Figure Skating Grand Prix Final 2007

I spent several hours over the weekend watching the Grand Prix Final. The ladies were really great to watch, but somewhat disappointing, as none of them had that "perfect skate".

Kim Yu-Na never ceases amazes me. Her jumps look so effortless - even those that she fell on! Her flying camel - layover is still the best. And her programs this season have awesome choreography. My only pet peeve about her is that she never seems to lift her free leg on landing of jumps or exit of spins.

Something admirable I noticed this time is also how Yu-Na continues with a captivating skate of her program, even after setbacks early on. So unlike Kimmie Meissner's long program where she looked like she's given up halfway in the program.

So, I won't let on about the results. Here are playlists of the ladies' long and short programs, thanks to various contributors on YouTube!

Ladies Long Program


Ladies Short Program

Future Stars Announcement

There will be a beginner-level competition held in conjunction with our Nationals next year! This competition is titled "Future Stars" and would serve to encourage the lower level skaters to begin competing.

For this purpose, SISA has created a scale of values for 1/2-revolution jumps, and for 2-foot spins. Since this is a low-level competition, the only full-revolution jumps allowed are the toe loop and salchow, while spins are limited to just the 2-foot spin and the regular upright spin. It is of note that though the half loop is not a listed jump, it is also not allowed as it is full-revolution!

Download the announcement for "Future Stars" (zip file)

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Moscow Cup Open - "Russian Winter 2008" Announcement

The Moscow Cup Open - "Russian Winter 2008" will be held on 22-25 February 2008 in Moscow, Russia.

This is the second year they are holding this, and there has been lots of positive feedback from previous participants, not only about how organised the competition was, but also about the tours and other activities! I've never been to Russia, but apparently winter there is pretty.

[Update 30 Dec 2007: The competition announcement is now available!]