Is Michelle given preferential treatment by USFSA?

[ApacheApache]

Is Michelle given preferential treatment by USFSA?

Are skaters allowed to skip events as they please like what Michelle is doing? I would hate the idea that Michelle is given the exception by the federation. No matter how much I love her and how much she has given to the sport, I don't think it's fair for Michelle to be given the special treatment. I ask this question because I have read so much negativity towards Michelle on this issue. Can someone please clarify?

 

[skatingfan5]

Allowed to "skip events"? Huh???

I don't know what events people have been complaining that Michelle is "skipping" because there AREN'T any assigned events for skaters at Michelle's level. Most skaters who are on the way up (or those who are at or near the top and want to continue trying to earn GP$$) are eager to compete in the GP series. However, Michelle has been doing so since at least 1995, so if she no longer wants to compete in them, why should she? There is nothing forcing other skaters (U.S. or from other federations) to compete in the GP series either -- unless they happen to be seeded skaters (top 6 from Worlds) who also want to compete in one of the ISU Open events (the Masters and the Canadian Open are about the only two of these still remaining). Otherwise, it is strictly voluntary. What ever extra "freedom to choose" Michelle might have is because of her long winning record and her marketability -- both of which have enabled her to earn $$$ without competing at every ISU event there is (Todd Eldredge was also able to do this for several seasons and there are a few other skaters as well). I suppose there are those who resent this fact. Bottom line is this: since Michelle was on the podium at Nationals, she gets an automatic "bye" to 2004 Nationals if she chooses to compete there (as do the other top finishers) -- and if she places in the top 3 there, she will be on the World team.

 

[Joesitz]

Re: Allowed to "skip events"? Huh???

I kinda think the USFSA is aware that MK will not last forever, and she has plenty of money so if she doesn't want to skate the GP, it will open opportunities for USA's 2nd tier skaters to get international recognition in order to continue the dominance of the USA in Ladies Figure Skating when MK decides to retire.

(James Joyce, watch out. Stream of consciousness is becoming my thing)

Joe

 

[4dogknight]

Re: Allowed to "skip events"? Huh???

I think this type of thread is one that drives MK's fans to distraction.

On the one hand, we have the group that demands to know why MK can sit out the GP events and their favorite(s) have to participate. They cry unfair, unfair in a variety of styles and decibals.

On the other hand, we have the group that demands to know before the GP assignments are published, why should MK participate and take away an opportunity from their favorite up and comer. They cry unfair, unfair in a variety of styles and decibals.

With all this crying of unfair and in some circumstances shrill commentary, it's difficult for the uninitiated to perceive MK as something other than a money hungery, glory craving, manipulative personality.

And then we wonder why there's often MK gushing.
Of course this never happens in this forum though.

4dk

 

[eltamina]

Re: Is Michelle given preferential treatment by USFSA?

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>I don't think it's fair for Michelle to be given the special treatment.[/quote]

What preferential treatment? You are stating that as a fact? If MK chooses not to compete at GP events, she is denying herself the opportunity of showing her programs in front of the judges before worlds.

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>I ask this question because I have read so much negativity towards Michelle on this issue. [/quote]

I haven't read any negativity from here at GS on this issue. Why don't you ask those folks who are being negative directly.

 

[berthes ghost]

Re: Is Michelle given preferential treatment by USFSA?

Are the people who complain that she is getting special treatment by being allowed to skip events, that same people who complain that she is robbing spots from others when she does compete? Add grain of salt here please.

I know that it's the oh so honorable Olympic sports, and not sales, but do you really expect Michelel Kwan to be treated just like Bebe Liang?

 

[maxell1313]

Re: Is Michelle given preferential treatment by USFSA?

The people that complain about Michelle not doing the GP series are the people that would find fault with Michelle for any and every little thing, no matter how big or small.

If she does do the GP, she's denying some other skater the opportunity to get bigger international assignments and money.

If she doesn't do the GP, she's getting special treatment from the USFSA and she's too full of herself to compete.

She can't win no matter what she does.

 

[rgirl181]

Re: Is Michelle given preferential treatment by USFSA?

Apache,
I can understand how this can be confusing for someone who is not really into all of figure skating, but rather watches figure skating because he loves Michelle. I'm just saying this since some people may not know that you've said before that the only reason you watch figure skating is to watch Michelle and thus don't know much about FS in general. But I know

Anyway, if anyone gives Michelle a hard time for any reason about sitting out any GP events, just say, "I have two words for you: Todd Eldredge." As SkateFan5 mentioned, Eldredge took two years off of eligible competition, didn't compete in any GP events or Nationals or Worlds, all while he was giving himself some time to rest and decide if he wanted to try to compete in the '02 Olympics. As far as a I saw, nobody batted an eyelash. But almost everything Michelle does in terms of skating is controversial so for reasons other posters have stated, people have a hissy fit.

