Canadian Junior and Senior World Team in 2004

[Kypma]

Im sorry if this is in the wrong thread, but since I'm a relatively new fan of skating (since Worlds 2006... I didn't even watch the Olympics, but thank goodness for youtube!), I was wondering.

The senior ladies podium at the Canadian Nationals in 2004 was
Cynthia Phaneuf, gold
Joannie Rochette, silver
Jennifer Robinson, bronze

However, Cynthia was sent to Junior Worlds, while Joannie and Jennifer went to Senior Worlds. What was the reason? I don't want to contradict any official decisions, I just don't understand why the National Champion wouldn't go to Worlds...

Thanks!!

Kypma

 

[chuckm]

Phaneuf and her coach decided that 16-year-old Cynthia was not quite ready for Worlds, as she had very little competitive experience, only a few JGP events. So the decision was made to send her to 4CC 2004 and then to Junior Worlds 2004. She won a silver medal at 4CC, again beating Joannie Rochette, but she was 10th at Junior Worlds. The following year, she was 2nd at Skate America and 1st at Skate Canada, winning a trip to the GPF, where she finished 6th (and where Rochette won a bronze medal). Cynthia was 2nd at 2005 Canadian Nationals and placed 20th at Worlds 2005.

After that, injury and growth issues took her out of competition for two years. Now nearly 20, Cynthia hasn't quite regained the jumps that earned her her early successes.

 

[Kypma]

Thanks chuckm!! It kind of makes sense then for them to have sent Cynthia to Junior Worlds.

Kypma