Japan is sending the strongest group of ladies to the Olympics this season.  I could see any one of these women on the medal podium, and frankly will be surprised if there is not at least one Japanese flag being raised to the rafters after the ladies free skate.

Miki Ando

Asada gets the headlines, but Miki Ando has been second to only Yu-na Kim in international success this season.  And don't forget her 2009 world championships bronze medal. 

Ando is the only Japanese lady with Olympic experience; she was 15th in Torino.  However, the very next year, she won the world championships.  She was forced to withdraw from worlds in 2008 with an injury, so she could not defend her title. 

Ando has been a leader on the ladies technical side - years ago she became the first female to land a quadruple jump in competition.  She won't likely be attempting one at the Olympics. 

Ando has not been perfect this season, but she was good enough to win both of her Grand Prix events, and she came in second to Yu-na Kim at the Grand Prix Final. She was actually leading Kim after the short program - if she could do that and skate a bit cleaner in the free skate with no downgrades, she may actually be able to turn this into a competition. 

Choreography and artistry are not necessarily Ando's strengths, although she has some very bright moments in her programs this season where things come together nicely. 

Quick Take

The Programs:  I really think her short program is a good fit for her, and it's been getting good scores.  I don't love her Cleopatra free skate, but I really do like her footwork sequence towards the end.  It might be just what she needs to sway the judges over at the end of a long program that would otherwise be quite forgettable.

Latest Performance:  This one is hard to judge because it was the Japanese nationals and she already had her Olympic spot secured.  However, she has been consistently imperfect this season - but good enough to win and medal in most competitions. 

Strengths:  Ando has long been known as a technician, so she'll really have to try to be clean and fully rotate jumps in order to take advantage of that.

Weaknesses:  Well, hopefully the emotions of the Olympics will help Ando connect better and sell her program more.

It gives me the creeps when:  She wears any of the outfits she has worn in her free skate this season.  Yikes, cannot wait to see if she changes one more time for the Olympics.

I think it's awesome when:  She lands all of her jumps.  Even if there is a downgrade here or there, she's been pretty consistent this season.

Outlook:  I'd say the outlook is good for Ando to get on the podium.  But, her country-mates provide a bit more flair and excitement, and Kim will overshadow her with her technique and artistic prowess.  Ando will have to try hard not to fly under the radar.

Mao Asada

Before the last Olympics, there was a lot of lamentation that the "best ladies skater" Mao Asada was too young to qualify for the competition; she had won the Grand Prix Final that season and was wowing everyone with her triple axel prowess.  Unfortunately, now it is Asada's chance to show everyone what she can do on this grand stage, and I'm not sure if she's prepared for the task ahead. 

Asada won the world championships in 2008, and things appeared to be on track.  Her rivalry with Yu-na Kim was still very much a rivalry, and she landed two triple axels in the 2008 Grand Prix Final, which was an awesome feat.  Unfortunately, it was downhill from there.  She came in third at the Four Continents championship and could not even manage a medal at last season's world championships.  Then she started out Grand Prix season with a error-ridden second place performance at Trophee Eric Bompard, and then came in fifth at Rostelecom Cup.  She did not even qualify for the Grand Prix final.

Many have criticized Asada's programs this season and her strategy of attempting a triple axel in the short program and two triple axels in the free skate.  Asada has a lot of beautiful skating qualities - nice line and flexibility, speed and maturity.  But she seems weighed down by her depressing programs this season.  And her triple axel does not appear consistent enough to warrant using it so much - she often gets downgrades for it. 

Asada is coming off of wins in both her nationals and at Four Continents.  She was not perfect in either, although it wasn't falls keeping her down, but a popped jump in her short at Four Continents and her triple axel downgrade in the free skate.  The free was great overall, though, and exactly the type of performance she'll want in Vancouver.

Quick Take

The Program:  I don't think these programs are the best way to showcase Asada as a skater.  They are both kind of depressing to me, but they are both fine as far as skating programs go.  I think the wind up to both the triple axels right off the bat in the free skate takes a lot away in the first minute of the program...there is no way to cover that that section is jumping and jumping alone. 

