Monday, January 13, 2014

U.S. Olympic Shame

From the New York Daily News:
The U.S. Figure Skating Association on Sunday rescued its highest-ranked athlete, Ashley Wagner, naming her to the Olympic team for Sochi while dropping Mirai Nagasu.
The move set a fresh precedent for the USFSA, because the federation had never before bumped a skater after he or she placed high enough at nationals to qualify for the Winter Games. In the past, qualifying skaters from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships had only been bumped by the federation when injuries prevented top-tier competitors from performing at nationals.
Wagner finished fourth on Saturday, behind Nagasu in third, after tumbling twice in her long program and appearing badly shaken throughout her free skate.
"I'm at a loss for words right now," said Wagner, who was ranked No. 2 in the world by Icenetwork.com before her meltdown. "It just wasn't my night last night. I'm happy federation was able to see beyond one bad skate. I'm on cloud nine. Everbody's been so supportive these last few days."
Officials here had made it clear, however, early in the competition that nobody was assured of a spot any longer, regardless of a finish. For some reason, they gave no guarantee even for the winners, which made little sense.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more-sports/wagner-olympics-finishing-4th-article-1.1576994#ixzz2qGYllruZ
In track and field, they depend on a single track meet to determine who goes to the Olympics.
In wrestling and boxing, the same thing.
So, it is a shame that politics appear to be in play with the female figure skating.
You don't get do overs in the Olympics- the best win.
So, why should it be any different in the Olympic trials? The best win and move forward and if you blow it, so be it and try again in 4 years.

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