ABC just announced MK to skate in Cambell's classic

[HSF]

LOL, ABC is covering a big golf tournament that has turned into quite a battle but they took time out of their coverage to announce that Michelle Kwan has just been confirmed to skate in the Campbell's International Classic competition that will take place in a couple of weeks.

HSF

[nymkfan51]

I heard that too! I don't want to get too excited and then have it not be true ... but OMG ... I would be soooo happy!

[Josef]

That would explain why there were only 5 ladies signed up for the event initially, compared to the six men! ;)

[Mayra]

For a second there I thought I was hearing things. Glad to see I wasn't. :lol:

I'm thrilled she is doing this! :)


For those who know about these things, with MK doing this event and not participating in the GP series, does this mean she is not allowed to compete at Worlds? Assuming of course, that she competes at Nationals and makes the World team.

[Dustin]

Originally posted by Mayra
For those who know about these things, with MK doing this event and not participating in the GP series, does this mean she is not allowed to compete at Worlds? Assuming of course, that she competes at Nationals and makes the World team.

I was wondering that too? Wouldn't she lose her eligibility for either this season or forever. It is too late for her to do the Grand Prix, so I am suprised that she will be doing this. :?:

[mikey]

I'm a cynic, but... Woo hoo ... Come on, Michelle. Make up your mind and let us know. Even a decision to be in limbo is a decision...:roll:

[Hannahclear]

I'm so glad to hear that! But wait a minute, I just read that she can't do an ISU proam unless she does the GP. If she isn't wouldn't she lose her eligibility? Now I don't know how to feel.

[HSF]

ABC coverage of skating is the major source of income for the ISU. Perhaps ABC was able to negotiate terms with the ISU. :-)

HSF

[Aaron W]

It's never been clear to me exactly what requirements, if any, the ISU has in this situation. However, even if they do have some type of rule that prevents a skater from competing in the "fun" events because of a decision to skip the Grand Prix circuit, I wouldn't think they'd be able to enforce such a rule until after a skater has skipped that season's GP events. Michelle at this point in time has followed all the rules so far, so I would think she's still capable of skating in whatever she wants.

This is just a guess though, and as I said, I'm not really clear on what the rules are (if there are any).

[Jack]

The only thing that makes a skater ineligible for "amateur" comps these days is skating in events not sanctioned by the USFSA. I'm guessing this fluff-made-for-tv event has a sanction on it that means that Kwan (and others) can skate for money without it costing them thier amateur status.

[jeb]

I seem to remember that the season before Todd Eldredge really returned to eligible competition, there was a rule that in order to maintain his eligibility, he had to either skip the open internationals or had to compete in 2 ISU events. He chose Skate Canada and Four Continents.
If this is true, and it doesn't have to be Grand Prix events, then Michelle should be able to keep her eligibility if she competed at Four Continents and Worlds.

[Debbie S]

I don't think this event actually falls under the ISU rule about pro-ams, b/c only "amateurs" are competing. It also appears that the skaters will be performing a long program, not an interpretive free skate, based on what I've read. Therefore, it wouldn't be considered an "open" international, but just a regular international, and Michelle wouldn't be risking her eligibility by competing.

For the record, I believe the rule is that seeded skaters must compete in the GP series (meaning 2 events) in order to compete in pro-ams and keep their eligibility. This rule was passed after Todd's hiatus - I think in 1999 or 2000 - so today he couldn't do what he did right after the '98 Olys. Ironically, the rule only applies to seeded skaters (those who finished in the top 6 at Worlds last year), so it doesn't apply to Sarah. And if MK had skipped Worlds, the rule wouldn't apply to her either. It also obviously doesn't apply to Todd, but he's already said he's "going pro", although I hear he got some kind of exemption to appear in SOI and keep his eligibility, as I/Z are trying to do.

[NorthernLite]

I read elsewhere that Irina has withdrawn from this event. Anyone else know the accuracy of that?
If true, it still leaves space for another female. I'd thought they'd invite Jenny Kirk if MK didn't do it. Wonder if she could still sub for IS?
Heh-heh -- gee, I'm not ready for some skating. I'm only getting psyched like this dumb cheesefest was the Olys or something. :D

[Blue Ridge]

Irina has withdrawn from the event. She has been a little sick but is recovering.

[kara]

Too bad about Irina. I know it's just a fluff comp. held in the US, but I would've been interested in seeing the placements in such a loaded field. I'm thrilled that Michelle will be there:), but hope she takes the competitive season off...I think it might be best for her.

[nits]

BlueRidge,
Sorry if this has been discussed already, but what's wrong with Irina? I know someone posted she is ill..is it anything serious? Hopefully it isn't and she just needs some rest and relaxation after the LONG summer.

[Blue Ridge]

Nits--There is only vague info on what's up with Irina, but its nothing serious, probably just a cold or some such. I think she never got a chance to rest after Worlds, going on to do the whole of COI, and that kind of thing eventually will catch up to you.