Latest Performance:  At Four Continents, Asada's short program was a disaster.  Her triple axel was downgraded, and her flip only counted as a single.  She would have been in way worse place than third if that were the Olympics.  However, her free skate was great - but she left points on the table when she was downgraded on her second triple axel.

Strengths:  I believe she's the only woman attempting a triple axel at all at the Olympics...let alone three of them.  She's fairly strong on the components side as well.

Weaknesses:  Her triple axels have a good chance of getting downgraded, and she doesn't even do a lutz or salchow in her free skate.  She is a very unbalanced skater in that way (although she has a history of flutzing, which would explain her strategy here).  If she doesn't land those triple axels, everything seems to fall apart.  It's truly an all-or-nothing strategy.

It gives me the creeps when:  Augh the free skate depresses me.

I think it's awesome when:  As much as I disagree with her strategy this season, I can't help but be impressed when she lands (or almost lands) all of those triple axels.  I hate that she's pretty much a one-trick pony though because she could still be competitive without leaning on them so much.

Outlook:  For Asada I think it's very much up in the air.  If she errs, she starts to fall apart.  But if she is on, especially if she lands those triples in the free skate, I would definitely watch out for her.  There's no reason she shouldn't have a very good chance at being on the podium.

Akiko Suzuki

Akiko Suzuki has very quickly become one of my favorite ladies to watch.  She has that intangible ability to completely draw me in with her skating.  Her programs might not pack the most technical punch, but it's hard not to get into it when she delivers that footwork.

Suzuki has been competing for a very long time, and is an example of hard work finally paying off.  After years of hovering around the 10th or worse slot in the Japanese championships, she worked her way down to the silver medal this year. 

Her first big international splash came in the 2008-09 Grand Prix season when she won the silver medal at the NHK Trophy.  She's followed that up with some successful outings this season - first she won Cup of China.  At Skate Canada, she only placed fifth and seemed to lack some of the fire she displayed at Cup of China, but she got that pizazz back in time for the free skate at the Grand Prix final, where she propelled herself to a bronze medal.  She recently placed second to Mao Asada at Four Continents.

Quick Take

The Programs:  These are both great programs from a spectator's standpoint.  It's easy to write off her free skate when you hear she is skating to West Side Story, since it's been done so often, but Suzuki does not disappoint in the program.  And I can't help but get into her short program as well.  Can't wait to see both at the Olympics.

Latest Performance: Suzuki was not amazing technically at Four Continents.  She singled her triple loop in the short program, and she received a downgrade on her loop in the free skate as well when she popped it.  She had another wonky landing, too.

Strengths: Like I mentioned above, she can really get you into her performances.  I love her footwork.

Weaknesses:  She is not technically as ambitious as the other ladies.  She only does a triple loop in her short program rather than attempt something more difficult.  And she won't be trying a triple/triple combination.

It gives me the creeps when:  Akiko does not give me the creeps!

I think it's awesome when:  She just relaxes and lights up the crowd like she did at Four Continents - what a show!

Outlook:  I think Suzuki is a bit of a longshot to medal, if only because she is going to have a lower technical base than other skaters, I assume.  However, if others err and Suzuki is clean, she could very well surprise everyone once again.

France has two major medal threats:  Brian Joubert in the men's competition, and Delobel and Schoenfelder in ice dancing.

Brian Joubert

Brian Joubert has been on the men's podium at the last four world championships.  No one else can say that, and although a glance at his stats make him seem erratic, I think it's evident that when it gets to the big competition late in the season, Joubert shows up ready to compete.  His high point came three years ago when he won the 2007 worlds, and I think Joubert is somewhat shocked that he has lost the last two worlds to skaters who DID NOT EVEN ATTEMPT QUADS ZOMG!!!!  Yes, Joubert is the major quad advocate on the scene right now.  Others talk about it, but not quite as loudly or as often as Joubert does.  It can get annoying, especially when he cannot back it up by...actually cleanly landing his quads.

