2016 Skate America Preview Part 2: Men & Ice Dance
SYWTW FS
The second part of our Skate America preview, focusing on the men’s and ice dance fields!
MEN
Men’s figure skating is currently experiencing technical advancement at an unprecedented rate, and two of the leading figures of the quad arms race - Boyang Jin of China and Shoma Uno of Japan, who have been competing together since they were juniors - will go head to head at Skate America. But by no means does the competition stop there - Skate America boasts a deep field of men, several of whom could win a medal or the title itself. The motto of figure skating is “expect the unexpected”, and in the high-difficulty, high-risk world of men’s figure skating, this is especially true.
BOYANG JIN
Representing: China
Age: 19
ISU personal bests: SP 98.45, FS 191.38, total 289.83
Notable titles: 2016 World Bronze Medalist, 2016 4CC Silver Medalist, 2015 Junior World Silver Medalist
Programs: SP - Spiderman, FS - La Strada
China’s first World medalist in men’s singles, Boyang has been a jumping wunderkind for years. He is arguably the catalyst for the current quad craze, bursting onto the senior scene in 2015-16 with a mind-boggling six quad jumps across two programs (2 in the SP, 4 in the FS), including the extremely difficult quad lutz in both. He is the first skater to land a quad lutz-triple toeloop combination and the first skater to land 4 clean quads and 3 different types of quads in a free skate at an international competition. Boyang’s biggest strength is undoubtedly his jumps; he has one of the highest base values in the men’s field and is reasonably consistent. However, he is weaker than several other skaters in this field when it comes to program component scores, and when the jumps aren’t there, it shows. During the off season he worked with famous Canadian choreographer, Lori Nichol, and he recently announced his new music on Chinese television. We have yet to see his new programs, but it will be interesting to see how much his performance abilities and skating skills have improved. Since the Chinese Skating Association rarely sends their skaters to B competitions, Skate America will be Boyang’s season debut. Boyang has a high chance of winning the competition or at least getting on the podium as long as he avoids major mistakes.
Off-ice, Boyang is well-known for his livestreams and his fun personality. He enjoys listening to music, flying model airplanes, and hanging out with his pet reptiles.
SHOMA UNO
Representing: Japan
Age: 18
ISU personal bests: SP 92.99, FS 190.32, total 276.79
Notable titles: 2015 GPF Bronze Medalist, 2015 Junior World Champion, 2014 Junior Grand Prix Final Champion, 2-time Japanese National Silver Medalist
Programs: SP - Ladies in Lavender; FS - Buenos Aires Hora Cero/Balada para un loco
Japan’s rising star, Shoma is the first skater to land a quad flip in competition - an astonishing feat, since Shoma was not known for his jumps at all when he was younger. Along with Boyang, he made waves as a new senior last season, qualifying for and winning a bronze medal at the Grand Prix Final. Some costly errors at the 2016 World Championships left him in 7th place, but he regrouped and shocked audiences only a few weeks later by landing the world’s first quad flip at the Team Challenge Cup. What Shoma lacks in natural jumping talent, he makes up for in relentless hard work and polished, high-quality skating. His strengths lie in his skating skills, musicality, and consistency; however, he still needs the jumps to win, and the quad flip is not yet a very stable jump for him. This season he will attempt 2 quads in his SP and 3 in his FS, including the quad flip in both. He recently won Lombardia Trophy and Japan Open, the latter with a nearly-clean free skate that almost broke 200 points, a score only three other skaters have achieved. Shoma is capable of winning Skate America with his combination of high technical content as well as high component scores, but a lot will come down to whether he lands his quads.
According to Shoma, skating is his life, but he also loves to play video games. He looks up to 2010 Olympic Bronze Medalist and World Champion Daisuke Takahashi, and he absolutely detests vegetables. He shares coaches with 2014 4CC Champion, Kanako Murakami.
JASON BROWN
Representing: USA
Age: 21
ISU personal bests: SP 86.48, FS 176.69, total 263.17
Notable titles: 2015 US National Champion
Programs: SP - Writing’s on the Wall; FS - The Piano
Hailing from the Chicago metropolitan area, Jason will be performing in front of a hometown crowd at Skate America. He missed a large chunk of last season due to injury, but returned at the end of the season with strong performances at Team Challenge Cup. This season, he placed second behind Shoma Uno at Lombardia Trophy and won the gold medal at the US International Skating Classic. Jason is known for his excellent spins and for being an engaging performer. He will likely receive some of the highest program component scores at Skate America, but he will be at a disadvantage technically, since he doesn’t yet have a consistent quad. However, he is capable of scoring very high if he skates clean, even with easier content, and he is usually a consistent skater. Jason has a good chance of making the podium if he skates well, but it will also depend on how other skaters perform.
Jason has a large fan following in Japan, and is currently learning to speak Japanese.
