heyang said:I think the rule is that the winner is guaranteed a spot on the team, barring qualification issues (i.e. age and/or citizenship requirements.) and medical byes (Nancy being sent instead of Michelle in 1994).
The rules were worded somewhat differently then, but don't forget, Kwan didn't win 1994 Nationals. The winner (Harding) was named to the team, and then the choice for the second spot was between the second-place finisher (Kwan) and the former world medalist/national champ who had withdrawn.
Harding was later stripped of that title, but not officially until after the Olympics, and there were legal issues about whether she could be removed from the team beforehand. However, she was always on the team to begin with, by virtue of having won Nationals.
Joesitz said:I believe after Nats where Todd placed 4th, the deal was Todd to the Olys and Mark to the Worlds.
Eldredge did not compete at 1992 Nationals. He withdrew with injury and was named to the Olympic AND World teams by virtue of being a reigning 1991 world medalist.
The Nationals where he placed 4th was 1994, and he was always the second alternate that year, did not go to Olympics or Worlds.