Joubert followed up his bronze medal performance (after a flawed free skate) at the 2009 worlds by switching coaches.  He was a distant fourth at his first Grand Prix event this season, Trophee Eric Bompard, but he won his second event, the NHK Trophy.  He suffered a foot injury prior to the Grand Prix final, which required surgery, and he had to withdraw from that event as well as the French nationals.  But he made his comeback at the recent European championships, where he seemed primed for the silver (but never the gold) medal until Stephane Lambiel swooped in and stole the spot away.  I assume Joubert was not satisfied with his bronze medal. 

Although Joubert's choreography is perhaps less interesting or less intricate than some of the other skaters, I do enjoy watching him overall.  He always has a lot of speed and energy. However, I can't say it's not glaring when you compare him to some more artistically accomplished skaters.

Quick Take

The Programs: I am not enthralled with either of Joubert's programs.  He is using his short program from last season, which has been successful for him.  His free skate is just not that great in comparison with some other programs this season.

Latest Performance: There is so much room for improvement.  He had numerous sloppy landing in his European championships free skate, he only ended up attempting one quad (HA, if this were Jeremy Abbott or something I would be like BRAVO FOR TRYING THAT ONE QUAD, hee at least I'm self-aware) which he turned out of.  It was not an Olympic medal-winning performance in the least.

Strengths:  Brian Joubert has some masterful jumping, and although he is not my preferred brand of choreography, he has worked to improve his overall presentation.  His program components are often fairly high.

Weaknesses:  He has not been consistent in landing jumps.  And although he tends to get some high program components scores, his inferiority to say...a Patrick Chan, will be much more pronounced if he does not back himself up technically.

It gives me the creeps when:  He wears anything that even resembles mesh.

I think it's awesome when:  He skates clean - those ladies in the crowd go wild for this Frenchman.

Outlook:  Joubert is always a threat to be on the podium.  Despite his erratic skating record, I wouldn't completely count him out even if he erred in the short program, nor would I feel like he was safe after a clean short.  After years of complaining about the loss of the quad in men's skating, one wonders if Joubert is happy his quad-happy rivals Plushenko and Lambiel are leading the quad resurgence or concerned, since Joubert may be the odd European out.

Delobel and Schoenfelder

Delobel and Schoenfelder are the French ice dance team most likely to make waves.

This pair hung out around the fourth/fifth slots in the world until they broke through and won the world championships in 2008.  They followed that up with very good programs last season, and won both of their Grand Prix events (against some steep competition) as well as the Grand Prix Final.  Unfortunately, Delobel suffered a shoulder injury and the pair could not defend its world championship title last year.  The injury was such a disruption in momentum - this pair was seemingly unbeatable last season.  Then, Delobel became pregnant and the pair was not able to compete in this season's Grand Prix events.  Although they could have competed in the recent European championships in Estonia, Delobel and Schoenfelder chose not to do so because they wanted to save the surprise of their free dance for the Olympics.  Either they were not ready to compete yet, or they truly think they are good enough not to need a warm-up prior to the biggest figure skating competition they'll ever compete in.  They haven't competed since December 2008 and will be debuting their programs for competition at the Olympics.

This pair is great - in addition to the basics they have flair and personality on the ice.  They can do playful and dramatic.  I really love to watch them skate, but their choice not to skate at the European championships rubbed me the wrong way.  Still, the ISU judges love this pair and they may be good enough to debut their programs at the Olympics and be quite successful.

Quick Take

The Programs: Who knows? They will do a can-can for their original dance, which should be so much fun, and they are skating to a french interpretation of The Impossible Dream for their free dance, which could be incredibly cheesy, incredibly emotional, or both.  I'm sure both dances will be great.

Latest Performance:  They did very well in winning the Grand Prix Final in DECEMBER OF 2008.

Strengths:  They are amazing skaters, don't make too many mistakes, and the judges seem to prefer them over the other pairs (as of...last season).

