Interview with Emmy Ma (June 2017)

On June 21, 2017July 8, 2017 By Claire CloutierIn Interviews, Ladies2 Comments

16-year-old Emmy Ma made a splash at this year’s U.S. Nationals, where she won the short program in the Junior ladies event with a lovely performance. Facing a field of mostly younger rivals, Emmy’s skating stood out for her musicality, skating skills, and maturity. Although she faltered a bit in the long program, Emmy captured the Junior ladies pewter medal at Nationals. One month later, she won her first-ever international competition, the Junior ladies event at Challenge Cup in the Netherlands. Continue reading “Interview with Emmy Ma (June 2017)” →

Best, Most & Worst of Pairs: 2016-17

On June 14, 2017June 18, 2017 By Claire CloutierIn Opinion, Pairs5 Comments

Welcome to my third annual round-up of the best, most, and worst in pairs skating!! Included are my picks for the top 10 long programs and top 10 short programs of the season (with videos). As usual, all opinions expressed herein are strictly my own. (And possibly more idiosyncratic than usual.) So feel free to agree—or disagree! Continue reading “Best, Most & Worst of Pairs: 2016-17” →

Interview with Castelli/Tran (June 2017)

On June 7, 2017June 7, 2017 By Claire CloutierIn Interviews, PairsLeave a comment

Last season was challenging for American pair Marissa Castelli/Mervin Tran. They struggled with injury and inconsistency during the fall of 2016. And although they regrouped to win the silver medal at U.S. Nationals in January 2017, the U.S. Figure Skating Association did not name the couple to Four Continents, Worlds, or World Team Trophy.

However, when I spoke with Castelli/Tran recently, they said there was “a silver lining” to the challenges they faced last year. Because their season ended early, they’ve had lots of time to think about their direction for the future and what they need to work on. Castelli/Tran now look forward with a renewed sense of purpose. Recently, they took some time to chat with me about their thoughts on last season, their training since U.S. Nationals, their new long program, and their goals for next year. Check out my new interview with them for Figure Skaters Online!

Castelli-Tran-FSO