ADAM RIPPON
Representing: USA
Age: 26
ISU personal bests: SP 85.72, FS 178.72, total 264.44
Notable titles: 2016 US National Champion, 2010 4CC Champion
Programs: SP - Let Me Think About It; FS - O (Fly On)
A veteran of the field, Adam had a breakthrough last season - with a newfound consistency on his jumps, he won the 2016 US National Championships and placed a respectable 6th at Worlds. Now one of the oldest skaters in the men’s field, Adam continues to improve. He is one of the few men who has attempted the quad lutz in competition, but he has never landed it cleanly. Like Jason, he is at a significant technical disadvantage due to his lack of a consistent quad, but he is a well-rounded skater otherwise, with strong musicality and performance ability. So far this season, Adam has won a silver medal behind Jason Brown at the US International Skating Classic, and turned out a good performance at Japan Open. He recently revealed that he has changed his free skate music from Bloodstream to Coldplay’s O; Skate America will be the first time he performs this new free skate in competition, and we’re curious to see how well he adapts in such a short amount of time. Adam has a decent chance of making the Skate America podium if he skates well, though his final placement will likely also depend on how other skaters perform.
Adam shares a coach, Rafael Arutunian, with 2016 World silver medalist Ashley Wagner (who also happens to be his best friend). He has begun to make a name for himself as a choreographer even while still competing, having created programs for himself and for several American skaters.
MAXIM KOVTUN
Representing: Russia
Age: 21
ISU personal bests: SP 92.53, FS 166.24, total 247.37
Notable titles: 2015 European Silver Medalist, 2016 European Bronze Medalist, 3-time Russian National Champion
Programs: SP - Bahamut; FS - Iron Sky
An experienced skater who can be one of the top competitors in the world when he’s on, Maxim Kovtun has picked up the mantle for the Russian men after Evgeni Plushenko’s departure from the sport. In his senior career, Maxim has won several GP events and international championship medals. However, last season was far from ideal as Maxim bombed out of the Grand Prix Final with a disastrous performance at the NHK Trophy, barely held on to bronze at Europeans, and ended up 18th at Worlds. In the off season, Maxim switched his coach from Elena Buianova to Inna Goncharenko, and he now trains with fellow singles skaters Elena Radionova and Sergei Voronov. Starting this season at the Finlandia Trophy, Maxim won a bronze medal with a solid short program performance. At Skate America, Maxim could have the potential to medal or even win the event, but much depends on his consistency and the performances of others.
In his free time, Maxim likes to record rap albums and hang out with his girlfriend.
Other skaters to watch:
Sergei Voronov (RUS): 2014 GPF Bronze Medalist. One of the oldest skaters in the field. Also suffers from inconsistency, but could place well if he’s on.
Nam Nguyen (CAN): 2014 Junior World Champion. Skated well in his senior debut in the 2014-15 season, but struggled heavily with jumps last season, failing to qualify for the free skate at 2016 Worlds. Recently changed coaches.
*Denis Ten (KAZ) has withdrawn from Skate America with no replacement.
*Daisuke Murakami (JPN) has withdrawn from Skate America with no replacement.
ICE DANCE
Another discipline whose appeal lies in the trust and chemistry between partners, ice dance is all about intricate steps and turns across the ice, jaw-dropping lifts, decadent costumes, and sometimes, drama. With the return of Olympic Champions Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir and the rise of World Champions Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron, ice dance has become a hotly debated field among skating fans. At Skate America, all eyes will be on the team of Maia and Alex Shibutani, who are coming off a breakthrough run last season. The gold medals are the Shibutanis’ to lose, and they will be looking for a win on their road to reach the Grand Prix Final. Hot on their heels are the teams of Ekaterina Bobrova/Dmitri Soloviev, Madison Hubbell/Zachary Donohue, & Elena Ilinykh/Ruslan Zhiganshin, who are all looking for a medal to solidify and improve their standing.
MAIA SHIBUTANI / ALEX SHIBUTANI
Representing: USA
Ages: 22/25
ISU personal bests: SD 74.70, FD 113.73, total 188.43
Notable titles: 2016 World Silver Medalists, 2016 US Champions, 2016 Four Continents Champions, 2011 World Bronze Medalists
Programs: SD - That’s Life, FD - Evolution
A brother and sister team, Maia and Alex have traveled a long and hard path back to the top. After a surprise bronze medal at 2011 Worlds, the Shibutanis (known by fans as the ShibSibs) were often the perennial bridesmaids at subsequent competitions - near the top, but not good enough to make podiums. It wasn’t until last season that the Shibutanis once again found their winning streak, becoming US Champions for the first time and winning the silver medal at 2016 Worlds. Their popular Coldplay FD was a hit with the crowd, often bringing viewers to tears. As the reigning US Champions skating at home, Skate America is theirs to lose. However, since the Shibutanis have not yet competed this season, they will be debuting their new programs at Skate America and how the judges will perceive them has yet to be seen. Their performances at Skate America will set a baseline for the Shibutanis as they forge ahead into the new season.
