Uh oh

Michelle Kwan has withdrawn from Nationals due to an injury. She's petitioning for a waiver to go to Turin in February to compete as part of the Olympic team. This should be interesting, the way it plays out. Based on reputation alone, she's a class-act with an amazing history of accomplishments, but can she compete with the new scoring system? I'm not entirely sure. I like to root for Michelle because I think she's a wonderful role model compared to so many athletes and I like the fact she keeps trying and doesn't seem to be hampered by disappointment.

But it wouldn't be right for the Skating Federation to make a decision just on nostalgia, but rather on the answer as to whether Michelle can actually skate, and not just jump and spin, but keep up with all the jumping beans who are excelling under the new rules that are a complete disadvantage to someone who has made her mark artistically. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.