Weaknesses:  They haven't competed since DECEMBER OF 2008.

It gives me the creeps when: Olivier dresses up like a dirty old man!

I think it's awesome when:  It's rare that I don't think they're awesome - even if I don't prefer them over some other pairs, I think they're very talented.

Outlook: I much prefer them over Domnina and Shabalin, so if it's a choice of one over the other, then I don't mind these two being on top.  It's sad that even though this pair hasn't competed since DECEMBER OF 2008, I can still assume that they'll not only be on the medal podium, but possibly win the gold.  Even though I haven't seen any of their programs.  Ice dancing, you are awesome.  If awesome means "not to be trusted."

In addition to the above skaters, be sure to keep an eye out for Pechalat and Bourzat in the ice dancing, and Florent Amodio in men's.  Pechalat and Bourzat will likely be in the top eight skaters overall in dance, and Amodio can do some sublime skating...he's worth watching, particularly in the short.

All three of the Japanese men could win a medal - it's just that strong a group of men.  Unfortunately for them, their is a lot of competition to keep them off the podium.

Daisuke Takahashi

Takahashi has had a roller coaster career over the past few years.  He is a four-time Japanese champion and finished in 8th place at the Torino Olympics in 2006.  The next year, he won his first (and only) world championship medal, a silver.  But despite his success that season, the next season sticks out far more in my mind, because he had a ridiculously awesome short program nicknamed the Cyber Swan, and he won the Four Continents championship with an ISU record-breaking performance.  His free skate record from that competition still stands, despite Russian Evgeny Plushenko's machinations this season.  We'll see if the record is still there after the Olympics.

Takahashi is a very special skater - he's one of my absolute favorites to watch.  He has undeniable style on the ice, and some of the most difficult footwork you'll ever see - he gets so deep in his edges; most singles skaters don't skate like that.  And he truly spotlights the footwork in his programs, which I appreciate.  He is also an ambitious jumper; unfortunately, his jumping has not been consistent. Regardless of whether he is landing his jumps, though, he will put on a show for the audience.

Unfortunately, Takahashi needed knee surgery after the 2007-08 season and  missed the whole next season.  He was back this year and was quite up and down - his ambitious attempts at his first Grand Prix, NHK, saw him turn in a fourth place performance, but then he was able to snag the silver at Skate Canada.  But his Grand Prix Final was terrible and he only managed a fifth place finish.  He is coming off a recent win at Japanese nationals.  He's been so erratic this season...who knows what to expect in Vancouver?

Quick Take

The Programs:  I think both are absolutely fabulous.  His short program is definitely one of my top short programs of the season, and his free skate doesn't disappoint either.

Latest Performance:  Not too pretty - he had many little errors here and there in his Japanese nationals win.  I can't imagine him making it on the Olympic podium with that performance.

Strengths:  He has so many - he's a fierce jumper, even if he doesn't seem like one right now.  And his program components should be high, along with the difficulty levels on many of his moves.

Weaknesses:  He has no jumping consistency right now, and his quad is failing him. 

It gives me the creeps when:  His eyebrows look more groomed than mine.

I think it's awesome when:  He gives everything he has to components like his footwork.  He knows there's more to skating than just jumping.

Outlook:  It pains me to admit that it doesn't look good for Takahashi to medal at the Olympics.  I am unsure if he can truly turn in a clean, competitive free skate (not to mention combined with a clean short).  The sad part of that is that when Takahashi is clean, he can obviously be among the best we've ever seen.  And if he is clean, he definitely has a chance.

Nobunari Oda

Oda has also had quite a four years.  He came in fourth at the 2006 worlds.  He was very successful on the Grand Prix scene in 2006, garnering a bronze at the Grand Prix Final, but then he finished in seventh at the world championships. 

Oda was then arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in 2007.  He was suspended from international competition through the fall of 2007, and he withdrew from the Japanese nationals.  He was then only eligible for one Grand Prix in the 2008-09 season - the NHK Trophy, which he won. 

