U.S. Men's Figure Skating Championships: An Event of Epic Proportions!!

There is no other way to start off this post than by giving a huge, well-deserved CONGRATULATIONS to the new U.S. Men's Figure Skating Champion, Ryan Bradley!! As one of Ryan's biggest fans, I've followed his career for many years, and watched as he always came up just short at the big championships, despite always putting on a great, and arguably, the most entertaining, performances of the competitions. After the devastation of coming within 6 points of making the Olympic team last year, it was such a wonderful moment for everyone, but most importantly for Ryan himself, to have him back this year for all the right reasons: for his fans, and for himself. It paid off in a big way as he now owns the prestigious title of the best men's skater in the United States! What a triumph!!!

I am so happy and proud for him. He has really earned everything about this moment. Good for him and good for the sport of skating! It's fantastic to have a champion who puts the audience first. Ryan truly brings his own authentic, unique, and just plain fun twist to the sport. He gives himself to the audience, and takes the sport seriously, but not too seriously, and that's why his skating is just so damn enjoyable and refreshing!

Ryan's win shows us all a few things:

1.) good things come to those who wait. Since this is Ryan's 11th appearance at senior nationals, he has certainly waited patiently, continued working hard, and never gave up on his skating dreams on the way to achieving this remarkable victory! He has shown tenacity, mental fortitude, and the fight of a champion. Young skaters, take note!

2.) There is no age limit on championship figure skaters. People have been saying that Ryan is "old" at age 27. Old? Ha! Remember when Plushenko nearly won his second Olympic title last year at age 27? Remember when Todd Eldredge won the nationals and finished 6th at the Olympics at age 30 in 2002? Remember when Elvis Stojko competed at the same Olympics at age 29? Remember when the Olympic pairs champions at last year's Olympics competed at ages 31 and 36? Age is truly a relative term. Sure, Ryan may be older than the 18,19, and 20 year olds that are skating, but just because he's older than them, doesn't mean that he is old! I'd like to see those younger skaters be pulling off quad-triples with ease when they are 27. So there!

3.) Never say never!

4.) You can't predict figure skating!

On that note, I will attempt to recap the amazing, surprising championship that was. (The videos aren't available yet, but at a later date, I hope to post the performances).

I was taking notes throughout NBC's broadcast of the final two group of men's skaters--and actually, I also got to watch the Johnathan Cassar, who skated in the 2nd group on Ice Network just before the broadcast began. I wanted to try to do what's called "live blogging," and post my comments instantly, but having a computer on my lap wasn't really conducive for me pacing, crossing my fingers, wringing my hands, giving standing ovations, and jumping up and down in my living room. And yes, that is actually what I do during figure skating competitions. It's not so odd--it's what anyone does when they root for their favorites during a sporting event. Why should this be any different? (Come to think of it, I'm not sure how I managed when my sister and I attended the Nationals 2 years ago in Cleveland, Ohio. How did we handle all the stress and excitement while planted in our seats!?) My notes are far from perfect, but I did what I could, when I wasn't jumping up and down! :)

Jonathan Cassar:

--Age 24. Skating to the magnificent soundtrack to "Schindler's List" by John Williams.

--begins with a footwork sequence, which is different than most of the skaters who start with jumps. Nice triple lutz, double toe combination; Triple toe loop, double axel, triple salchow, deathdrop with "Fratianne" position on back sit spin, as Ice Network commentator Tonia Kwiatkowski spoints out; hand down on triple lutz, awesome spread eagle--a beautiful highlight; triple flip, double toe combination with a little three turn coming out of the second landing; triple loop double toe, double axel, great spins!

--Love his artistry. He cares about every note of music and every movement! Beautiful skating. I could watch him all day! Has a big impact on the audience because they give him a standing ovation! (A lack of triple axel and technical content seems to be what holds him back. The quality of his overall skating is strong. I have a feeling Dick Button likes him!)

Technical score: 63.28; Component Score: 68.50; Freeskate total: 131.78; Competition total: 187.76

Adam Rippon:

--Age 21. Skating to the beautiful Piano Concerto No.2 by Sergei Rachmaninoff (one of my all-time favorite pieces of music).

