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Oz_Sk8_Mum · Moderator Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 151 Location: Sydney

From the QLD site ....The 2009 Australian Figure Skating Championships (AFSC) has been awarded to NSWISA. The 2009 AFSC will be held at two NSW Rinks. Synchronized Events will be held at Penrith on the weekend of August 14 & 15, 2009, with Singles, Pairs & Dance Events at Canterbury from Monday, August 22, 2009.

Are these dates correct? Is there going to be a week between events?

icecracks · Mastering Salchow Joined: 10 Jan 2009 Posts: 23

well we can only hope that NSWISA will do the nationals as well as QLD, i thought they did a great job.
i think that having synchro at Penrith is a good move, lots more space that Canterbury and lets face it the teams need all the space they can get.javascript:emoticon('

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As far as Canterbury i know that the committee there are very hard working and will make sure that the championships will go well, but really the venue is sub par. It's cold, wet, foggy, and lets face it looks terrible, and i really don't think that it's the type of place to showcase the best in this sport in Australia, but i suppose it comes down to money. Sydney Ice arena would be much better but it's very $$$$.

icecracks · Mastering Salchow Joined: 10 Jan 2009 Posts: 23

so, i wounder how many skaters will have by's this year., made last years comp a little disappointing....javascript:emoticon('

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Oz_Sk8_Mum · Moderator Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 151 Location: Sydney

jctm · Joined: 10 Jan 2009 Posts: 5

I have heard on the grapevine the is a move by ISA to move the National championships for 2010 for junior up to later in the year. In late December, this is to allow that competition move into the same time as the Northern Hemisphere and the selections for 4 Continents and such can be easier??? don't know how that will work for the JGP and SGP season????
any comments???

Oz_Sk8_Mum · Moderator Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 151 Location: Sydney

My personal opinion is that Nationals should be together, where ever they have it. Don't split it into two different events.

What a logistical nightmare, it's hard enough to set up the IJS and get Judges for one set of Nationals but for two!! Also you split the spectators and lets face it...there not many of them to start with.

I have heard a lot of comment on holding it in December, I think it's probably a good idea, Kids are over exams, it's holidays.

It may cost more because it's peak period and what rink is going to give up ice at the time of the year?

I don't know, what are your thoughts JTCM?
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Oz_Sk8_Mum
I dont suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it.

kwillyau · Moderator Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 197

They already took a vote on the subject of splitting Nationals last year but it was defeated.

It may be coming up again for a vote this year. I will see if someone I know on ISA might have some information on it.

We do have a problem being a Southern Hemisphere country. Our skating year is pretty much all year round without an off-season really (except if the rinks close for a summer break).

Unlike most people I really don't have a strong opinion on the subject (which those who know me would be most surprised).

icecracks · Mastering Salchow Joined: 10 Jan 2009 Posts: 23

personally, i think that nationals should be held either later or earlier in the year. In August, it conflicts with HSC and school cert. How many times have we seen skaters either not compete that year because of school exams.
This would then be better for those seeking International comps as there would not be a mad scramble to get air tickets.etc.

Icemum · Joined: 28 Dec 2008 Posts: 6

if you check the ISA website you will see the dates of 2009 nationals

Icemum · Joined: 28 Dec 2008 Posts: 6

Hi All

Have you seen that ISA website now has the first schedule for Singles , Pairs and Dance for the 2009 Nationals

kwillyau · Moderator Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 197

Only two weeks to go and counting down now.

kwillyau · Moderator Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 197

Entry list is now up.

http://www.isa.org.au/Documents/AFSC%202009/09%20ACH%20EntryList.pdf

Looks like good fields in all divisions and there is a bit of dance happening.

