Top Moments of 2011: June

Grand Prix Assignments

The Grand Prix assignments were released and Evan Lysacek was scheduled for two events.  He announced his intention to compete and prepare for the 2014 Olympics.

The Zhangs were also on the list after sitting out the previous season due to injury.

Elizaveta Tuktamisheva and Adelina Sotnikova were scheduled to make their Grand Prix debuts after taking the junior circuit by storm the previous season.

Other

After sitting out a season when Evan Bates' achilles tendon was sliced in a training accident, Samuelson and Bates announced they were ending their partnership.

The splits and retirements kept racking up and new partnerships rose from the ashes (complete list here).

Top Moments of 2011: April

Worlds

Patrick Chan set a new standard and three world records en route to his first World title.

Miki Ando defeats Yu-Na Kim to win the World title.

Davis and White become the first American team to win the World Championship in ice dance and lead a North American sweep of the podium and a sweep for coaches Zoueva/Shpilband.

Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Pairs Free Skate

The novice pairs free skate consists of 9 categories of elements that must be completed in 3:30 +/- 10 seconds.

Lifts

• Maximum of 2
• From different groups
• One must be from Group 3 or 4
• Minimum 2 revolutions by lady and minimum 1 revolution and maximum 3 1/2 revolutions by man
• Carry-type lifts and carry-type features are not permitted. 
• Variations of position, no-handed, 1-handed, combo lifts and lifts that turn in both directions are permitted

Twist Lifts

• Maximum of 1
• Single or double

Throw Jumps

• Maximum of 2
• Must be different
• Single, double or triple

Solo jumps

• Maximum of 1
• No limit on the number of revolutions

Jump Sequence/Combination

• Maximum of 1
• Jump combination may consist of 2.  No limit to number of jumps in Jump sequence.  Both may include jumps with the same name. 

Pair Spin/Combination Spin

• Maximum of 1
• Pair Combination Spin must change foot by both partners and minimum 1 change of position by both partners, Minimum of 5 revolutions

Solo Spin/Combination Spin

• Maximum of 1
• Change of foot and position, and flying entry are optional
• Both partners must achieve basic position for 2 revolutions
• Minimum 5 revolutions

Death Spiral

• Maximum of 1
• Regular 1-hand to 1-hand hold required
• When death spiral position is attained, both partners must execute 1 revolution with man in full pivot positions
• Lady must skate on a clean edge with her body and head close to the ice surface.

Spiral Sequence

• Maximum of 1
• Choreographed spiral sequence
• Sequence consists primarily of spirals.  Spiral is 1 blade on the ice and free leg (knee/foot)higher than hip level
• Minimum 2 spirals by both partners for 3 seconds each OR 1 spiral by both partners for 6 seconds each for a Fixed Base Value

Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Pairs Short Program

The Novice pairs short program consists of 7 elements that must be performed in a maximum time of 2 minutes and 50 seconds.

1. One lift selected from groups 1-5, minimum 2 revolutions by lady, minimum 1 revolution and maximum 3 1/2 revolutions by man, carry type lifts or carry type features not permitted.  One handed, changes of hold and changes of lady's position are permitted.

2. Single or double twist lift

3. Single or double throw jump

4. Double lutz solo jump

5. Pair Spin, no change of foot, optional change of position.  Minimum 5 revolutions in total.  May not commence with a jump.

5. Solo spin with no change of foot, optional change of position.  Both partners must achieve at least 1 basic positions for 2 revolutions, minimum 5 revolutions in total, may commence with a jump

6. Forward inside death spiral, when final death spiral position is attained, both partners must execute 1 full revolution with man in full pivot position, lady must skate on a clean edge with her body and head close to the ice surface.  Lady's head must reach the level of her skating knee.

7. Step sequence (straight line, circular or serpentine), fully utilize ice surface; partners should share workload, skate close together and to the concept/character of the music; changes of place and holds, short stops and any unlisted jumps are permitted.

Top Moments of 2011: March

Junior Worlds:

Alexander Majorov became the first Swedish man to medal at Junior Worlds with his bronze medal finish.

The Russian wonderbabies Adelina Sotnikova and Elizaveta Tuktamisheva cruised to a 1-2 finish with their strong technical content.

Sui and Han claimed their 2nd Junior World title.

Monko and Khaliavin won the dance title and Lichtman and Copely held off a Russian sweep of the podium.

Other

A huge earthquake rocked Japan and was followed by a devastating tsunami only a week before the Worlds were scheduled to take place.  The entire Japanese team was unharmed as were several of the skaters already in the county.  Eventually, the event was postponed and Moscow was awarded the World Championships.  See how I covered the aftermath here and here.

Top Moments of 2011: February

Four Continents

Mirai Nagasu finally showed her potential with a stunning free skate that led her to a bronze medal and one of the top scores of the season.

Miki Ando also took the event by storm, winning the gold medal and scoring over 200 points.

Virtue and Moir withdrew after a few second of their free dance in their first event of the season citing an injury to Tessa.

Other

The Chinese Federation was accused of falsifying the ages of their skaters to make them age eligible for events, including Grand Prix Final medalists, Sui and Han.  The ISU launched an investigation but the story faded away.  Here's how I covered it.

Alissa Czisny had a small role in a major Superbowl ad which later launched a longer web ad based entirely on her story.

Top Moments of 2011: January

U.S. Nationals

Caitlin Yankowskas/John Coughlin skated to their first national title with a flawless and emotionally charged performance of Ave Maria, dedicated to his mother who passed away the year before.

Alissa Czisny followed up her Grand Prix Final win with her second national title and showed that she was back as a top contender in the world.

Ryan Bradley returned to competition at the urging of his fans and claimed his first ever national title at the age of 28.  Two youngsters, Richard Dornbush and Ross Miner stole the show by taking silver and bronze and making the World team ahead of veterans like Jeremy Abbott.

Europeans

Sarah Meier won her first European title in her home country and retired on top.