Oda has developed somewhat of a reputation for peaking early in the season.  He furthered that reputation at the 2009 world championships, where he finished seventh. 

This season started out with a triumph for Oda - he won Trophee Eric Bompard with two great programs.  His Chaplin free skate appears particularly well-suited - it brings out the playful side of his personality.  He went on to beat out reigning world champion Evan Lysacek at the Cup of China.  However, some of the magic seemed to have fizzled out at the Grand Prix Final, where Oda finished second but did not nearly match the energy of Lysacek, who took home the gold.

Oda won the silver medal at the Japanese championships, and will be working to prove that he has what it takes to perform later in the season.  His programs can bring in the big numbers when he's clean - commentators will often point out his "soft knees" as evidence of his great jumping (landing) technique, so he can rack up those grade of execution points.  He has not been doing his quad this season, but if he puts one in his programs at the Olympics and lands them, he will be even more dangerous.

Quick Take

The Programs:  Both are absolutely fantastic.  They do what they have to do and they showcase Oda's strengths.

Latest Performance:  I cannot find the clips on youtube, but he came in second against a flawed Takahashi, so I assume it wasn't his best effort.

Strengths:  Oda has beautiful technique that garners him plenty of points.  He'll also get high program components scores for his skating skills and well-choreographed programs.

Weakness:  He seems to be losing energy in his performances as the season goes on; he is not getting better and he has been plagued with a reputation as someone who runs out of steam earlier in the season.

It give me the creeps when:  I can't think of anything!

I think it's awesome when:  He performs that Chaplin program the way I know he can.

Outlook:  If we get the Oda from Trophee Eric Bompard or Cup of China, he has a very good chance to be on the Olympic medal podium.  But if he follows recent form, he may fizzle out at the Olympics.  It will also be interesting to see if he ends up going with the quad - with the quad and his other scores, Oda can beat anyone.  If he's clean.

The third Japanese men's team member, Takahiko Kozuka, has not had a great season and may get lost in the shuffle with all of the other men.  However, he is a beautiful skater with both technical and artistic strength, and if he skates clean, he can definitely force the judges to take notice of him, the way he did in 2008 with his upset Skate America win.

Joannie Rochette

Joannie Rochette has been on the scene for many years, and she competed in the last Olympic games, finishing fifth.  At 23 years old and with a ton of experience, she is a mature skater, but she's had issues with both the mental and physical sides of skating for years.  Last year she broke through with several good performances and garnered a silver medal at the World Championships.

Rochette started out this season on shaky ground.  She finished a dismal third at Cup of China and won Skate Canada with a very sloppy effort and some generous scoring. 

Rochette has been working with a sports psychologist to build up her mental approach to skating.  It seems there are plenty of excuses when she errs - last season she was focusing too much on schoolwork and this season it was her newfound celebrity and overcommitting herself to various projects.  Apparently, Rochette has refocused on skating since her disastrous Grand Prix Final performance.

Still, Rochette started out her nationals with a fall in the short program.  However, she landed all of her jumps cleanly in the free skate to show she's strong heading into the Olympics.

Quick Take

The Programs:  Both programs are good but they don't quite make it into the great category - and I think a lot of that has to do with Rochette not selling the performances as much as she could. However, that is a bit of nitpicking - Rochette is naturally a beautiful skater, and in comparison with several of the other top females, I think her programs are more effective.

Latest Performance:  She bombed the short program and then rocked the free skate at the Canadian championships.  However, her free did not include a triple/triple and I personally think it lacked a bit of energy.

Strengths:  Like i said, she has a maturity that makes her skating lovely.  She'll get high program components as well.

Weaknesses:  It may be psychological, because we know that she can land the jumps.  Luckily for Rochette, this year the top ladies have been very sloppy so she may be able to fall and still stay on the podium.  But it's unclear how the hopes of the home country will weigh on Rochette during the Olympics - or if they will help boost her to a medal.

It gives me the creeps when:  She starts doubling jumps.  Ugh!

