As to whether the USFSA will allow Kimmie to be beaten if she doesn't skate well:
1996 - Michelle Kwan US & World Champion
1997 - Tara Lipinski US & World Champion
If there is a 'Tara' (say Rachael Flatt) in the wings, USFS will let her beat our current 'Michelle', Kimmie, if Kimmie doesn't skate well.
(And Michelle in 1996 beat an awesome skate by Lu Chen. Kimmie just sort of fell into the World championship, what with Irina, Michelle, Yu Na and Mao not there and Sasha skating dreadfully.) Kimmie is no Michelle (96 version), so Kimmie will need to bring her A game.
1996 - Michelle Kwan US & World Champion
1997 - Tara Lipinski US & World Champion
If there is a 'Tara' (say Rachael Flatt) in the wings, USFS will let her beat our current 'Michelle', Kimmie, if Kimmie doesn't skate well.
(And Michelle in 1996 beat an awesome skate by Lu Chen. Kimmie just sort of fell into the World championship, what with Irina, Michelle, Yu Na and Mao not there and Sasha skating dreadfully.) Kimmie is no Michelle (96 version), so Kimmie will need to bring her A game.