Angela has never finished higher than third at the U.S. Nationals, but she has moved up steadily on the international stage in the past three years.  Had she not suffered an unfortunate fall late in her free program, she might well have stood on the podium at this Worlds.  I've watched Angela struggle in the past, always displaying a lovely style and technique but lacking stamina and grit; she always seemed to tire early in competitions and barely make it through her free programs.

A new training regimen and a new attitude have lifted her out of any past doldrums.  She spoke on television about recent changes she has made, including letting her hair grow; like Sampson, it seems to have given her great strength.  Just turned 21, Angela has a great future if she can keep up her momentum.