Olympic Figure Skating 2014: Preview and Predictions for Ladies' Short Program
After a new addition to the Olympic figure skating lineup—the team event—gave viewers a taste of what to expect from the individual competitions, the excitement has been building for one of the most iconic Winter Olympic sports: ladies' figure skating.
The men set the bar high in their individual competition with plenty of drama, theatrics and outstanding, complicated routines. After strong showings in the team competition, the ladies will get their chance to step into the spotlight for individual glory.
Read on as we take a look at the contenders as the ladies compete in their first step toward Olympic gold: the short program.
Schedule, TV and Live Stream Info
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Viewing Info for Ladies' Short Program
Date: Feb. 19
How Did We Get Here?
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After the inaugural team competition, Julia Lipnitskaia went from a long Russian name to one of the most exciting athletes in Sochi. After a dominant performance in the individual portion of the team competition, she led Russia to a gold medal and gave the viewers a preview of what to anticipate in the short program.
In the team competition, she and American Gracie Gold distanced themselves from their rivals with two impressive performances.
Lipnitskaia finished with a combined final score of 141.51, while Gold wound up with 129.38. If that form continues to hold, they are the clear-cut contenders for the top spot on the podium.
The two young athletes are forming an exciting rivalry, as Gold told Filip Bondy of the New York Daily News: "Julia is a machine and an excellent skater. When it comes down to competition, it’s not always about the best skater, it’s about who skates the best in that competition. We’re just going to try to beat her at her own game and her own turf and at the end, leave everything on the ice."
Top Storylines
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Will Gracie Gold live up to her name?
With a last name like Gold, the 18-year-old American athlete seems destined for a spot on the Olympic podium. Though she will face the toughest competition of her impressive career to date, she turned in an encouraging performance in the team competition and seems to be thriving in the spotlight. She and her teammate Ashley Wagner are not favorites, but they do have a remote chance to medal for Team USA.
Can Julia Lipnitskaia handle the pressure?
Though she skated with a maturity well beyond her 15 years, the diminutive Russian star is still just a child, and the weight of her nation's hopes may be a heavy load for her shoulders to bear. Her mother was quoted in the Chicago Tribune about voicing concerns to a local newspaper about it: "Julia is an ordinary girl, and now she is seriously scared of all this attention."
Going from being relatively unknown to one of the brightest stars can be a tremendous burden for a teenager, but she does appear to have nerves of steel and the confidence to overcome the pressure.
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Athletes to Watch
4 of 6Julia Lipnitskaia
Although not an easy name to pronounce, it's is the one on everyone's lips heading into the ladies' short program. With elegance and athleticism, the 15-year-old prodigy stunned the world with a flawless performance in the team competition. She is the top threat to take the gold in front of her home crowd in Russia.
Yuna Kim
Kim took home the gold medal at the Vancouver Games in 2010, and while she has been getting overshadowed in Sochi by some younger rivals, the 23-year-old is ready to compete.
With some Olympic hardware already to her name, she is viewing her age and experience as an advantage, telling The Associated Press, via ABC News: "The Russian girls just went from juniors into seniors and now they have their first Olympic Games, and me, I am in my second Olympics. They are not as experienced at it, but it is fun to be in your first Olympics."
Mao Asada
Renowned for her triple Axel, the 23-year-old earned a silver medal for Japan at the Vancouver Games. One of the most technically precise skaters in the field, she will try to end her decorated career on a high note. She renews her decade-long rivalry with Yuna Kim for the final time as both Olympians close out their careers.
Who Are the Sleepers?
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Ashley Wagner
Although it would be a major upset if the 22-year-old managed to carve herself a place in Olympic history with a medal in the individual competition, she is capable of holding her own against top international company. She did gain some fans with her candid response to her scores in the team competition and could pull a shocker:
"A good sport...@Ashwagner2010 is definitely amused by the picture of her now-famous expression #SochiTODAY pic.twitter.com/qZgq7MkDxM
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) February 10, 2014"
Gracie Gold
In a sport that favors youth, 18-year-old Gold is another teenager on the roster with plenty of star power. Representing Team USA, the reigning national champion will not have any room for error against this top international field, but if she turns in the best effort of her career, she does have medal potential.
Complete Medal Predictions
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The short program for the ladies promises to be one of the most competitive events at the Sochi Games. Several accomplished veterans will try to go out in style, while the next generation of stars is waiting in the wings for a chance on top.
Gold: Julia Lipnitskaia (Russia)
Silver: Yuna Kim (Korea)
Bronze: Mao Asada (Japan)
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