This thread is not intended to be a bash thread, but I would like to pose a legitimate question.
For those that haven't kept up with the WC developments, after the ladies SP (where Flatt placed 8th), it was revealed that Flatt had a leg injury- I believed it was a fractured right tibia, which was diagnosed last Friday. She appeared to be in serious physical pain in the practices. Anyway, she went on to skate the FS, struggled mightily (not quite as much as at GPF, but still nowhere close to her best) and placed 14th (12th overall). Along with Czisny's 5th placement, the US once again falls short of 3 spots, and extends the medal-less streak to 5 years.
The question here is this: Assuming that this was an injury that has been bothering her for at least a week prior- should she have gone to Worlds? Should she have WD and allowed a healthier member of Team USA to go in her place? Or even if the alternate couldn't make it- should she have WD, at least to save face? Of course, if the injury occurred WHILE she was at Worlds, not much could be done. But it seems like something that she's been struggling with beforehand. I'd like to hear your thoughts.
For those that haven't kept up with the WC developments, after the ladies SP (where Flatt placed 8th), it was revealed that Flatt had a leg injury- I believed it was a fractured right tibia, which was diagnosed last Friday. She appeared to be in serious physical pain in the practices. Anyway, she went on to skate the FS, struggled mightily (not quite as much as at GPF, but still nowhere close to her best) and placed 14th (12th overall). Along with Czisny's 5th placement, the US once again falls short of 3 spots, and extends the medal-less streak to 5 years.
The question here is this: Assuming that this was an injury that has been bothering her for at least a week prior- should she have gone to Worlds? Should she have WD and allowed a healthier member of Team USA to go in her place? Or even if the alternate couldn't make it- should she have WD, at least to save face? Of course, if the injury occurred WHILE she was at Worlds, not much could be done. But it seems like something that she's been struggling with beforehand. I'd like to hear your thoughts.