Hmmm, after some reflection I must admit there may have been a time or two that I thought USA Nationals might've gotten it wrong, one case in particular comes to mind. But that's like 1% out of 99% being *right*! So I'll take those odds. For the most part I think Nationals has been pretty fair overall. They do their best, and that's all one can really ask for. And they were right on at 2002 US Nationals (with a twist of irony thrown in there to boot)!
Okey doke, that said, I'll come right out and say I want Rachael Flatt on the Team, of course it being contingent that she come in 1st or 2nd at Nationals. I just really like her, of course none of the ladies skating today come close to my all-time favorites (Henie, Baiul, Hughes), but there are certain ladies skating today that I do enjoy, Rachael being one of them (Mao Asada another). And it's *not* just because she's consistent, lol, nope, she caught my eye from the moment I saw her for the first time at 2007 Nationals skating in that yellow dress with tons of grace, elegance, pizzazz, and effervescence! Not to mention that 3/3 combo., which she was unfairly not credited for when replays obviously showed that it was fully rotated. On the contraire, Kimmie Meissner's was obviously UR, but she got credit for it due to the fact that she was the top US lady at the time, as well as the 2006 World Champion. Totally understandable, Rachael was just a newbie 14 yr. old onto the senior circuit, and I'm sure that played a part. So be it.
The only time I didn't love Rachael's skating was during the 2009/2010 season. She didn't even resemble that same skater, effervescence lost, no light, programs & music didn't suit her at all imho. But thank goodness she got that back this season! YES! And to see it in person firsthand at 2010 Skate America will remain one of my most cherished memories of figure skating. She lights up the crowd like no other, full of light/love/happiness/joy, and nothing fazes her. The only lady to skate clean, and was duly rewarded with a standing O. Like a wildfire it was!
arty:
What has me concerned though is the pain she has in her leg from perhaps jumping too much? The good news is that it's not a stress fracture, but the bad news is will she be able to skate full out at the GPF & Nationals? I'm praying that she can do it, and if anyone can it would be Rachael. In fact I was shocked to learn later that she was skating in pain at Skate America. I honestly couldn't tell, and it didn't affect her performance whatsoever, standing O & all.
But I do have worries about the 3/3 combo. she plans on putting in her program, and which she will 200% without a doubt NEED in order to make the podium at Worlds (assuming she makes the Worlds Team of course). There's no way she can go head-to-head with Ando & Korpi, whom both have 3/3 combos. in their arsenals & *have* landed them in competiton, not to mention some of the other ladies, whom get higher PCS than Rachael. Therefore in order to make up for this she has to have a 3/3 combo. in her arsenal. In fact I'm sure she would've defeated both Kostner & Murakami if she had done a 3/3. Jmho.
Enough about Rachael, I really want ALL the ladies to skate clean and see where the chips fall! There always seems to be surprises at Nationals, and I don't expect anything less this time around as well. Lol, in fact I can recall so many new faces from the past when they were just mere babies entering the senior circuit for the first time, that very first glimpse (e.g. Naomi Nari Nam, Sasha Cohen, Sarah Hughes, Jennifer Kirk, AP McDonough, Yebin Mok, Deanna Stellato, and the list goes on & on). I look forward with great relish to see who might upset the apple cart, and that new name that will come blazing from out of nowhere to make the final ELITE group!
BRING IT ON, BRING IT ON!!!! :yay:
(She got second at the U.S. collegiate championship the year before Alissa got first in the same event. I don't know how she feels about Rachael, Mirai and the rest. Probably can't stand them. :yes: ) 
