‘He’s worked really hard’

Based on what she’s seen the last two weeks training in Prince George and in his Friday practice session in Quebec, Ludditt is convinced he can break new ground and skate the performances of his life this weekend.

“We spent quite a lit of time as a team doing that and I feel like it’s changed his mental state where the long program feels really doable and things are better-placed for him – he’s been skating lightsout for a couple of weeks,” said Ludditt.

“He had a really strong practice this morning and he seems really strong in his mind. He’s worked really hard on his conditioning and his diligence in his training and doing his run-throughs on a daily basis. He’s shown tons of progress and commitment in that area.

“He can focus better on each elements when he knows the pro- cess is doable,” she said. “When we changed his task list (last year) he felt it was too big. It was overwhelming and he just felt so unfocused. I think that’s different now, which is so positive.”

Hampole is scheduled to be on the ice at 10:49 a.m. ET for his 2 1/2-minute short program, which includes a triple Lutz and a triple loop.

The junior men’s free skate session is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. ET. Hampole’s 3 1/2-minute free program includes two triple Lutzes, two triple Salchows and a triple loop.

“Placing in the top-18 is a realistic goal and overall I just want to skate two solid programs and leave nothing on the table,” said Hampole.

“My triple Lutz has been one of my strongest jumps but right now it’s my triple Sal, it’s just been soaring.”