The path to making any Olympic team seems pretty self-explanatory. Compete well, win as often as possible or at least collect a multitude of medals, be consistent - done deal, right? Not in figure skating. Never and especially not this year. The Turin Games are set to begin next month and one thing is pretty much set in stone, Mao Asada, arguably the best skater to grace ladies skating, will not be there. Despite her triple axels — a history-making two in the same program at the recent Japanese national championships — Asada is too young, according to the International Skating Unions rules.
U.S.Nationals are taking place this week in St. Louis with medalists vying for spots on the Olympic Team. Michelle Kwan withdrew from the competition due to a groin injury.
"I am deeply disappointed that I will not be at nationals," Kwan said. "It's always been my favorite event, especially in an Olympic year, and I was really looking forward to competing. I had been skating very well before the injury, and both my doctor and I feel that I can get back to that level and be completely ready for the Olympics. For that reason I am petitioning for a spot on the team."
In ladies figure skating, Michelle Kwan is like an institution. She is the one that all of the current young up-and-comers wanted to emulate. She is the cornerstone of American skating and has been for over a decade now. I can't argue with her nine national titles and five victories at the world championships. I loved her as Salome' and had butterflies during her 1998 Olympic performances. I was once a big fan but now I think it is time for her to begin to let go just a bit.
Article comments
1 - rachel
I can't say that I disagree - yep, it's difficult territory to tred on because some people get so caught up in "but, but...it's so-and-so!!!" that the actual rules/protocols/criteria get bent in order to satisfy the most recongizable face. I used to do dressage; loved every single minute of it...except the politics. Without going into details, the same issues are present, though not nearly as well publisized as the sport is not really recognized or well known by any means. Teams would get chosen, individuals would be picked to represent at different international competitions...and more often then not people would be leaving the arenas during the qualifying competitions grumbling about corrupt judges and "they already knew who they wanted to go...".
Subjective sports can be the most breathtaking BECAUSE they are subjective...but they can also be the most frustrating (and, well, corrupt...) for the exact same reason.
Anyway, sorry to have gone on like that; thanks for the blog post, made me shake my head at the prevelence of this issue across many different fields.
2 - tierria rushton
can i get your new book did you write them