News
April 15, 2008
Miner's first step on the world stage is silver
The world of skating has turned itself upside down to implement a new judging system that is fair and tamper proof. At the core of this effort is how to place a value on each skating element so that skaters aspire to the "complete package" - a balanced portfolio of talents that include not only jumps and spins but also edge quality, musicality, and the art of performance.
At the March 29-30 Gardena Spring Trophy, in Selva Val Gardena, Italy, Ross Miner took a huge career leap as he contended for his first international competition while also making his debut as a junior skater. While Miner's account of the event was characteristically self-critical, the 17-year old also proved that it's the total package - and not just the jumps - that prevails in the end.
In the short program, Miner took second place to finish just behind fellow teammate Grant Hochstein. Only the doubling of the second jump in a planned triple-triple combination marred his iconic "Surfer" program. Yet despite the lower technical mark, his high component scores yielded a total score of 50.60 and kept him over a point ahead of the third place German skater.
In the long program, Miner admits to being unusually nervous.
"At international competitions, when they announce your name you are representing your country and not just your home club," Miner explains. "Suddenly you feel that there is much more at stake than your average competition."
Miner opened with a successful triple flip-triple toe. Then, as nerves set in he faltered a bit, taking three deductions against a technical score of 45.57. Still, the strength of his total package in his stylish Gershwin program kept his scores in contention. Along with Hochstein, the very musical Miner achieved component scores that were over one full point better across the board than the rest of the field, attesting to the "completeness" that the American skaters displayed in relation to the others. Although placing third in the long program with a total score of 92.57, Miner's overall effort was enough for second and the silver medal.
So what does the world traveler have to say about his first international experience? "It was an honor to represent the US and I think I learned a lot," Miner reflected. "Competitions are different in other countries, and you have to become skilled at adapting quickly to a new environment."
"Also, it was the most beautiful place I've ever visited," he smiled, "but it's good to be home."