Oz_Sk8_Mum · Moderator Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 151 Location: Sydney

Novice Synch
1. Iceskateers QLD
2. Icicle Magic SA
3. Botany Blades NZ (Guest)
4. Jitterbugs WA
5 Majestic Ice NSW
6. Aroura QLD
7. Macquarie Mice NSW

Adult
1 Chill Factor QLD
2. Spectrum NZ (Guest)
3. Dominos NSW
4. Synchromesh NSW

Open
1. Synchronicity NSW
2. Synchro Saints NSW
_________________
Oz_Sk8_Mum
I dont suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it.

magic thinkin · Mastering Flip Joined: 14 Mar 2009 Posts: 29

Where is everyone?
Still recovering from a really intense week!
Due to other committments I only saw the senior skaters at Nationals.
The men's section really was the most competitive division that I have seen at Nationals for many years because it really came down to any skater having the ability to win if they skated their best on the day and in the end Robert won with the least mistakes, a program which may not have had the most difficult elements but the choreography was interesting and a really watchable item.

Senior ladies it was always Cheltzie title, she earned it with a good skate and it would have taken a huge effort by any of the other senior ladies to beat her.

Finally Senior Dance.......yes I am biased....but those of you who lucky enough to see the new Danielle and Greg would agree that they have made a huge improvement and their freedance was perhaps the best skate at nationals. The choreography, music and elements suited them, they skated with only a few minor glitches, the lifts were amazing.

We can now wish them good training and lots of luck in Germany in September.

isk8junkie · Mastering Loop Joined: 20 Jan 2009 Posts: 37

Whee!!! Long weekend with great skating!!! I think we have to take our hats off to SFSC for running nationals as it went off trouble free and a full house especially for the seniors events!

I have to agree with magic thinkin that Danielle/Greg have really improved. A few minor trips and stumbles but overall entertaining. It's nice to see some expression in their skating as this is what they lacked for many years. They are indeed truly skating as a senior dance couple of international standard! I understand they are on their way back to Canada to train and this has been very good for them as they have trained in Australia far too long without competition to force them to improve. I think they will do well in Germany. Good luck Danielle/Greg!

I think the stand out star of the night goes to Cheltzie Lee. This quiet and unassuming skater just gets on with the job at hand. No fuss...no fanfare just gets on with it! She has improved out of sight this season...more mature, graceful and just the perfect package of athleticism, grace and beauty! Her jumping ability remains to be matched. I love the new short program and it was a shame she had such a BAD fall on the 3lz in the short. It seems as though it is a jump well on the way in the short program for Germany. I've seen her land some beauties in the warmup. She's a favourite of mine so I'm wishing her all the very best for Germany!

A star also goes to Pheobe DiTomasso....WELCOME back! She fought with great determination in the long program to pull up and so she did! I enjoyed watching Phoebe as she too is a lovely skater. I hope she gets an international this year. Some good things on the way with Phoebe for sure.

The mens division was so exciting! I thoroughly enjoyed watching this year also to a full house! Any of the men could've walked away with the title this year but Robert McNarmara was able to hold the nerves to skate his way to the senior title. Mark and Matthew skated lovely short programs! I can't wait to see what the internationals season holds for these fines skaters! Good luck seniors on all events this season AND thanks for some GREAT skating at nationals!!

magic thinkin · Mastering Flip Joined: 14 Mar 2009 Posts: 29

I know this is off the topic of nationals but just feel the need to make a point about Greg and Danielle training in Canada:
1/ They are often the only international couple on the ice- there is no competition in training in Canada. The concept that there are rinks with a number of high level ice dancers training together is a myth. Most of the top level ice dancers train in isolation from other top level couples. The coaches tend to only deal with limited high level skaters at once.
2/ The big difference is that there are a maximum 6 couples on the ice at a time (yes that is 12 skaters at a time)....no toddlers weaving in and out,no beginners, no figure skaters attempting triples, no social skaters leaning on the barriers. The only skaters on the ice during training time are those genuinely wanting to train.
3/Access to music....with so few skaters on the ice access to music is virtually unlimited.
4/Previously with no assistance to fund overseas training it was impossible for them to spend time overseas.
5/Access to OWI and it's acrobatics coach has been a godsend for improving the quality and safety of their lifts.

