US Nationals - Junior Men
So many feelings! When I did my preview, I avoided predicting anything, but I was hoping Andrew Torgashev and Kevin Shum would go 1-2. That's where they're sitting after the SP, and Torgashev has a mighty lead. 75.61 in the short, and he doesn't have a triple axel yet? Those are Jason Brown numbers, you guys.
Both of these kids will be old enough to go to the Olympics in 2018, and with Nathan Chen also in the mix, that is going to be a very interesting year. I love watching Torgashev and Shum compete against each other, though, because they contrast each other in the way that spawns great TV rivalries and RPF. Torgashev is like Rocket Raccoon on ice, a spiky ball of explosives, but still graceful and attuned to the music. Shum is the natural artist, with lines for days despite being in the most awkward stage of puberty. I see some Daisuke Takahashi there, and some Rule 63 Michelle Kwan. I hope they both continue to develop and improve, because they are both fantastic already but have a ton of room (and time) to grow.
I am also kind of living for Tomoki Hiwatashi's Biellmann spin and Spencer Howe skating like he wants his damn medal.