Worlds age restrictions?

[fadedstardust]

So, I thought that after Tara Lipinski, the age restriction to go to Worlds had become 15 years old. I know that it is supposed to be before July 1st, but come on, Kimmie Meissner landed a practically CLEAN triple axel in competition, got a bronze medal, and they would rather send Jenny Kirk who placed 18th last year and didn't even make the podium this year (and probably has close to no shot of making the Worlds podium) than overlook a few months? Kimmie is 15, sure she turned 15 three months after their deadline but...what are the chances that they'll let her go anyways? I think it would be a pity if they didn't- that girl has nerves of steel.

And anyway, if Kimmie wasn't allowed to go, wouldn't Amber be the one who gets sent and not Jenny (as said by ABC sports this evening). Amber is in team envelope A with Michelle and Sasha, and won an international medal at 4 continents last year, so wouldn't that automatically put her in as alternate even with her poor showing at Nationals? I think Kimmie really ought to go, though, it would be really stupid of the USFS not to let her.

Thoughts?

[Schmeck]

There is zero chance that Meissner will go because the rules are the rules. She's too juniorish right now anyways - let's give her a chance to mature.

[cygnus]

It's not a question of who they WANT to send, and it's not for the USFSA to decide, as far as age is concerned. The rules are set by the ISU, and they CAN'T send her, even if they wanted to. The cut-off date is July 1, so she has another year to go. Let her shine at Junior worlds- with Mao Asada (who also has a triple axle, by the way), she'll have some good competition there.

[kittie067]

i agree with schmeck, i think she needs time to mature. plus it would be hard to judge her dont you think? compared to hte other skaters she just seems to young to compare to them. but that just my opinion. i totally agree that she's a wonderful skater! im sure we'll see alot from her in the future.

[_back_layback_]

Apparenlty Beatrisa was doing Senior Ladies at 11...I think that is just crazy, and I doubt it has really aided her development that much.

Wasn't Kwan in Sr. Ladies at 11? She took the sr. test secretly when her coach was away I believe.

[kia]

They will not let anyone under 15 go and it is unlikely that the rules will be changed in the future. Last year it was proposed (By Yugoslavia I think) that the age be dropped for dance and pairs to 14 to help couples who had difficulty finding partners due to the age gap and lack of boys and in countries where there are fewer skaters resulting in the formation of partnerships that couldn't compete internationally because of age restrictions.. This was defeated.

[fadedstardust]

Well I mean, I don't enjoy Kimmie's skating, I agree she's too juniorish. But the thing that gets me is that she IS a Senior and she's doing more difficult programs and staying upright more than 3/4 of the other Senior ladies, and that if she is able to stand on the U.S. Senior Nationals podium, then she should be able to compete at Worlds. I think, and have always thought, that most of the girls on podiums are too young- I think 16 years old for an Olympic champion is too young, honestly. I think a skater should be able to prove their longevity and maturity in the sport before winning the big O. However, most countries, including the U.S., encourage champions to be as young as they can be, pretty much. I mean, by now- Sasha (at 20) is washed up and no longer has "potential"- her time has passed. Michelle's just an old granny clamoring for the good ole days. THAT is pretty much what everyone thinks, and yet they're the two best ladies in the United States. But it's sort of an oximoron to treat your older ladies that way and then to deny the younger ones the opportunity to move on the international championships. I realized the USFS and the ISU are totally different things, but why not have an age limit on Nationals if you can't go to Worlds anyways? I know most skaters don't medal in their first few Nationals, but, if you're not going to limit the age in participation, then there should be a rule that states that you're eligible for Worlds if you are in the top three spots on the podium no matter your age, otherwise it really isn't fair. I know the experience is good, but we're pretty much screwing ourselves as a country by not sending our best three.

And as far as Nationals at 11....well I love Bebe and Michelle both and I guess it didn't hurt Michelle in the end (haha) but personally I think that's pretty ridiculous. You definitely shouldn't be able to go til at least 13. I mean what do you have to offer to the Senior ranks at 11??