Kwan Cut Practice Short

[Piel]

I thought the Olys were already going to be exciting. Throwing a healthy Kwan in the mix would really have shaken things up. It's too bad if she can't be at the top of her game. If she CAN skate, but not 100%, do you think she should still go? Or should she pull out?

I think she is in Torino for one thing that OGM at this stage in her career and expecially after all of the health challenges this season. I would rather see her withdraw if she's not 100%. At least that way I can always * these Olys in MY mind, LOL. I hate to see her lose to anyone but especialy to Sasha and Irina.

 

[frackskat004]

Does anyone know how Michelle's practice's where going before she can to Italy? Maybe this had something to do with the way she reacted in practive today? Maybe her practices where going quite good and then she comes to Italy and everything seems to fall apart. She should't give up after this one practice. She has almost two weeks to turn this around. I believe she can do this. She didn't work this hard to have it all fall apart now.

Here is wishing Michelle the best!!

 

[kyla2]

Nymkfan51

I sure as hell hope you're right. I can tell you one thing, if she doesn't make it to the competition, my heart won't be in it. I knew one day that she would not be able to do the jumps etc. but I am not ready for it to be now. Let's face it, I will NEVER be ready when that day comes.

 

[nymkfan51]

kyla, I know what you mean. I just really feel, that for today, at least, this whole thing has snowballed into something it is not. Now it may turn out that at some point this week she takes a look at what she's able to do and decides against competing, but I don't think she's anywhere near that place right now ... and why would she be? We have no reason to believe that she reinjured herself ... and I'm sure she had bad practices at home too ... but she didn't just say forget it, I can't do it.
If 3 or 4 days from now she has made no progress and is feeling pain or discomfort, then I think we will have reason to worry. But not today.

And for the record, in the photos I saw of her from the press conference, I did not see a disheartened lost soul like some folks have said on the net. She looked happy and smiling ... only getting a serious look when asked a serious question ... which seemed logical to me.

 

[soogar]

They just showed some of her practice session on NBC and the press conference. I have never seen Michelle look so anxious, worried, troubled and concerned as she did during the press conference.

She didn't have the "eye of the tiger" look she did at her last press conference.

Dee

Well she is under extreme pressure. Probably more pressure than she has ever been b/c she was put on the team to deliver the goods. She's not there to just "enjoy the experience." Her practices will be scrutinized b/c she didn't compete at Nationals and got on the team with an "audition". She said she had a great shot at winning gold. Ironically she's getting the same scrutiny Nancy and Tonya were getting in their practice sessions. It's not as if Michelle always skates clean at practices and it was never a big deal before. This is the first time she has ever been so shaken up over a mere practice. While I feel bad for her, I think she should have just gutted it out and skated at Nationals. Any other skater without her resume would have pushed through the pain b.c if they missed Nationals (or even sectionals or regionals), no break would have been cut for them. Had she skated and been put on the team (and she may or may not have outskated Hughes), she could have gone on her merry way and "enjoyed her last Olympic experience." Though on a positive note, maybe concentrating on her injury might be the distraction she needs to just go out there and skate.

 

[nymkfan51]

First things first ... let's clear up a mistake that was just posted. Michelle NEVER said she had a great chance at gold. She said she had A chance, and didn't know what percentage to put on it.

About the coverage I just saw on Olympic Ice ... she seemed physically fine. By that I mean she wasn't holding or rubbing any part of her body, nor was she favoring one side over another. It seemed to me that the fall spooked her badly, and maybe, because she was stiff and tired, she just didn't handle it mentally the way she normally would have. Her coach was missing, and maybe all the press focusing on her just got to her. As Scott said, this practice is not a big one. While noone likes to see an athlete get down the first day, it's hardly time to throw in the towel. It's obvious that in the short time between the practice and the press conference, she was able to get her bearings back and was no longer looking shaken. She just needs some time.

 

[ilovepaydays]

I think Michelle is going to be fine: She has TEN days. I would be worried if she was pushing it too hard right now.

