And the winner is...
Posted on 02/11/2006 10:54:09 AM PST by Michael.SF.
TURIN, Italy - The impending figure skating train wreck has left the station.
Figure skater Michelle Kwan, granted a medical exemption into the Olympics, may wind up withdrawing. She struggled through her practice on Saturday morning, later complaining of stiffness. In fact, she didn't even perform her routines.
"I really have to pay attention to how I am feeling these days. Dropping out, it's not something I want to do, but I have to listen to what my feelings are." This could lead to another melodramatic, Olympic figure skating type moment. Many were buzzing about her poor practice and health issues Saturday.
Kwan has said she won't compete if she isn't completely healthy. However, she is proceeding as if the stiffness is a result of cold weather during the Opening Ceremony. "Sitting outside for four hours wasn't too good for my body," she said.
Asked why she would put herself through that, she replied: "You try to bring enough things to wear. But it's a great experience and I didn't want to miss it."
She petitioned the U.S. Figure Skating Association for a medical bye into Turin. After giving a private performance for a five-member monitoring panel, Kwan last month was granted the exemption. Several reports indicated that Kwan's performance before the panel wasn't all that good. But she has become the face of U.S. figure skating and it is likely that sentiment played a large part in her being cleared to compete.
She joins Sasha Cohen and Kimmie Meisner on the U.S. team. Emily Hughes was bumped back to alternate. We may yet see her.
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
Miss Kwan, has had her moments of fame and greatness, too bad she may have denied others that same possibility.
I know we're supposed to view figure skating as a sport, but for some reason I can't imagine Brett Favre ever using this line.
My sense of figure skating, from past competitions, is that the judges give more credit for past reputation and fame than they do for actual performance. By its nature, freestyle figure skating involves a lot of subjective judgment, anyway.
In a way that's fair, because skaters have to build up a reputation over a number of years.
So she could do well even if she's not in top form, unless she falls down or something.
No other athlete missed out. Emily Hughes is the alternate. She can easily step in if Kwan can't do it. I think they made the right decision. There wasn't another strong choice.
As much as I like her, you're right that someone else was denied the chance to compete. Doesn't the team bring extras in cases like this?
I agree that she has done much for the sport. But in sports I feel you have to compete on an even plane with others. To deny another a chance because of her injury doesn't seem right.
Oh boy, more drama. Now if she could pull down a perfect score on a broken ankle...
If she is the best, then she should be there. While disappointing, the other girl is not quite good enough. If Kwan is not 100%, she will do the right thing and let the other girl have a chance.
Paging Tonya Harding . . .
I take it you haven't been following Favre's will-I-or-will-I-not retire saga.
Emily Hughes is from Long Island, my hometown and the local radio is reporting she is still on Long Island. I guess they are waiting to see what Kwan's plans are before they fly her to Turino. Regardless the competition is not until Tuesday Feb 21 so she has plenty of time to get there and can continue to practice at her home rink.
Agreed, Sasha is the most beautiful skater. Hopefully nerves won't get to her.
Did anyone hear the US male skater [forget his name] complaining that he's 'princessy' and doesn't like the accomodations at the olympic village. Says it's dusty and he doesn't like going up stairs.
Mens figure skating has stunk since Boitano and Kurt Browning and the rest of that bunch retired. IMO of course.
She must be a liberal.
She should be listening to what her body is telling her.
Ihave mixed feelings on this: On the one hand she has done a lot for the sport, on the other hand a healthier athlete stayed home and probably missed the chance of a lifetime.
I agreee with you, although I'm getting irritated with Michelle's whining.
Lol!
Hows about: Terrell Owens, Ryan Leif, Keyshawn Johnson, etc. etc. etc.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.