (China).

Now, since there were a lot of athletes (30, to be exact) competing in the short program, I will only be reviewing the specifics of the athletes that caught my eye, and then do a general analysis for the rest of them (aside from the individual analysis, which I wrote in each athlete’s respective portions.)

Before I start the general analysis, I just want to say, first off, that all the athletes had performed so gracefully that I wonder how they are able to do so on a flat sheet of ice, even with the slice marks from the previous performers. There’s no doubt that they were all skilled, despite the errors and falls in their programs, but regardless of such errors, their performances were top notch enough that they had qualified for the Olympics, and for some, even moved on to the next round of the competition. Watching them jump, glide and spin across the ice was really a sight to behold, and I’m glad I was able to do so through this review. Second of all, even though the athletes had the same knowledge of the ins and outs of the sport, I guess it really does come down to the execution of the entire program. There were some athletes who moved so seamlessly and polished all throughout, and there were some who lacked the fluidity and conviction to bring their elements to a success. Granted that those lackings costed them a chunk of their scores, they should be used as stepping stones for improvement, and so the next time they compete, they will be able to skate stronger, more gracefully, more precise, and more seamlessly than their past selves.

And speaking of lacking, that brings me to my next analysis, which is of Mambekova who skated for Kazakhstan. Not minding her errors, she was definitely a skilled skater – there’s no question to that. She had a good flow coursing through her body, enabling her to move so fluidly. She accomplished some really artistic transitions, her Triple Salchow-Double Toe combination was a success and so was her clean Double Axel, her step sequence was pleasantly and seamlessly eventful, and her combination spins were also well-executed. Now, I admit that I’m no expert, but personally, I think that reason why she scored low (setting aside the technicalities) is because she lacked the guts to perform higher risking jumps for a combination – as evidenced by what the announcer said of her Triple Salchow-Double Toe element being a low-level combination jump – as well as the speed and height of her jumps which hindered her ability to create tighter (and more) revs mid-air – i.e., her under rotated Triple Toe. What she lacked was what the other skaters had, which is why they placed higher above her. But regardless of Mambekova’s shortcomings, there was still more positive room for improvement, and I’m sure that with ample time and training, she’ll become one of the top skaters to be competing at international games, and not just only at the Olympics.

Moving on to the first placer for the short program. With a Black Swan-themed performance, Zagitova had placed first with a score of 82.92, and it is only right she scored so because with a program, a set of skills and a manner of execution like hers, there’s no question as to how polished and poised the performance would be. Her lithe form just complemented her choreography so well that she made difficult skills look easy. Not to mention the fact that every element of her program just flowed well into each other, and each execution was so well-defined and so precise, there was absolutely no hesitance and only commitment observed all throughout. Personally, I think the reason why she stood out from the rest of her colleagues was not only because of the difficulty and combination of her elements, but also largely because of the way she just simply incorporates her whole body into everything she did and the precision she makes sure to hit with every movement. She never leaves out her arms in the movements, making sure that the message and theme of her program was exuded in most – if not all – parts of her body. Her speed, timing, jumps, landings, spins, transitions, hand details – everything worked so well with each other and altogether. Rightfully so, she deserves her towering score, and I’m excited to witness what she’ll cook up next throughout her career.

And with the analysis finally coming to a close, I signify the end of this review blog of the Full Match of the Women’s Singles Short Program of Figure Skating from the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. If you reached the end of this blog, I genuinely thank you for taking the time to read through my amateur musings of such a sophisticated sport. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I’ll see you at the next posting of my next review blog soon!

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