This statement is grossly incorrect. There was a big uproar in the immediate aftermath of Ando being selected over Nakano at the nationals. The reasons:
1) Yukari beat Miki head-to-head in three different competitions (NHK Trophy, GP Final, Nationals) that season.
2) Yukari won the NHK Trophy and took the bronze at both the GP Final and Skate Canada that season.
3) Miki only made the podium once that season - second at Cup of Russia - and was completely out of shape. The disaster in Turin proved that.
Only the most biased Miki supporter could make the case that she deserved to go to Turin over Yukari. The decision was a great injustice. Yukari was dismayed by this and justifiably so.
If the japanese federation only looks at this season, Mao should not be on the team. In 2006, miki was choosen over Nakano proabably because of her palms to land the quad. Sure Yukuri had the 3axel, but Midori had been there done that. Now Mao will go not only because of past years results but also the chance that she will make history with three triple axels.
If the japanese federation only looks at this season, Mao should not be on the team. In 2006, miki was choosen over Nakano proabably because of her palms to land the quad. Sure Yukuri had the 3axel, but Midori had been there done that. Now Mao will go not only because of past years results but also the chance that she will make history with three triple axels.