|
Rippon Dethrones Aaron for Men's Title
Golden Girl Rises up from Short Program Ashes
Shib-Sibs Take First National Dance Title
Kayne and O'Shea Crush Rivals in Pairs Event
Max Aaron Jumps to Head of Men's Pack
Chock and Bates Hold Slim Lead after Short Dance
Favorites Falter, Polina Edmunds Wins Ladies Short Program
Tarah Kayne and Danny O'Shea Shine in Pairs Short Program
Mirai Nagasu Suffers Major Equipment Failure in Ladies
Short Program
Mirai Nagasu's right boot broke in the Ladies Short Program,
putting her ability to skate in the Free Skate in doubt. The
composite layer inside the boot snapped, probably on her triple flip
landing, and then spit the seam on the boot along the line of hooks.
Somehow, she made it though the Short Program where she ended up
fifth, but not far out of the running point-wise.
These were her backup boots, nearly new, replacing her primary pair which
suffered a similar failure about one month ago. According to
Coach Tom Zakrajsek the boots are not repairable, and Mirai needs a
new pair of boots if she is to continue in the competition.
She has practice scheduled for tomorrow (Friday) with the Free Skate
scheduled for Saturday.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Right
inside seam at start of program. Seam appears
stretched. Compare to outside seam. |
Right
outside seam at start of program. Seam is tight. |
Right
inside seam, double toe loop in the air. A clearer
view. |
Right
inside seam, triple flip in the air. Appears to be
stretched further. |
Right
inside seam, landing of the triple flip. Boot is split
open. |
Click on photos to enlarge
Update, 22 January 2016 - A makeshift repair was
effected to Nagasu's boot to get through the competition. She
is currently still entered to compete in the final on Saturday.
Overnight Mark Ladwig and Mike Cuningham arranged to obtain
necessary supplies Friday night from a local hardware store that
stayed open long past closing time, and lined up a cobbler to come
work on the boot first thing this morning.
The boot was dissected, with the composite
insert glued back together, and then drilled and stitched in place.
The outer leather was then patched. After trying the boot, and a final adjustment Mirai
skated on the boot during practice, and so far the repair is holding
up.
|