But this is the bottom line: Michelle is not getting preferential treatment in any way. As I understand it, no eligible skater is bound to compete or else be kicked out of the USFSA. Another example might be Sarah. She has said she does not intend to compete during the '03/04 season while she attends her freshman year at Yale, but that she might start competing again at a later date. I think the USFSA just wants to know of the skater's/team's plans in advance so that assignments for GP events can be made. Of course the USFSA will likely frown upon an up and coming skater who decides to skip the GP events so s/he can do runway modeling or compete on American Idol, but after nearly ten years of very heavy duty competing, Michelle decided to simply take the GP and pro/am events off--and she ended up doing Skate America anyway, which led to the ironic outcome of her making the GP Finals by competing in just one event. Of course she declined competing in the GPF, but there was much speculation ahead of time as to whether Michelle would be "allowed" to not compete in the GPF.

When you read negative stuff aboug Michelle getting special treatment, I can understand your not wanting to ask those people why they are saying that since they tend to be rather aggressive and dogmatic. Besides you're not likely to get any acurate information from them but instead just a lot of angry opinion. So ask away here, you'll get the truth.
Rgirl

Joe, just don't start writing in your own made-up language and I think Joyce's legacy will be okay

 

[nymkfan51]

Re: Is Michelle given preferential treatment by USFSA?

I agree with rgirl ... Michelle is in no way getting any preferential treatment from the USFSA. The rules allow a skater not to do the GP, and Michelle is free to make that choice if she wants. This only helps the other U.S. skaters who are anxious to get the international exposure. Look at Sasha,for instance. If Michelle and Sarah had done the GP, maybe she wouldn't have her GP title. Just a thought.
I think what it comes down to is that some people are tired of her and have made a pasttime out of finding fault with her.
Apache, don't let those people bother you. I know it's difficult, but just try to ignore them. Michelle has always played by the rules.

 

[ApacheApache]

Re: Is Michelle given preferential treatment by USFSA?

Rgirl, you know just what I'm thinking exactly. I feel almost compelled to ask for clarification from those posters who slag Michelle off for skipping the GP series but then I realise it is not worth my time. When you look at the things they say like she's getting special treamtent, she's greedy for money that's why she remains eligible, blah blah blah, you can't help but feel they are onbnoxious as they are criticising her character, personality as if they knew her in person. Like some of you said, the people who criticise her for skipping the events are almost the same people who criticise her for preventing the younger skaters from winning the titles. If they critique her skating, it is totally fine. Don't worry, what they say doesn't bother me.

All I wanted to know was if Michelle has indeed been given special treatment as I'm not familiar with the rules and regulations. Like I said earlier, I wouldn't like it if Michelle was allowed to skip and not others. It would be very unfair even given that she has given so much to the sport. Thanks for the clarification from you guys.

 

[Sidejehoka]

Re: Is Michelle given preferential treatment by USFSA?

It would be ridiculous to say Michelle should skip the GP because this strengthens the confidence of other skaters and makes it possible to them to win the GPF. That's not the object of the exercise. It's a sport and the best will win and everybody should be able to handle this and not think oh, why can't my most hated rival go to hell. So I'd prefer Michelle competing in the GP 03/04.
But as she's not forced to because of her financial situation she gets on better to skip GP and concentrate on Nats and Worlds. I don't think it has anything to do with giving Michelle a preferential treatment by the USFSA. She only decides what she thinks is best for her 6th World title. I believe Sasha Cohen had a much harder 02/03 season than Michelle had by competing in 3 GP events and in the GPF and perhaps having had more stress during the season is one of the reasons why she didn't show her best at both Nats and Worlds, but still I wouldn't consider this to be unfair.

 

[eltamina]

Re: Is Michelle given preferential treatment by USFSA?

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>I believe Sasha Cohen had a much harder 02/03 season than Michelle had by competing in 3 GP events and in the GPF and perhaps having had more stress during the season is one of the reasons why she didn't show her best at both Nats and Worlds, [/quote]

According to Sasha, she was getting stronger, and better with each competition. So why did she had more stress? One can argue that it is easier to get the title or medal the first time, then defend a title or medal.

If you look at Fumie's schedule, she not only competed in all 3 GP, and GP final, she was in 4C and Asian game, plus she had to defend the Japanese national title and the world bronze title.

 

[BronzeisGolden02]

Michelle

As it is for anyone who reaches the pinnacle of their respective career or discipline, there's always going to be someone somewhere that will question motives and assume the worst. She's a highly public figure and with that she has taken on a heavy burden. I used to get so angry with negative people that were always misconstruing things Michelle had said or done, but eventually I came to realize that that is the price she has paid for her success. Not everyone will be in rapture over Michelle and not everyone sees her career choices in the same light. Besides, I believe the people that are saying she receives special treatment from the USFSA are probably the same that think she has been given recent World titles as gifts, etc. LOL, maybe they're right, Michelle is using her figure skating career as a catalyst to supreme World domination! To those people, I say get over it, she's an ordinary girl with an extraordinary talent making decisions about her life and career on her own terms...as simple as that, there's no great conspiracy or hidden truth.