Greg and Danielle would prefer to be training in Australia but when other coaches complain about them being dangerous because of the speed they skate it becomes a joke.

And as far as the "few minor trips and stumbles" I have just replayed the DVD and these were only very minor and did not detract at all from the overall presentation and the total score they received was well up on their previous best.

isk8junkie · Mastering Loop Joined: 20 Jan 2009 Posts: 37

Good points magic thinkin as the same challenges Danielle and Greg face as ice dancers of elite level so do the free skaters of elite level as do Phoebe, Fei Fei, Cheltzie, Simon skating at Canterbury. I think Cheltzie and Fei Fei even a greater challenge skating the opposite direction. I watch them skate around often only getting in a few jumps a session as they spend so much time dodging and weaving little kids and a gazillion new dance couples.

Not sure what speed Cheltzie would skate at international events but it seems very hard for her to build up speed with so many little ones at Canterbury! I think they have a few sessions there designated to dance and for jr/sr sessions???? I know my coach cancelled early lessons for my daughter on a Tuesday because of a special session.

It is a shame that our elite have to travel outside Australia to improve. Let's hope this changes for them. I just wish Cheltzie, Robert, Danielle and Greg ALL THE VERY BEST for great skates.....personal best scores and of course an OLYMPIC SPOT FOR AUSTRALIA!! They're all so talented...they can do it! I know I'll be cheering from the roof tops!!!

kwillyau · Moderator Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 197

I just got back home today after last week. Really enjoyed all the skating and got some good judging practise for myself. So much to learn.

I agree that Dani and Greg have really improved. I am glad they did their aboriginal OD again and it had plenty of changes from when they last did it, all for the better. And the FD is very entertaining and they are really bringing so much more personality onto the ice. A great vehicle for them.

I also think that Maria and Evegeny had really improved too. Their OD, even with a couple of stumbles, was loads of fun and they skated a really good FD. Well done to them.

As for other highlights from Nationals (for me anyway).

I thought Cheltzie was quite amazing. It is the quality of everything that she does that makes her stand out.

Great to see two pairs in Primary and they both skated really well and made for a good event. And the three Primary dance teams all seem to have a bright future.

Jamie Nobbs in Junior ladies was the clear winner in this event. Did a couple of excellent double axels for good measure. Chantelle Kerry was also very strong.

Brendan Kerry blitzed the Junior Men, throwing in a few triples in the freeskate.

Oliver Porter, the youngest in Novice Men, was clearly the best in Novice Men too. Looks like a bright future for him.

I think there will be a few from Intermediate ladies who will be moving up to Novice over the next year. Some good performances there and I thought it was a good standard of event.

And for me special mention goes to Alex Dillon in Primary Men, who becomes Victoria's first National Champion in goodness knows how many years!!!! Along with Victoria's two Novice Dance teams.

skateview · Joined: 27 Jul 2009 Posts: 2

well after watching the senior skaters, cheltzie no question was a standout and pheobe is improving, but the cream event for the night was the Senior mens for me.
Mark had a awesome SP and showed his strength with all his elements, nice 3F even swapped the combo jump I was told.
Matt, well what a 3ltz absolutely great.
But hats off to Robert in the Free, he went all out and had the skate of his life and it payed off. Mark started out very good in the free but had too many problems and missed out buy 2 points, Matt has not the same quality in other elements, but first time in senior what a future for this skater.
Hope he goes to Junior Worlds he will do very well.
Its safe to say that the Men are all improving and getting higher scores. Come on Ladies we need more senior high quality athletes.
Great to see Mitchell back, and I was a little disappointed for Nick as he is a really great skater, but didn't happen on both of the days.

Years ago it looked very bleak as far as the number of boys in the sport, but I was amazed how this has turned around.
Now all we need is to get some more Pairs teams and keep building.

Looking forward to next year.

kwillyau · Moderator Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 197

Just to add my congratulations to Leanne, Anita and the SFSC for putting on a great competition. And on behalf of the judges the food was great!!!