I think the media is trying to hype a "miracle" gold medal for Michelle. Just shut up and let her performance happen. She will do better that way.

 

[R.D.]

good point. 10 days is plenty of time to get ready. I think people are just spooked by her reaction to that fall.

 

[LBC]

They didn't show the whole practice just parts of it. They only showed her fall once and she fell more than that. Then they just showed her leave. I'm going to think they are going to show the press conference and we can see and hear for ourselves.

 

[Dee4707]

Uncle Dick is talking about Michelle right now on USA channel.

Dee

 

[LBC]

They just showed part of the press conference. Interesting to hear it from Michelle and not just in print. Dick just thought it was first practice blues. We'll just have to see in the next few days.

Dick talking about how little time the skaters get to practice at the olympics was interesting. Saying it is harder on the ladies who have to wait so long. I actually think Sasha made the right decision. Stay at home the whole week and train, recover over the weekend then go and practice away next week.

 

[Dee4707]

Who is this Mary person doing some commentating. She said to Tracey Wilson, aren't Dance skaters usually elderly??? Why don't they get someone who know something about dance??

Dee

 

[Mathman]

Who is this Mary person doing some commentating. She said to Tracey Wilson, aren't Dance skaters usually elderly??? Why don't they get someone who know something about dance?

Mary Carillo is a tennis commentator. (As a player, she once won the French Open mixed doubles with John McEnroe).

 

[Justafan]

A few hours in a hot tub and some rest and she should be fine, barring a flare up of her groin injury. She has to be realistic that if she doesnt feel up to par, she will have to drop out and that's what she has been saying all along. I am sure in the back of her mind she knows that if she has to do that, she would prefer not to do it at the last minute. I'm sure she understands what Emily would be going through.
Give her a few more days...whatever happens..will happen.

 

[mzheng]

She should be fine next week.....

 

[millie]

I was wondering, with the practice that Michelle had today, is it possible for her to make this turn around in seven days. It's not like she is at home in her own bed and surroundings practicing. I am also wondering where Michelle has not skated in public for so long and even practiced in public could this have affect on her nerves.

 

[attyfan]

I would think that Michelle's ability to "turn it around" in a week might depend on what caused the bad practice. If it was due to jet lag, the after-effects of Opening Ceremonies etc., then she should be able to "turn it around" soon -- as will Kimmie. (Kimmie (as I understand it) also did Opening Ceremonies, and had a bad practice with Michelle, also falling several times, and she hasn't been injured, so I am suspecting the things Michelle and Kimmie might share -- jet lag and Opening Ceremonies) I don't think that doing it in public should be a problem. Other skaters bring in the public to simulate competition conditions, but Michelle has more experience skating in public than any lady there, with the possible exceptiona of Irina and Shizuka

 

[BronzeisGolden]

Oh! I have been away so long, but now that the Olympics are here it is time to return!

Poor Michelle! Initially, after hearing this news, I was expecting the worst. Yet, I do not think this spells the end of Michelle's Turino experience. She has a serious injury and has recovered somewhat, but certain conditions certainly may irritate it. Also, she has gone through a very rough couple of months. She is not accustomed to limitations. She seems as driven and focused as ever, but her body isn't cooperarting as it normally does. This has to be incredibly frustrating and disheartening.
Hopefully, she will continue to improve as the week progresses. It is a distinct possibility. If not, I trust she will make the right decision and withdraw. Whatever happens, I wish her the very best. She deserves one more bright moment.....especially if it is to be her last on amateur ice.

 

[mzheng]

Her jumps should be ok sometime next week....I really hope the media lay her off for a while.

 

[ladysarahchatto]

Her coach was having visa problems and won't be in until Sunday.

Why oh why didn't they fly to Torino earlier?? I feel like everyone has gotten their a little bit last second even if the Ladie's event doesn't start until Feb. 21. Even Cohen I don't think left for Torino until a day or so before Opening Ceremonies. :/