...Ones To Watch...

There are some skaters who have been gradually making progress over the last two or three seasons. They could make their mark this season, especially with some established names now departed.


This photo copyright to Andrea "Hoo" Chempinski
www.scratchspin.com

  

Galina Maniachenko
Ukraine

Galina has been making progress over the last couple of seasons, and finished higher (4th) than her more illustrious compatriot Elena Liashenko in last year's European Championships..

She has a very artistic style with strong themes in her free programmes which make them very watchable.



© Photo iskater.comFumie Siguri
Japan

Fumie has made great strides in the last two seasons in particular. Just finished outside of the medals at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, but made up for it at the World Championships by finishing third.

Her consistency, especially on the jumps means that she is always competitive, and I hope to see her finish in the top three in this season's World Championships.

Follow Fumie's progress on her official website



© Photo iskater.comViktoria Volchkova
Russia

In the shadow of Irina Slutskaya, and Maria Butyrskaya, this could be her year to shine. She seemed to lose confidence after missing a golden opportunity to win the European Championships (Slutskaya and Butyrskaya left the door open after less than convincing free programmes), and didn't seem to be herself thereafter. Has split with her coach Viktor Kutyriatsev, so a change may bring renewed confidence.

Julia Sebestyen apart, she has the biggest jumps of all the ladies, especially her triple Lutz. One of my favourites for the Ladies' crown at this season's European Championships.