It was a bust...

So...back in September? I purchased two tickets to the ladies' final of the 2006 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. For the longest time, I've set a goal for myself to actually go and see Michelle Kwan in competition. I had actually contemplated travelling to Washington, D.C. back in 2003 to watch her compete at the World Championships that year, but I ended up not going. So anyway, since the U.S. Championships were in St. Louis this year and Michelle would be going for her record tenth national title, I decided to go for it.

A couple of weeks ago, Michelle announced that she was withdrawing from the competiton because she had pulled a groin muscle. Instead of competing, she would submit a special petition for one of the three sports on the women's side for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy. Since I had already purchased these non-refundable tickets, I decided to make the journey to St. Louis.

Even as I type this, I'm back in the hotel room in St. Louis and reflecting on what a BUST the competition was. Michelle's absence was felt in many ways. No one was really spectacular and even the champion made several mistakes. I'm sort of glad that they're going to send Michelle to the Olympics. For those who feel that this is not fair, eh. When has figure skating ever been fair? Michelle is going to the Olympics largely based on her reputation and why not? Of all the jumping shrimps attempting to earn spots on the Olympic team, no one can compare to Michelle in terms of consistency, class, and presence.

On Saturday night, no one got me on my feet. It was really one of the worse women's championships in recent memory. Ah well. One to Torino!

I know I may seem like a fool, but I really think Michelle will make it atop the podium this time. She's lowered expectations enough that she won't be under any pressure to win next month. But watch out because Michelle has always been her best and won, when people least expected it.