I think it's awesome when:  She skates clean, because she is a very powerful skater.

Outlook:  I think Rochette has a very good chance of medaling if she can keep it together and skate clean enough.  How amazing would it be for her to win the first Canadian ladies skating medal since Elizabeth Manley did it 22 years ago - at the last Canadian Olympics? 

Patrick Chan and Vaughan Chipeur make up Canada's Olympic team.  Chan is the one I believe will contend for a medal.

He is one of the most beautiful skaters in the world.  If there was a title for artistry he would always be a contender

He is possibly the most vocal defender of NOT doing a quadruple jump

He is the best chance for the home team to medal in men's skating.

Patrick Chan had his major breakthrough a couple of season's ago when he was only turning 17.  He won his first Grand Prix event (Trophee Eric Bompard) and qualified for the 2007 Grand Prix Final, where he finished fifth.  He then upset Jeffrey Buttle to win the Canadian national championships in early 2008.  Chan finished ninth (and impressed) at his first world championships in 2008.

After that, expectations changed.  Chan became a favorite in all of his events.  He also started winning on the basis of his grades of execution and program components - even when he erred numerous times technically.  Many probably remember his telling comments in the Kiss n' Cry at Skate Canada last season after getting extremely high scores despite mistakes - he said he would "deserve it next time."  Chan then went on to win Trophee Eric Bompard despite some errors there as well, and he bombed the Grand Prix Final, coming in fifth. 

Chan was one of the favorites heading into the 2009 world championships in Los Angeles; he had recently won the Four Continents Championship.  He made several incendiary remarks that week - some in response to Frenchman Brian Joubert's lamentations that the top skaters weren't all doing quads, and some in response to Joubert's program components scores (Chan thought Joubert did not have as much artistry as himself or Evan Lysacek).  Chan skated very well but made just enough minor errors in the free skate to open the door for a clean Evan Lysacek to skate on through.

Chan would start the season with an unfortunate muscle tear.  It forced him to miss the Rostelecom Cup, which would have been a chance to see Chan up against Russian medal favorite Evgeny Plushenko.  Chan later made some headlines again by criticizing Plushenko's displays of arrogance at that event. 

Chan's first competition in the 2009 Grand Prix was Skate Canada.  Despite generous scores from the judges, Chan fell several times and only finished sixth.  At this point he was training in Colorado, to work with the Dartfish video technology and build up his stamina (which may have been the culprit behind the Skate Canada performance).  Due to the distance, Chan and his coach, Don Laws, broke up.  This provided another opportunity for some interesting quotes from Patrick Chan - he didn't seem too shaken up to be without Laws and is now working with choreography Lori Nichol and technical coach Christy Krall.

Chan recently won the Canadian Championships.  He had major errors in the short program, putting a hand down and only completing a triple/double, but was able to skate an (imperfect) but clean enough free skate to defend his national title.

I don't know when we've seen Chan put together two perfectly clean performances.  He will not be including a quadruple jump in his Olympic programs, and has been vocal about stating that his artistic components are enough for him.  He is one of the most beautiful skaters in the world.  He has deep edges, difficult footwork and spins, and his programs are seamlessly choreographed.  The home crowd will either unnerve Chan or propel him to better performances.  I think we haven't seen the best Chan can do yet, and this would be the perfect opportunity for him to show us.  We may see a new competitive fire from him at the Olympics.  If he is able to put together the technical program to go with the artistic, he should definitely be near the top of the podium.

Quick Take

The Programs:  They are great.  He is reprising his short program from last season, which worked out so well for him.  And his free skate is Phantom of the Opera.  I personally don't know that I needed to see yet another Phantom program, but Patrick Chan could skate to spoken word version of the phone book and still be absolutely amazing.

Latest Performance:  Chan was lauded for his performance at the Canadian nationals, but I found plenty to be worried about.  He made multiple errors in the short program, and he had some troubles in the free skate as well.  While these skates easily won the Canadian championships, the competition will be much more stacked at the Olympics.

