Kailani Craine unveiled a fun new gala exhibition program in Shanghai. Photo: Kailani Craine Instagram Under an unusual format for international ice sports, the invitational only Shanghai Trophy in China combined figure skating, short track and synchronised team competitions over four days culminating in an ‘All On Ice’ gala on Sunday evening.
Australia was represented in the limited-entry events in figure skating by Brendan Kerry and Kailani Craine and in Short Track by Deanna Lockett.
The competition formats with only a free program for the figure skaters and varying distances for short track provided a change from the usual routine.
The best result came from Brendan Kerry who placed fourth of six competitors in the free program with 149.15 points, landing one quad jump and two triple axels scoring less than four points shy of his personal best.
“The event was fun and much less tiring as I didn’t have to perform the short program beforehand,” Kerry said of the new-look competition.
“We all enjoyed such a small event. Everyone gets along really well, so it’s safe to say we all had that competitive mentality but also all enjoyed it.”
Kerry, who has changed coaches to Nikolai Morozov and changed his training base to New Jersey, USA, took away a few positives from Shanghai.
“Overall the PCs (Program Components) were much lower than what I would’ve liked. I wanted to throw out some triples seeing as I managed not to do too many at my last event. So not the greatest I’ve ever done but I still took away some good stuff headed to the Games.”
Kailani Craine, who was called up to the event with just two weeks’ notice, also enjoyed the new experience and placed fifth with a spirited skate.
“I've had a really different competition experience in China, only a free program,” Craine said.
“In training I was trying more ‘tano’ variations on most of the jumps which unfortunately I didn't showcase here in China, but I think they will be ready for my next competition.”
“All of these different experiences help me build into a better skater. There’s always more you can learn.”
Being guaranteed a gala exhibition at the conclusion of the event is exactly the sort of skating which the Newcastle 19-year-old enjoys.
“I've had a really good time in China. The people are so friendly and I can't wait to perform in the exhibition,” she said before the gala.
Australia was represented in the limited-entry events in figure skating by Brendan Kerry and Kailani Craine and in Short Track by Deanna Lockett.
The competition formats with only a free program for the figure skaters and varying distances for short track provided a change from the usual routine.
The best result came from Brendan Kerry who placed fourth of six competitors in the free program with 149.15 points, landing one quad jump and two triple axels scoring less than four points shy of his personal best.
“The event was fun and much less tiring as I didn’t have to perform the short program beforehand,” Kerry said of the new-look competition.
“We all enjoyed such a small event. Everyone gets along really well, so it’s safe to say we all had that competitive mentality but also all enjoyed it.”
Kerry, who has changed coaches to Nikolai Morozov and changed his training base to New Jersey, USA, took away a few positives from Shanghai.
“Overall the PCs (Program Components) were much lower than what I would’ve liked. I wanted to throw out some triples seeing as I managed not to do too many at my last event. So not the greatest I’ve ever done but I still took away some good stuff headed to the Games.”
Kailani Craine, who was called up to the event with just two weeks’ notice, also enjoyed the new experience and placed fifth with a spirited skate.
“I've had a really different competition experience in China, only a free program,” Craine said.
“In training I was trying more ‘tano’ variations on most of the jumps which unfortunately I didn't showcase here in China, but I think they will be ready for my next competition.”
“All of these different experiences help me build into a better skater. There’s always more you can learn.”
Being guaranteed a gala exhibition at the conclusion of the event is exactly the sort of skating which the Newcastle 19-year-old enjoys.
“I've had a really good time in China. The people are so friendly and I can't wait to perform in the exhibition,” she said before the gala.
RSS Feed
