I know I'm risking evoking the wrath of die-hard Kwan fans, but let's be honest, she isn't at the top of even her own game. Hasn't been for a long time. Her competitive showings have been rare over the last few seasons and they seem hand-picked.
I just have to ask, would any other athlete with sketchy performances and several injuries even think that they might be awarded an Oympic team spot? Isn't an Olympic berth supposed to be earned?
The writing has been on the wall for awhile now. Maybe it's time for Kwan to actually read it and make room for those little girls that used to pick up her flowers off the ice. It's their turn in the spotlight.
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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