Gone but not forgotten: Emily Samuelson and Evan Bates were absent from last week's U.S. Figure Skating Championships because of an Achilles Tendon injury to Evan that has kept them out of competition all season. (Click HERE to read an article about Emily and Evan's skating layoff). Emily and Evan, ages 20 and 21, the 2008 World Junior Ice Dance Champions, who have finished 4th, 2nd and 3rd at U.S. nationals the last three seasons, had a bit of a breakthrough season last year as they qualified for the Olympic Games in Vancouver, where they finished 11th, and cracked the top 10 at the World Figure Skating Championships in Torino, Italy. There was much anticipation about their skating this season, as they had just made a coaching change to the top coaches in the U.S., (and arguably, in the world), Igor Shpilband and Marina Zoueva. It was going to be interesting to see what kinds of changes occurred in their skating, in terms of technical difficulty, or in their presentation or packaging. They were beautiful skaters to begin with, but the tandem of Shpilband and Zoueva bring out the best in teams. It's disappointing that they're sidelined this season, but that will only make us anticipate their comeback next season even more.
It's also going to be interesting to see where they stack up domestically against some of the teams that have made a name for themselves this season: Madison Chock and Greg Zuerleine, who picked up a couple of bronze medals during the Grand Prix series, as well as finishing third at last week's Nationals. Maia and Alex Shibutani, who also finished third at both their Grand Prix assignments last fall in their first season as seniors, and clinched an impressive second place at Nationals with a silky smooth freeskate that earned a standing ovation from the audience in Greensboro. The Shibutani's, known for their fast-as-lightening twizzles, elegant posture and body line actually tied Olympic silver medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White in the technical mark in the short dance in Greensboro. (My guess is that they can overtake Chock/Zuerlein, but will have more close-competition with the Shibutani's). Internationally, Vanessa Crone and Paul Poirier from Canada, a team that commentator Tracey Wilson said during last year's Olympics had a bit of a rivalry with Samuelson and Bates, also made strides forward this year, finishing first and second in their Grand Prix assignments, as well as placing third at the Grand Prix Final.
In any case, they were dearly missed at this year's U.S. Championships, as I've really enjoyed watching them since their senior National debut in 2008, where they blew me away with their powerful "Luna" freeskate. Despite an unfortunate fall in that event, they showed a real artistic sensibility and a pleasant, likable, wholesome quality that endeared them to me. I was also impressed with them when I was in attendance at the 2009 U.S. Championships and watched them finish second to Davis and White. Their "Luna" freeskate is still my favorite of their competitive routines. Below is their winning freeskate at the 2008 World Junior Championships in which they skated "Luna," sans fall. It's wonderful!
Here's wishing Emily and Evan a speedy recovery so we can see them skate more beautiful programs next season and in the future!
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