Mirai NAGASU (currently in 1st place following the short program / score 70.40 )
· How do you feel about your performance in the short program?
“I think it was a good way to end my season this year. It was a good program. I just have to keep my concentration for tomorrow (the free skate).”
“It felt great. Right before I took my (starting) position, I was really nervous. But, then, I just believed in myself - - and crossed my fingers for the triple-triple.”
· On her thoughts on the free skate tomorrow:
“I’m trying not to think about it. I’m just happy with how I skated tonight. I hope that I can keep improving from here. My goal was to do my triple-triple, and put out the best program I could. I think I did that, and I’m really happy about it. I’ve trained my free skate pretty well since the Olympics - not as hard as my short program – but I’m convinced I can do the program just as well, if not better, than what I did at the Olympics.”
· On the triple-triple:
“It was really important for me to do that jump. At the Olympics I was so disappointed, because I couldn’t do it, and I think that took me out of medal contention.”
· On training for World Championships following the Olympic Games:
“Actually, when I came back I was really tired and I didn’t feel like running through my programs. But I’m glad I stuck with it, because that enabled me to have such a great performance here in the short program.”
· On her coach Frank Carroll:
“He has a very calming way about him. I can always draw the calming energy from him. He’s definitely the right coach for me, and I really appreciate everything he does for me.”
Rachael FLATT (currently in 6th place following the short program / score 60.88)
· How do you feel about your performance in the short program?
“It was a little disappointing not to get the triple-triple in, but, with the components, I actually think I sold it (the program) very well. I was pleased with that. I’m going to get that triple-triple in the free skate for sure.”
On training for World Championships following the Olympic Games:
“It was difficult. The Olympics was such a high with the adrenaline and enthusiasm. Worlds is such a great competition – I came here really wanting to skate well and have fun”
“I’m trying to stay motivated and skate like I train. “It was difficult to get right back into training after the Olympics. The World Championships are such a great competition, and I really wanted to compete well here.”
· On missing the triple-triple combination:
“It wasn’t a great landing. I’ve never trained triple-double in my short, so it was a little disappointing. Obviously, landing it would have helped my score significantly.”
“I was a little disappointed; I was hoping to do the triple-triple the way I’ve trained. I thought I sold the program very well, so that was exciting. I do think I had a solid performance.”
