Let the Olympic controversy begin!
The U.S. Olympic Figure Skating team was named last night. Many of the names will come as no surprise, as they are the top finishers at Nationals.
Sasha Cohen and Kimmie Meissner took gold and silver at Nationals, assuring themselves of a spot on the Olympic team. Emily Hughes (yes, she is Sarah’s sister) came in third but, in a move that is sure to prove controversial, the Olympic team placed her in an alternate position in order to allow Michelle Kwan the third place on the team. Kwan was not at Nationals due to an injury. Also placed in an alternate position was Katy Taylor, a relative unknown.
The men’s team was a little more straightforward. Johnny Weir, Evan Lysacek and Matt Savoie took gold, silver, and bronze and all three will be attending the Olympics. It will be the first time since 1976 that three newcomers will be representing the United States at an Olympics. Weir is already stirring things up after using a drug reference in an analogy comparing his performace to that of a competitor.
Rena Inoue and John Baldwin will lead the pairs figure skating team in Turin, after completing the world’s first throw triple axel. They are still considered longshots at next month’s Olympics. Inoe is a two-time Olympian in singles and pairs for Japan. They will be joined by Marcy Hinzmann and Aaron Parchem.
Tanith Belbin, who was granted U.S. citizenship to allow her to attend the Olympics, and her partner, Ben Agosto were the top ice dancers. Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov and Jamie Silverstein and Ryan O’Meara will round out the ice dancing team.
Melissa Gregory and Denis Pethkhov are a nice story. Petukhov was born in Russian but came to the United States to skate with Gregory, who is now his wife. He became an American citizen last February. His mother, Luba, was with them at nationals, one of the few times she’s seen her son and daughter-in-law skate. I particularly like this story because when I was growing up I thought all pairs skaters and ice dancers were married. Torville and Dean? Married. Tai and Randy? Married. So, it’s nice to know that, for once, my romantic ideal matches up with reality.
So, let us know what you think about the U.S. Olympic figure skating team. Thrilled about Michelle Kwan attending? Outraged? Think Tanith Belbin should have had to wait? Think Johnny Weir ought to wear less flamboyant costumes? Leave us a comment and let us know what you’re thinking.