--Coming into the freeskate in a disappointing 9th place. Looking for a strong comeback in this performance. Looks focused and relaxed as the opening strains of the Rachmaninoff masterpiece washes over him.

--A simple, understated costume.

--Opening triple axel that he "really needs to conquer" says Scott Hamilton: tilted backward, three turn coming out into double toe loop; big double axel; wonderful Rippon-lutz; so far, the choreography, by the genius David Wilson, is exquisite; great footwork sequence; He is using the music really well; second triple axel: swish!! Triple flip, triple toe: swish!! Tano Lutz with double toe with arm over head; triple loop, great footwork and use of the music; Sandra says that she thinks he had a "turning point" during this performance where he really started to fight back; nice triple salchow; good ending spins.

!!!! Standing ovation!!! I jumped up and clapped at the ending. What a fine performance! Sandra says: "he's such a beautiful skater. He has it all!"

Technical: 76.36; Components: 77.42; Freeskate: 153.78; Comp. total: 220.04

Richard Dornbush:

--Age 19; fresh off a big victory in the junior ranks: the Junior Grand Prix Final. Finished 11th in last year's senior nationals debut, and entering the freeskate in 7th place.

--Gets into the "Sherlock Holmes" character instantly. Love the costume. Vest, tie, and pocket chain! Very Sherlockian! Scott says: "Should just be another day at the office for him. He's competed more than anyone in this event" [because of his competitions on the junior level].

--Fantastic, gripping, driving music to "Sherlock Holmes" soundtrack. [I didn't like the movie, but I loved the music!] Excellent skating music, and Richard is capturing the character perfectly!

--big triple flip; flies into an easy triple axel, triple toe combination--it seems like almost an after thought; triple flip; good jumping technique and spins, too. This is the first time I'm seeing him and I'm thoroughly impressed. He's really delivering this performance brilliantly, both in character and in technique. Sandra: "This program accentuates the casualness with which he goes about his business."; huge, easy triple axel; triple salchow; triple flip, double toe, double toe with arms over head; double axel, double axel; so far I'm blown away!!; triple loop; love the hitch-kicks during the footwork sequence at the end; and his playing to the crowd throughout! The music adds great drama and tension!

--What an astounding debut! And it looked sooo easy. This guy knows how to compete and perform: a deadly combination!

-- Sandra says: "Just an outstanding performance on so many different levels! He performed, he had fun, he was warm and engaging!"

--Scott says that his friends in the skating world know him as "Ricky" and now he wants to be known as Richard. [Considering Richard "Dick" Button is the greatest skater in the history of the sport, the name "Richard" in skating has pretty good luck on its side!]

--Standing ovation! I am beyond impressed! I can't remember when I've enjoyed a skating performance more. I'm joining his fan club!! A future national champion for sure!

Technical: 83.27; Components: 74.59; Freeskate: 167.85; Total: 225.56

Armin Mahbanoozedeh:

--enters freeskate in 8th place, which incidentally is where he placed in last year's nationals.

--Has deferred admission into Dartmouth to focus on skating this year.

--Skating to the soundtrack of "Avatar." Coming off a great bronze-medal performance at Skate America during the fall Grand Prix season.

--huge opening triple lutz, triple axel (Scott comments: "He owns and operates this jump"); the music builds as he flies into a perfect triple flip, triple toe combination; nice triple loop; looks very in control; nails second triple axel double toe combination; spread eagle into triple flip, variation on sit spin; triple salchow; double axel, double toe, double loop; the audience gets into the music an Armin gains momentum; he has a huge smile on his face as he performs his closing footwork sequence; lots of excitement at the end!!

--Standing ovation!! Well done!!! What an event!!

Technical: 77.40; Component: 70.88; Freeskate: 148.28; Total: 215.05

Keegan Messing:

----Just turned 19 about a week ago. From Alaska. Keegan is a real powerhouse! I had the opportunity to see him skate this summer when my sister and I attended the Liberty Summer Competition in Aston, Pa, and we were surprised at how fast and powerful he is! So explosive! (Elvis Stojko would be proud!)

--Sandra comments: "Keegan turns figure skating into an extreme sport. Look out!" Scott describes him as: "Aggressive, athletic, and explosive".

