so the men’s short program event at the 2022 nepela memorial is technically the first figure skating event that i’ve watched in real time as it aired and (mostly) in full. here are my quick and messy thoughts:
ban quads from the men’s short program.
fuck the quadruple salchow. all my homies hate the quadruple salchow.
i was right when i said yuzuru was carrying the costuming aesthetic of the men’s discipline on his back btw. majority of these men are serving nothing more than mediocrity in the costuming department. shameful!
i more or less agree with the top five. jun not being given 40 in PC scores is absurd, but are we really surprised. his program is very fun and i think once he’s had some time to iron out the wrinkles, it could be one of the stronger programs we see this season
deniss is such a joy to watch!! how dare the isu reduce the PC categories when skaters like deniss are still competing!! this is the dark timeline, i fear.
some of the spins i saw… the less said about them the better
overall, not a horrible event. couple of strong performances, several average ones. it’ll be interesting to see how these programs become more refined as the season goes on
oh, and please. ban quads from the men’s short program.
Catching up on Nepela Memorial, and Marjo and Zak’s Nureyev Free Dance is absolutely stunning. Can’t wait to watch them and this FD be robbed all season.
Michaela Vrastakova skating to Tout l'univers by Gjon’s Tears for her free program at the 2022 Ondrej Nepela Memorial and 2022 Junior Grand Prix Ostrava. The back of her dress is so cool!
Guang-hong de la Iglesia Wins First Grand Prix Final
Altin’s second loss of the season
December 10, 2023
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Guang-hong de la Iglesia of China became the first Chinese man to win the Grand Prix Final, defeating three-time World Champion Otabek Altin of Kazakhstan, and delivering him his second loss of the season. The 24-year-old is coming off an undefeated season so far, winning his season opener at the Finlandia Trophy and both Grand Prix events – Skate Canada and the Cup of China. “I can’t even think straight right now,” said the three-time World medalist. “I’ve been working so hard, and I knew I could win here, but to actually do it feels incredible.” He was third after the short with 105.47 and won the free with a score of 214.24 for an overall score of 319.71
Otabek Altin of Kazakhstan had his second second-place finish in a row. He won his season opener at the Nepela Memorial and won Skate America. However, he lost the Grand Prix of Espoo to Jean-Jacques Leroy, his first loss since the 2022 Olympics. “While, yes, it is a second loss, and of course, I wanted to win, I said at Worlds last season that it would be difficult,” said the 26-year-old. “I’m happy with how I did, and I look forward to the rest of the season.” Altin and de la Iglesia will meet two more times this season, at Four Continents and Worlds. He scored 107.91 for the short, 209.96 for the free and 317.64 overall.
Winning bronze was 2022 World Champion Seung-gil Lee of South Korea, his second straight at this event. Fourth after the short program with a score of 104.25, he was third in the free with a score of 207.07 and ended up with an overall score of 311.32. “I did well today. I have improvements to make,” said the 27-year-old. “My plan is to be on the podium again at Worlds, and I am working well towards that goal.” Lee was second at Skate America and won the Grand Prix de France.