 

[LAVENDER]

By now I expect the negativity...

and it doesn't bother me one bit. I think Michelle deserves a big break because she's been at this for so long. She's been skating at the top and never skipping events and that takes a lot out of you. I think a lot of the skaters need a break and if they could like Todd did then more power to them.

 

[Skate Sandee]

Re: By now I expect the negativity...

I believe Sasha Cohen had a much harder 02/03 season than Michelle had by competing in 3 GP events and in the GPF and perhaps having had more stress during the season is one of the reasons why she didn't show her best at both Nats and Worlds>>

Well - not to nitpick, but Michelle's Worlds and Nationals wins in 96, 98, 00 & 01 came after participating in the GP series. In fact one of her least successful - if you can call a silver at Worlds unsuccessful - season arguably came in 1999, when she sat out the GP series and then finished second to Maria B.

Irina's wins came from full participation in the GP series. Many other past champions have managed to win or reach the Worlds podium after competing in the full GP series. So I don't think that's a reasonable comparison with regards to Sasha's season. But let's see what happens if Sasha ever gets to her 10th Worlds appearance. If she's still doing the full GP series at that point, my hat will most definitely be off to her.

I'm ambivalent about the GP series. On the one hand, it's competition and the best skaters should go. But that's what Worlds is for. I think the GP series is a great showcase for skaters trying to make a name for themselves. I support Michelle or any other top skater who's "been there and done that" and chooses not to skate in the GP series. As much as I like to see the marquee skaters like Kwan skate, I like seeing newer skaters at the GP events.

 

[mathman444]

?

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>I don't think it's fair for Michelle to be given the special treatment. I ask this question because I have read so much negativity towards Michelle on this issue.[/quote]Apache, you have an amazing knack for finding "negativity towards Michelle" to read about, on virtually every issue that comes up.

Mathman

 

[Joesitz]

Re: To skate the GP or Not?

I think the best argument for skating the GP is the practice one gets in skating their routines, getting used to arenas; getting used to facing crowds; trying out costumes; listening to the music, being in a hotel, not being home, and developing a 'body of work' in figure skating.

For not skating the GP, I would think one would have more time to practice for Nationals or Worlds; improving their technical; nailing their routine as well as eventually fine tuning it.

I don't believe their is any penalty or preferential treatment for skipping the GP but imo, there is more to gain by skating this series. It's the skater's choice.

In the case of MK, she is well seasoned and she knows what's she's doing. "Another one for your collection", she's had plenty.

Joe

 

[Shallah.K]

Like others have already pointed out

many of the same folks complaining about the supposed special treatment of Michelle are the same ones who complain she is taking the place of other younger more worthy up and coming not-over-the-hill-geezers-on-ice like Michelle Make up your minds over why Michelle is evil will ya! And again like others have already said competing in the GP is not required unless a skater wants to do pro-ams like Japan Open or Canadian Open. Most skaters want the prize money along with exposure to the judges to work out the kinks in their programs. Those poor downtrodden skaters benefit from Michelle's absence because there is on less top competitor with a good shot at the prize money and grand prix points. One would think that those people would be grateful to Michelle for doing this once more this season! Michelle has always played by the rules and is doing so now. I would not be surprised if Cinquanta did not change the rules now to prevent this in the future though. Michelle is popular around the world not just in the USA and would boost TV ratings. Local organizing committees would appreciate having the 5 time World Champ at their event to help ticket sales as well I am sure. I just hope $peedy doesn't read this and get ideas <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/embarassed.gif ALT="">

 

[Sidejehoka]

Re: Like others have already pointed out

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>According to Sasha she was getting stronger and better with each competition[/quote]
She skated none of her performances in the GP flawless and her performance at Nats was dissapointing in my opinion.<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>So why did she have more stress?[/quote]
Excuse but isn't sucha question quite unnecessary? The more competitions you take part in the more stress you have. It's much easier to concentrate on the titles that really count and leave everything else aside. The only advantage in spite of the money is that the international judges get to know you and your programms.

 

[Lucy25]

Re: Like others have already pointed out

If Irina chose to skip the GP and just do Russian Nationals and Worlds, it would be fine with me, too. She and Michelle are the only two ladies who have been around and at the top for such a long time. They have earned their place. If, and I mean "if" they are given any special treatment, they deserve it.

However, we have no idea how Michelle is actually treated by anyone. We can only speculate, and I am not sure that is a good thing. People start to negatively assume things that probably aren't true, and I don't think that's fair.