--Skating to "The Hulk"." Costume looks a little young, but appropriate considering the music; huge quadruple toe with hand down; triple lutz, double toe, fast spins! Good low, centered sit spin position; triple axel double toe; He gives every ounce of energy; needs to work on his presentation, transitions, flow, finesse, and audience connection. Sandra says: " I love his wildness, his passion...and it's refreshing to see this kind of power in a performance."; triple loop; triple flip, double toe, double toe; triple lutz at the last note of music! Wow! Talk about excellent stamina, and high-energy! As Tom Hammond says, "a young dynamo!"

Technical: 76.56; Components: 66.94; Total: 143.50; Total: 213.29

Douglas Razzano:

--Age 22. Coached by former Canadian pairs skater, Doug Ladret, who skated in Stars on Ice with Christine Hough. [Always loved their skating!] Douglas is entering freeskate in 5th place after an excellent short program that contained what Scott called a "magnificent" quadruple toe loop and a triple toe, triple toe combination. Quite an accomplishment for Douglas, who only finished 15th last season.

--Skating to a variety of tangos.

--Opening with a huge, beautiful triple axel; quad toe loop--a little turn out, but a good attempt! Triple axel--couldn't hold on to the landing--great recovery with a strong triple lutz; needs to work on relating to the audience; really nice triple toe, triple toe combination! Spread eagle into triple salchow; triple loop.

--A respectable performance! A good accomplishment to be skating in the final group of men, and to hold things together after a mistake! Big improvement from when I saw him skate 2 at Nationals two years ago. This is certainly a good building block, and a performance to work from.

Technical: 71.29; Components: 66.86; Deduction: minus 1.00; Freeskate: 137.15; Total: 206.76

Ross Miner:

--Just turned 20 last week. This is his senior nationals debut. A great accomplishment to be in the final group at his debut. He was set to debut last year and suffered a high-ankle sprain.

--My sister and I had the chance to see Ross skate this program at the Liberty Summer competition in Aston, Pa in July. We really enjoyed his easy, smooth style of skating.

--Skating to "Casablanca" soundtrack.

--A very simple costume of black and white.

--Opens with a nice footwork sequence, ala Cassar.

--big, beautiful triple axel double toe at the crescendo o the music; nice triple lutz, triple toe combination. Sandra says: "Boy, he's not intimidated at all, is he?"; triple axel; has a really easy going, relaxed quality to his skating; acts out pouring and taking a drink to represent the scene from the movie; nice triple loop; really smooth skating; nice triple lutz; he is making this look very easy!; spread eagle into triple salchow, double toe, double toe; Sandra: "he's really using the music to his advantage. He's using it to pull back and push through. There's beautiful pacing to this program." ; nice triple flip; double axel; does what Tonia Kwiatkowski has referred to as an "A-frame" spin, which I'm not a fan of. (He does it fine, it's just that it's not a flattering position).

--Wow! Another wonderful debut!! Great program!

Technical: 81.80; Components: 74. 56; Total: 156.36; Total: 224.35

Jeremy Abbott:

--Age 25; skating to music from the score of the Oscar-winning movie "Life is Beautiful."

--A soft, subtle costume.

--Sandra says: "It's so important to not skate defensively and to put the performance ahead of the win."..."This is one of the most beautiful long programs I've ever seen."

--The choreography is brilliant! Very soft, controlled and Wylie-esque in its style.

--Nice opening triple lutz, triple flip, nice triple axel, double toe combination--he was smart to not go for the triple,triple after he lost momentum on the landing of the first jump; .....

--from this point, the performance started to crumble, and I couldn't bring myself to take any more notes!! He put his hand down on his second triple axel, and fell on a triple lutz (which is an easy jump for him!)

--The program is beautiful and accentuates his best qualities--Sandra says that it shows off a "levity" in his skating--but without the technical, he has left the door wide open. It's so heartbreaking to see Jeremy fall apart like this, particularly after his magnificent freeskate at last year's nationals, which was one of the best performances in the history of the national championships, in my opinion!

--This is a very disappointing, heartbreaking performance. :( I feel terrible. As hard as it is to watch, I'm sure it was a lot harder to be the one going through it.

--As Sandra commented, this program is "a jewel." Perhaps Jeremy should keep it for next season and perfect it. This program is still developing, since he only competed with it three times this season. It would be nice to see the program evolve next season.

