Belbin and Agosto withdraw from Nationals!!

[herniated]

I just saw on the USFSA web site that Belbin and Agosto have withdrawn from Nationals! Agosto has been suffering from a back injury but the article does not say what 'kind' of back injury.

Very disappointing all the way around.

[AgnesNitt]

Oh that's terrible. Although I don't find them appealing (too much like watching sticks dancing) , I hate to see a skater withdraw due to injury.
I really like Wester and Barantsev maybe this will be their year to move up.

[icedancer2]

I had a feeling that would happen as I believe they didn't compete the whole Grand Prix this year - maybe they really need to lay off for a while so they can come back stronger for the Olympics - hopefully that is the thinking...

I have been disappointed with them of late as well - I am liking Charlie White and Meryl Davis - of course they are students at my old alma mater.:)

[sk8ergalgal]

They also withdrew from the freedance portion at the grand prix final.. Too bad they miss worlds in their home country or is there a possibility of them still making the team if they dont compete? In canada i know they still consider skaters injured for the team if they can show them they are fit to compete.

[skatergal]

Yes they are being considered for Worlds. It said in the article that they requested that USFS consider them for Worlds.

[Artemis]

I have been disappointed with (Tanith & Ben) of late as well - I am liking Charlie White and Meryl Davis ...

I'm absolutely loving White & Davis this year, and think they would/could/should beat Belbin & Agosto based on their respective programs this year, regardless of injury. I especially love their Samson & Delilah free program. Normally I'm not a fan of opera for ice dance (most of it doesn't have a driving beat, which is really essential for what ice dance is supposed to be), but they've picked selections that are really dancable, and their interpretation is wonderful. Compare that to Tanith & Ben's Tosca, which you could substitute any other classical music and make no difference. Ugh.

But I am sorry for Ben's injury. What a disappointment for them. (If I were cynical I'd wonder if they withdrew for political reasons, concerned about defending their national title ... but of course I'm not cynical so would never suggest that.)

[Debbie S]

I had a feeling that would happen as I believe they didn't compete the whole Grand Prix this year Uh, yes they did. They finished 2nd (1st in FD) at Skate America and 2nd (very close) at the Cup of China. They skated the OD at the GPF and withdrew before the FD.

[Isk8NYC]

I received an alert yesterday about this - what a shame. I hope the injury heals in time for the Worlds.