Pictures of Team Japan - the new power on ice
Mao Asada, the favorite in Ladies' single skating. She made history when landed two 3As in her free skate in 2005 Japan Nationals. This girl has so much talent, but needs to be more mature.
Miki Ando, the 2004 World Junior Champion. She's one of the few women who can do quad, but she is more than a jumper. We'll see if she could finally reach her potential in Tokyo this time.
Yukari Nakano, one of Japan's rising stars, although I still think Suguri, the vateran, deserves to make the ladies team more than Nakano, I wish her good luck in this competition.
Daisuke Takahashi, the 2001 World Junior Champion and Japanese national Champion, is the co-farorite (other than Brian Joubert) at Worlds. The battle between Joubert and Takahashi will be very exciting.
Nobunari Oda, the 2005 World Junior Champion, he hasn't attempted a quad in this season, instead, he took a safer route with an array of triple jumps, which seems to be a good strategy so far.
This year's Team Japan is stronger than ever, and is in very good shape towards the Worlds in Tokyo, 'home advantage' could be a double edge sword. In 30 days, the question will be answered - how far this team can go?
I wish all atheletes good luck and deliver a wonderful competition.
Last but not least, my best wishes to my most beloved Evan: take care, do your best, fight with your heart and soul till the end, and I believe you'll make us proud! |