Technical: 66.91; Components: 79.86; Deduction: minus 1.00; Freeskate: 145.77; Total: 224.16

Brandon Mroz:

-- Just turned 20 last month. Skating to a great piece of music: "On the Waterfront" soundtrack By Leonard Bernstein. Choreography by Tom Dickson.

--Brandon enters this freeskate in 3rd place. He finished 6th at last year's nationals, which was a big disappointment, coming of a 2nd place finish at the 2009 championships. He's had a good international season this year, finishing 2nd and 3rd at his Grand Prix assignments.

--I don't get the costume and the glove on only one hand? (When Paul Wylie skated to this music he wore a red and black flannel shirt. I think I need to see the movie to understand where these costume inspirations are coming from).

Opening quadruple toe loop: fall out; triple axel, double toe loop; triple lutz; triple loop; needs to emote more to the audience. He's very introverted. The tension and excitement of the music is good, but I'm not sure if he's matching that. Sandra thinks that "like Jeremy" he is skating "defensively" trying to avoid mistakes instead of attacking. Gread second triple axel!; triple lutz, triple toe (foot down on the out flow of that jump); triple salchow; triple flip, double toe, double toe; seems to be gaining strength; slightly off the music at the end. Good recovery from last season. Good performance, but not great. He skated it better during the Grand Prix. It didn't have that much impact, but he's going in the right direction! I give him a lot of credit, and I think that's a good performance to build from.

Technical: 73.66; Components: 68.22; Freeskate: 141.88; Total: 213.49

Ryan Bradley:

--Age 27. Comes into this portion in first place, after a stellar short program performance to "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" featuring an enormous quadruple toe loop, triple toe loop combination and an explosive triple axel.

--Definitely the sentimental crowd favorite. He's skating to the music from the "Amadeus" soundtrack, which he used last year. It's a spoof on a classical freeskate, and it's great! The audience knows they're in for a treat!

--As Sandra points out, "this championships is Ryan's for the taking!" He has a 12-point lead over Richard, who sits in second, after the short program. Scott comments that the show means as much to Ryan as the result (but you have to think that the result is on his mind a little bit at this point!) He gets into character instantly, even before the music starts. And at this point, I'm not even taking notes because I am pacing around my living room!

--Quadruple toe loop--fall out. Uncharacteristic! Second quad, fall out. (This is when I Playful footwork sequence; huge triple axel!! Triple lutz; his spins seemed to have picked up speed! Great connection with the audience during another fun, playful footwork sequence; At this point I feel incredibly nervous as Scott states that in order for him to win this national title he needs to land his next four jumping passes "CLEAN!". I start tying my scarf in knots as he enters his next jump: a gigantic triple axel into a triple toe loop comination. Scott yells: "OH MAN! How did he do that??" At this point, I let out a huge shout and jumped up and down! That was CLUTCH! Followed by a nice triple loop, more playing to the crowd with a mischievous smile; triple salchow, double toe, double toe; nice triple flip out of no speed! You can hear cheers from the crowd as he does his final spins! He is even playing to the crowd during his bows! Hugs the flower girl! Scott comments on what a people person he is, and what a popular champion. "THE most popular champion!"

--Scott says: "No one could have predicted this event!" Sandra: "It's crazy" Scott: "It's wild!"

--Ryan does an impromptu backflip, much to the delight of the fans!! As he comes off the ice, his coach comments, "You were fighting!" (And it was certainly a fight!)

--Sandra comments that he "lights up any room that he enters. Filled with charm. He gives so much to the sport!"

--When the scores are posted, Ryan and his coaches are in shock! The audience, myself included, erupts when they realize he is the winner!!!! What an awesome victory!!!!

Technical: 78.17 ;Components; 73.34; Freeskate: 151.51; Total: 241.90

What an incredible event! Congratulations to the top 4: Ryan Bradley, Richard Dornbush, Ross Miner, and Jeremy Abbott (who missed 3rd place, and the world team by .17. Ouch!!) I can't remember when I've enjoyed a National Championship more. Wow!!

Now that I've finished typing up my notes, the event actually ended 5 hours ago and I'm still riding a high! I just called my sister and she said that the competition is still "swirling" in her head and she can't stop thinking about Ryan's win!! Me, too! What a night!!