Winnipeg Free Press - Tempted by Sochi, Canadian hero could put off retirement
Winnipeg Free Press - Tempted by Sochi, Canadian hero could put off retirement
She can't compete only in the team event. If she doesn't return for Worlds 2013 (and that seems to be pretty firm on her part), then Canada will have only one lady on the Olympic team. If that is Joannie, then she has to do both the team event (SP and FS) AND the individual SP and FS.
That's a pretty stiff order for a woman who has been pretty much away from elite competition for nearly 4 years.
Still, she could be a hero sweeping in like Mighty Mouse to save the day. Even if she finished in the middle of the pack in individuals, she could still help Canada win the team event with their strength in the other disciplines, especially men and dance.
The question is whether she will wish to skate in individuals at all. She might say that it is too much for her.
No, that won't work. A substitute comes into play if a skater withdraws BEFORE the start of the competition. If the skater withdraws AFTER a portion of the competition, then no replacement is possible.
Kwan withdrew during practices---well before the start of the SP and in plenty of time for the substitute (Hughes) to replace her.
IMO, part of the reason why Rochette hasn't made any definitive statement about her return is that she isn't sure about her having to compete what amounts to two full events back-to-back.
Eh, is it rude to suggest that no lady skating singles for Canada is practically the equivalent of one lady not named Rochette at this moment in time?
Yep.
Amelie LaCoste/Cynthia Phaneuf skating singles: Disappointing
No Canadian lady entering: Disappointing.
More generally: remind me - After the countries with two or three slots take all their spots, countries go to a pre-disgnated senior B to earn a spot for their nation, right? So if Canada doesn't score a top ten next season, there is no guaranteed spot at the Olympics for ladies singles (though if Canada qualifiies for the team, they get a ladies competitor regardless, but only for the team event).
If that happens, we're back to a 1998 situation I guess. *sigh*
I actually think Kaetlyn Osmond MIGHT be able to get a 10th place finish at Worlds though.. she got 10th at Junior Worlds in quite a stacked field..