Michelle Kwan questionable for Olympic competition

San Jose Murky News ^ | Feb. 11, 2006 | Tom Powers

[Michael.SF.]

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.

Miss Kwan, has had her moments of fame and greatness, too bad she may have denied others that same possibility.

[inkling]

"...but I have to listen to what my feelings are."

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.

[Cicero]

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.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

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.

[Andy from Beaverton]

And the winner is...

[mtbopfuyn]

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?

[jazusamo]

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.

[socal_parrot]

As the most decorated US female skater, I think she deserved the benefit of the doubt. She was healthy enough to pass the judgment of a panel that put her on the team. The girl she bumped, Emily Hughes, is there as the alternate and still might skate.

I guess the alternate's alternate would be bummed though.

[RGSpincich]

Oh boy, more drama. Now if she could pull down a perfect score on a broken ankle...

[Always Right]

Miss Kwan, has had her moments of fame and greatness, too bad she may have denied others that same possibility.

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.

[LdSentinal]

Paging Tonya Harding . . .

[Accygirl]

The younger girls aren't very good; they splatted all over the ice at Nationals, so I don't feel bad that they don't get to go. I really don't feel like having to watch a sixteen-year-old sobbing because she fell two times in her program and ended up in seventeenth place. I'm already going to have to watch Kimmie Messigner, whose skating makes puppies cry, screw up during the ladies comp., so I don't want have to watch another.

As for Kwan, I'll be praying to St. Jude that she miraculously recovers and brings down the house with her skating.

[Freebird Forever]

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.

I take it you haven't been following Favre's will-I-or-will-I-not retire saga.

[alisasny]

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.

[WestCoastGal]

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.

[MotleyGirl70]

"...but I have to listen to what my feelings are."

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.

[Andy from Beaverton]

[MotleyGirl70]

Lol!

[freedumb2003]

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.

Hows about: Terrell Owens, Ryan Leif, Keyshawn Johnson, etc. etc. etc.