In their free time, the Shibutanis post fun videos on their Youtube channel (ShibSibs), which give fans a backstage look at skaters’ lives.
EKATERINA BOBROVA / DMITRI SOLOVIEV
Representing: Russia
Ages: 26/27
ISU personal bests: SD 71.04, FD 107.80, total 178.84
Notable titles: 2013 World Bronze Medalists, 2013 European Champions, 4-time European Medalists, 5-time Russian National Champions
Programs: SD - Mercy on Me/Sing Sing Sing, FS - Prelude no.20/The Four Seasons
Ekaterina and Dmitri are a solid and experienced team who usually perform well at major international competitions, often placing within the top five. Currently the top Russian ice dance team, their high point last season was when they placed third at the European Championships with personal best scores. However, skating fans all over the world were shocked when Ekaterina tested positive for meldonium and was subsequently banned from competition by the ISU. Although this resulted in Ekaterina and Dmitri being pulled out from 2016 Worlds, the ISU later lifted the ban when it was shown that it was uncertain how long meldonium lasted in the body. Starting the season with a win at the Ondrej Nepela Memorial with new personal bests, Ekaterina and Dmitri seem to be in good shape to take a medal at Skate America, barring major mistakes.
MADISON HUBBELL / ZACHARY DONOHUE
Representing: USA
Ages: 25/25
ISU personal bests: SD 69.36, FD 108.37, total 176.81
Notable titles: 2014 Four Continents Champions, 3-time US National Bronze Medalists
Programs: SD - Feeling Good/Hip Hop Medley, FD - I Wanna Dance with Somebody/Can’t Help Falling in Love/Earned It
Last season, Madi and Zach qualified for the Grand Prix Final for the first time and gave strong showings at 2016 Worlds, setting personal best scores. Their stunning SD, set to Hallelujah, was a fan favorite due to their expressive and musical interpretation. Their achievements last season proved their ability to run among the top dogs, as Madi and Zach often placed within the top six teams in the world at major international competitions. This season, they look to solidify and improve their standing. They started the season at the U.S. International Classic, where they debuted their programs to a first place finish, and continued on to Finlandia Trophy where they placed second. Their new programs, set to unconventional music, has been a polarizing subject among skating fans. At Skate America, a medal is definitely within reach for Madi and Zach should they perform their best on home turf.
ELENA ILINYKH / RUSLAN ZHIGANSHIN
Representing: Russia
Ages: 22/24
ISU personal bests: SD 70.12, FD 106.58, total 176.70
Notable titles: 2015 Russian National Champions
Programs: SD - Big, Bad Love/Sing Sing Sing; FD - Slumdog Millionaire/Ang Laga De
A relatively new team, Elena and Ruslan teamed up after Elena’s 2014 Olympic Bronze-winning partnership with Nikita Katsalapov collapsed due to internal drama. Elena and Ruslan are known for their fierce expressiveness and chemistry as a team, having found good synergy despite only joining together recently. They won Russian Nationals in their first season together (2014-15), but last season was a rough outing for them, where mistakes at Nationals left them off both the podium and the World team. Determined to improve, Elena and Ruslan spent the off season working with renowned ice dance coach Igor Shpilband in the USA. Unable to give fans a glimpse of their programs at the Russian test skates due to Ruslan’s injury, Skate America will be their first competition of the season. With many ice dance teams in Russia competing for international spots, Elena and Ruslan need a strong showing at Skate America to re-establish themselves as a top Russian team. Should they show their improvement and hard work over the summer in their performances, there is no doubt that Elena and Ruslan could make it onto the medals stand.
Other skaters to watch:
Charlene Guignard/Marco Fabbri (ITA): 6-time Italian National Silver Medalists. Have been climbing the world rankings steadily since teaming up in 2010. Ended last season with a career high 10th place finish at 2016 Worlds, accomplishing their goals in what they called “the best season of their career so far.” Began this season with a win at the Lombardia Trophy. They are coached by former World Champion and Olympic Bronze Medalist Barbara Fusar-Poli.
Isabella Tobias/Ilia Tkachenko (ISR): 2015 Tallinn Trophy Champions, 2016 Finlandia Trophy & Mordovian Ornament Silver Medalists. Teamed up in 2014 and sat out the 2014-2015 season due to ISU regulations. Quick to adapt to competition, they have performed well on the Challenger Series. This season will be their first together on the Grand Prix Circuit. Ilia used to compete for Russia and was a 3-time Russian National medalist and GP medalist with his partner Ekaterina Riazanova.
Kana Muramoto/Chris Reed (JPN): 2015 Japanese National Champions. Another new team, Kana and Chris teamed up at the beginning of last season in 2015 and trained under the tutelage of famous ice dance coach, Marina Zoueva. As the top team in a country not known for ice dance, Kana and Chris have made strides to improve the Japanese ice dancing scene. Began their season with a 2nd place finish at the U.S. International Figure Skating Classic.