I heard on another forum that Irina is not doing Russian Nats. I don't know if this is true or not, but if so, good move on her part, actually. I'm pretty sure the Russian fed will give her a bye since she is the World Champ.
Irina has the flu and withdrew from Russian Nats. Irina is going to the olympics there is no doubt about that. I mean they sent her to worlds in 2004 when she had been ill and hadn't skated a compeition all season. It isn't like in Japan. The Russian women aren't that deep.