Strengths:  Chan is one of the most beautiful skaters.  When he lands his jumps, he'll get a very high grade of execution because his technique is sublime.  His spins and footwork are the top of what are being performed out there and will bring in high levels.  He has an artistry that cannot be taught.

Weaknesses:  He often has some botched jump landings, and he has particular trouble landing both his triple axels.  Luckily he makes up a lot of ground on his grade of execution and program components points.

It gives me the creeps when:  He comes off as a bit entitled in interviews.  He's still only 19, after all.

I think it's awesome when:  He skates, simple as that.  I cannot say how much I love to watch him skate!

Outlook:  I truly expect Chan to step it up at the Olympics.  I have a feeling he'll feed off the crowd rather than let it get him nervous.  His issue will be whether his artistry can make up for not only the fact that he won't be doing a quad, but also the potential landing issues he'll have.  I have yet to see two perfectly clean programs from this skater, and it would be quite amazing to see him do that at the Olympics.

In case you missed some of these recent performances, here are some links!

Evan Lysacek on Jay Leno's show

Jeremy Abbott on The Today Show

Also, Dorothy Hamill recently was featured on The Today Show to spotlight the I-Skate program at the Kennedy Krieger Institute .  The program provides children with cerebral palsy, brain damage, or paralysis with the opportunity to spend time on the ice rink.  They get to participate in a fun physical activity as well as interact with their peers.  Hamill participates in the program. Also, Hamill takes all the kids for a ride around the rink - this woman is in amazing shape.

Russia is sending three pairs to Vancouver: Kavaguti and Smirnov, Mukhortova and Trankov, and Bazarova and Larianov.  This is where we remind you that Russia (and the Soviet Union before 1992) has won the gold in the Olympic pairs contest at every Olympics since 1964.*

*In 2002, they shared the gold. You probably forgot about that one, it didn't make too many headlines.

Yuko Kavaguti and Alexander Smirnov

Yuko Kavaguti used to be Yuko Kawaguchi.  She gave up her Japanese citizenship to skate with Smirnov for Russia.  That, folks, is dedication. 

I think this team may be peaking at just the right time for this season's Olympics.  They have a few things on their side:

First, they have made a methodical climb up the ranks in the world championships.  They started at ninth in 2007, jumped to fourth in 2008, and finally got on the podium with a bronze medal last season.  The next thing that is working in the team's favor is that they are coached by Tamara Moskvina.  I have been convinced of this woman's magical powers ever since watching Elena Berezhnaya and Anton Sikharulidze get judged in the short program at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano.  Moskvina definitely has a "type" in her pairs, and Kavaguti and Smirnov embody it quite well.  The last thing they have going for them is that, while they did not do well at the Grand Prix final, finishing fifth, they appear to have staying power for the season, even appear to improve throughout the season, while other pairs are seemingly fizzling out.  Their most recent triumph was the European championships win, where they asserted themselves over countrymates Mukhortova and Trankov, as well as world champions Savchenko and Szolkowy.  Not a bad time for Kavaguti and Smirnov to shift the European balance of power.  And look at that - just before the Olympics a Russian team is all of a sudden the top European pair again.  That does seem to happen a lot.

This team has a not-so-secret weapon that it hasn't really taken too much advantage of lately - the throw quadruple salchow.  Attempting the move has resulted in Kavaguti dislocating her shoulder mid-program, so I'm not sure if it will be included in their Olympic programs, as it appears unpredictable.  That girl is a fighter, though.

Quick Take

The Programs:  The programs are good.  I think the free skate is both beautiful and fun, but neither program is among my top programs of the season.

Latest Performances:  Their free skate at Europeans was great but not quite perfect.  Also, her shoulder appeared to be bothering her for a second in there - but she is always able to power through.  I don't know if that will be an issue for the Olympics.

Strengths:  Everything, when they are on.

Weaknesses:  Making errors on jump landings, getting lost in the crowd when everyone is performing well.  Although, with their European win, they probably have the confidence to ensure that they stand out.

