Sports fans are often big on streaks and superstitions – and if you are one of them and you’re a fan of Alissa Czisny, you might be extra nervous about her chances at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships this month.
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Czisny has medaled at Nationals three times, a bronze in 2007 and the gold in 2009 and 2011. But in between those podium finishes, she took ninth in 2008 and tenth in 2010. And 2012, streak-wise, seems mean another off year for her. For years, she was hot or cold, and you never really knew how she was going to skate. But she has developed a stronger mindset in the last two seasons, and another blip on the radar seems unlikely.
One of three
After winning Skate America to start her season and taking the bronze at Trophee Eric Bompard, she qualified for the Grand Prix Final ready to defend her title. But a calf injury she suffered in practice leading up to the Final kept her from skating her best and she finished fifth. Earlier this week, Czisny said that she is “100 percent” heading into Nationals after taking a break to rest and heal.
With two berths to the World Championships for the ladies, Czisny has a tough task ahead of her. Heading into Nationals, she is arguably co-favorites with two others for the title – chances are that the podium will consist of some combination of Czisny, 2008 champion Mirai Nagasu, and two-time bronze medalist Ashley Wagner.
A new strategy
Czisny’s strategy will differ from what she had earlier in the season, when she included a triple lutz-triple toe and five other triples in her free skate. Instead, she’s planned a double axel-triple toe and five other triples, opting to take out the salchow, in her free skate at Nationals. The salchow has always been a trouble jump for her.
She added, "At the moment, I'm trying to just add what I can, to be able to go out and skate clean.” And considering the inconsistency amongst the skaters on the ladies’ side, two clean programs will go a long way.
The ladies’ short program at the 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships takes place in San Jose, California, on Thursday, January 26.
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