Sports Advice

In what could be considered a case of “deja-va” by figure skating enthusiasts, two time Olympic medalist Michelle Kwan was granted a spot on the USA Olympic figure skating team that will compete in Turin, Italy in February.

Is it fair? Was it the correct decision? To some, “no.” To others, “yes.” To most; well, make your own choice.

The selection of Kwan, by a vote of the International Selection Committee of the United States of America Figure Skating, seemed similar to a situation that occurred sixteen years ago.

What made the decision seem unique was that Kwan was involved in both the 1994 and this year’s scenarios.

In 1994, at age thirteen, Kwan finished in second place at the Nationals, a placing that would normally have earned her a spot on the Olympic team.

However, she was removed from the team in favor of Nancy Kerrigan, who was injured in the now infamous attack that was later connected to fellow figure skater Tonya Harding.

Last night, Kwan was placed on the team, removing third place skater Emily Hughes from the Olympic Team. Hughes is the younger sister of 2002 Olympic figure skating gold medalist Sarah Hughes.

Kwan had submitted a petition in accordance with the 2006 U.S. Olympic Athlete Selection Procedures to request the nomination, as she was unable to compete at the event due to injury.

“The International Committee considered all of the relevant information and picked the best possible U.S. Olympic Team to represent the United States in Torino,” International Committee Chair Bob Horen said. “We believe that Sasha, Kimmie and Michelle will compete in a manner that will make our country proud.”

Hughes was named first alternate and Houston’s Katy Taylor, who finished in fourth place, was named the second alternate.

Cohen, Messiner, and Hughes were named the World Championship team that will compete in Calgary, Canada in late March.

Taylor, Christine Zukowski (sixth place), and Allissa Crisny (seventh place) were selected to compete in the World Junior Championships in Ljublana, Slovenia in early March.

It was a hard call, but from this journalist’s seat, it was the correct decision. Kwan has given so much to the sport of figure skating and deserves this one last shot at the pinnacle of sports.

I remember seeing her at the 1994 US Olympic Festival in St. Louis. She was doing a personal appearance at a Hanes Outlet Store outside St. Louis and was the nicest athlete I ever had the good fortune to meet.

She signed autographs, answered reporters’ questions, and was as pleasant and upbeat as any athlete could be. She was a delight.

On a side note, I also saw up and coming figure skater who won the Olympic Festival title that year. Who was that petite skater who captured the hearts of so many for years to come?

It was an eleven year old Tara Lipinski.

Was it the correct decision to name Kwan to the team? I think so, and so many others do too.

About the Author:

Robert H. Kelly is a sport writer from Texas. His writings on Texas sporting events and events with Texas participants attempt to provide a unique perspective not covered by mainstream media. He can be reached at texsportpub@aol.com.