It gives me the creeps when:  She pops her shoulder back in after dislocating it. 

I think it's awesome when: She fights through her pain!

Outlook:  I think it's starting to look good for this team to medal - especially if Savchenko and Szolkowy continue their troubles. 

Maria Mukhortova and Maxim Trankov

This team has had a very up and down relationship.  They have just not been able to break through in the way they need to to be on the world podium.  Their highest placement came last year when they placed fifth.  They always seem to be right in the medal mix in all competitions, though.

Mukhortova and Trankov seemed to have a breakthrough this season when they skated a beautiful and clean free skate at Trophee Eric Bompard to upset world champions Savchenko and Szolkowy in the event.  However, they have not matched that performance all season, and since losing the Russian nationals and Europeans to teammates Kavaguti and Smirnov, they are not only fighting to be memorable on the world scene, but they are also fighting to be regarded as the top Russian team.  And I think they may have lost that fight at this point.

The other issue is that, although they are beautiful skaters, if they skate perfectly against a perfect Savchenko and Szolkowy or Shen and Zhao, I think the other teams would win in that matchup.  So Mukhortova and Trankov might need to capitalize on the errors of others.

I truly hope we get to watch them skate in the Olympics, though.  I really like to watch them and I think their "Love Story" free skate is beautiful.

Quick Take

The Programs:  Their short program is gorgeous, their free skate is gorgeous.  Worth a look.

Latest Performance:  Their free skate at Europeans started out so lovely, and then they lost focus midway through.  That is the story of this team.

Strengths:  They are strong and crisp, quick and graceful when they are on. 

Weakness:  They lose focus and the program can implode quickly.  They have also had...a rocky interpersonal relationship over the years.

It gives me the creeps when:  She gives him the "look."  The look that says, this is all your fault.  And we need couples therapy.

I think it's awesome when:  They skate clean and she gives him the look that says, you are the best partner a girl could ever skate with!  What fools we've been!

Outlook:  If they skate clean, they may still need other people to err in order to get the gold.  But I wouldn't be completely surprised if they were on the podium.  I would be surprised, however, if they win the gold.

The Russian ladies Olympic team consists of their national champion, Ksenia Makarova, and national silver medalist Alena Leonova.  Leonova made some waves earlier this season, and the ladies field in general is a tad unpredictable, so I'm taking a look at Leonova as a (very) dark horse medal contender.

Alena Leonova

Leonova is the reigning junior world champion, but she's nearly 20, so she's definitely got a bit more maturity than some of the younger juniors.  Still, she skates like a kid.  She is all about the spunk.  Unfortunately, when she starts to get unsure of the program because she has made too many errors, all the air inflates from the program and she is no longer as fun to watch.  Here's hoping for a spunky, jazz-hands waving Leonova at the Olympics!

Prior to winning junior worlds last season, Leonova did not really have a great track record in international competition.  However, she truly made a splash on the Grand Prix circuit this season, winning a bronze medal at Rostelecom Cup and a silver at NHK.  She had a bit of a disastrous Grand Prix Final, finishing sixth, and she only finished 2nd at her nationals and finally, 7th at Europeans, so it seems that her penchant for making mistakes in her programs has caught up with her.

Quick Take

The Programs:  I don't think the programs are particularly artistic marvels, but Leonova knows how to sell them so that it no longer matters.  And even though her Chicago free skate music has been used many times, it's still quite fun to watch.

Latest Performances:  Leonova is not heading into the Olympics with much momentum; she only placed seventh at Europeans, against a not particularly competitive crowd.

Strengths:  Personality

Weaknesses:  Sloppy landings

It gives me the creeps when:  She looks scared out there!

I think it's awesome when:  She feels the music and is a bundle of energy and joy

Outlook: Not sure.  It appears she did her best at the end of the season last year, so I won't write her off, just yet.  I also think that a clean Alena Leonova could be dangerous - but we haven't seen her clean too much this season, so who knows?