HELSINKI, Finland -- Because they compete in a subjectively judged sport, figure skaters adopt a mantra of keeping their focus on what they can do rather than pay significant attention to what their competitors are doing.

Even as she says that, though, Ashley Wagner will carry a broader view at the 2017 World Figure Skating Championships, which will open Wednesday morning in Helsinki, Finland, with the ladies short program.

"This competition, my main goal is to see how I chalk up against these girls," Wagner said after finishing a strong practice, where she rattled off the planned jumps in her short program with power and sure-footedness.

"My focus is really next year (the Olympics), so this is just seeing what's going to happen," she continued. "This competition is kind of trying to gauge how far I have to go next year."