12/03/24
February 11, 2006
Kwan In Pain: Quite honestly, I hope that Michelle Kwan can continue with her skating. She's put a lot of work into her sport and has been the best at her craft for nearly 10 years. Its a shame to hear about her going out like this.
posted by chemwizBsquared to other at 09:29 AM - 15 comments
mick has a point. She should not have been on the team as a competitor. As an assistant coach/advisor/mascot/cheerleader/mentor maybe, but not as a competitor. She needs to step aside and let the younger ones compete. The only way we can stay at the top is bring in the new blood so they can gain the experience.
posted by wingnut4life at 10:16 AM on February 11, 2006
This egotistical little crybaby needs to step aside. Taking a spot from someone who really deserves to by in the Olympics is very lame. Of course her asshole father has the final say-so.
posted by CountDracula58 at 10:42 AM on February 11, 2006
kwan has earn the right at a chance for a medal. when she was thirteen, she won a spot on the olympic team but was replaced by nancy kerrigan. you send the person that has the best chance to win a medal and if she can overcome the injury, she has the best shot. she proven that in the past.
posted by classact at 11:22 AM on February 11, 2006
The conspiracy theorist in me can't help but wonder if there was anything to be gained in presenting Kwan as a skating member and then have her come up with an "injury" before the event begins. Obviously, it gave Kwan one last chance to participate in Opening Ceremonies in the media spotlight (doubt there would be so much dignified attention if she was a coach or mascot). I would think it also brings additional attention to Emily Hughes as Kwan's replacement.
posted by BullpenPro at 12:09 PM on February 11, 2006
Jim Lampley brought up a great point last night during the Olympic telecast. It was Michelle Kwan's fourth-place finish (along with Sasha Cohen's second-place finish) in the World Championships that ensured the United States would get 3 spots in the Olympics this year. So if not for her skating then, the team would only be two skaters. That said, I still think with these recent difficulties with her health she should gracefully step aside and let Emily Hughes compete. It was would a terrible way for Kwan to end her career if she starts the competition and then has to withdraw during one of her programs due to an injury. The criticism she would receive would be brutal if that happens. If she's hurt, and being an athlete she should would know truthfully if her body is ready to go, then she should give up her spot. It would be the classiest way for her to go out in this situation. Obviously, it gave Kwan one last chance to participate in Opening Ceremonies in the media spotlight (doubt there would be so much dignified attention if she was a coach or mascot). I would think it also brings additional attention to Emily Hughes as Kwan's replacement. Great point BullpenPro, although I'm not sure that's the case (the conspiracy part anyway) it sure is working out that way isn't it? Kwan gets to go out on her terms and Emily gets a ton of attention. You know who you have to feel for in all this is Sasha Cohen, who should be the real U.S. figure skating story of these games. She's hands-down the best skater the U.S. has right now and our best shot for the gold medal, yet she's been overshadowed by the story swirling around Michelle Kwan. Oh well, a gold medal would erase all of that for Sasha...
posted by donnnnychris at 02:01 PM on February 11, 2006
i feel bad for she's there and now shes physically hurting
posted by defrag3x at 02:34 PM on February 11, 2006
I think she should step out...if she is feeling doubts I don't think she will be able to compete at her full potential, especially since she did not feel comfortable at practice. Does anybody know why her coach was not there? From the article, it sounded obvious that she needed her coaches encouragement/guidance
posted by miller at 02:47 PM on February 11, 2006
Does anybody know why her coach was not there? According to wire reports, the coach (Rafael Arutunian) is in transit. The draw isn't even until 2-17-06, so his arrival shortly is within acceptable limits.
posted by Leominster at 07:52 PM on February 11, 2006
Now it is a moot point. Nancy pulled herself out. Now tjhat is quality sports!
posted by JockwithaSock at 02:35 AM on February 12, 2006
She did step aside&did so w/grace!She also deserved to be there to begin with!She assured us of 4 spots instead of 2&there will be NO Gold for us this Olympics!!!Bronze will be our best finish!
posted by mdavidsf at 05:34 AM on February 12, 2006
Nancy? you're aging yourself, jocksock. twice.
posted by worldcup2002 at 07:40 AM on February 12, 2006
Kwan is a classic example of what's wrong with "conventional wisdom" thinking. The past several years whenever she competes conventional wisdom has always been that she is the one to beat for the Gold. And more often then not someone beats her, always with an excuse from her of some sort of mystery injury. The fact is she is as over-rated now as she ever was and if one were to feel sorry for her it would only be because she has had to try to live up to standards that she could not possibily have met in the first place. Despite flashes of brillance, she was never really as good as the press says she was.
posted by commander cody at 03:21 PM on February 12, 2006
She's won five world championships. That's pretty good.
posted by Smackfu at 04:50 PM on February 12, 2006
She's won five world championships. That's pretty good. Granted that is pretty good, but just like Fran Tarkington in football, she just couldn't quite make it in the Big Show. I'm not blaming her you understand, she just couldn't live up to the hype or under the pressure.
posted by commander cody at 04:57 PM on February 12, 2006
she shouldn't have made the team. She stole a spot from someone that deserved to be there