Put yourself in her sho..errrr skates.

The Michelle Kwan Situation.

If you haven't heard, Michelle Kwan injured her groin and was unable to compete in the US Nationals in January. The top 3 skaters from that competition go on to compete in the Olympics for the USA. Since she was unable to compete, Michelle petitioned the Committee and was allowed to compete for the US at the Olympics.

From The US Figure Skating Site:
"The International Committee made their decision based on the 2006 U.S. Olympic Athlete Selection Procedures and the information submitted in Kwan's petition. "

To see Michelle's skating resume view her BIO page. Certainly she has the creditials to be on the team.

The situation:
You have an injury. Whether self inflicted or crime related (HELLO TONYA HARDING) you are out of commission to compete for a spot on the Olympic Team at Nationals but the injury could be healed in time for the Olympics. You have dedicated your LIFE to a SPORT and now you have to make a decision.

What would you do?

I would have petitioned the Commission to allow me to be on the team. No question.

I would have felt bad for Emily Hughes because my situation could potentially knock her out of the Competition.

But to deny myself that opportunity - a chance to try - would have been as just as unfortunate.

The decision wasn't hers to let her on the team. The decision was hers to petition and prove she deserved to be placed on the team. You cannot blame her for trying.

She goes to Turino and reinjures herself and withdraws from the competition. Again, the right thing to do. She evaluated her health in enough time to give Emily a reasonable amount of time to fly halfway across the globe to compete in her first world arena. I would have not done it any differently.

I feel so sad for Michelle Kwan. I can't image the hurt from the twist of fate that has become her final olympics. She is a beautiful skater - and I say hats off to her.

Remember: Put yourself in someone else's shoe...errr skates. :)