Mirai Nagasu Takes Lead

On her very first jump in her long program, Mirai Nagasu tumbles to the ground. Gasps fill the Xcel Center in St. Paul. But the 14 year old wasn't disappointed with her fall - she was angry. She went on to land the next seven triple jumps, and became the second youngest United States figure skating champion ever. Nagasu is just 34 days older than Tara Lipinski when she won the title in 1997. Because she is just 14, she cannot compete in the World Championships next month in Sweden. The International Skating Union says to compete at Worlds, skaters had to be 15 by July 1, 2007. Mirai won't be 15 until next April. The rule is supposed to keep the young "kids" out of the lime light and all the intense pressure until they are a but older and "ready." In reality, it's a stupid skating rule. As a real rule, skaters peak when they are teens, sometimes young teens. Oksana Baiul was 16 when she won Olympic gold in 1994, Tara Lipinski was 15 in 1998, and Sarah Hughes 16 in 2006. This year, 14 year-old Mirai has been traveling the world, competing in International Junior events, skipping school and making money. Not typical "kiddie" behavior. Mirai could be a her peak right now. So why not let her skate at Worlds? Mirai isn't the only one left in the dust. Second place Rachel Flatt is 20 days shy of the age requirement, and fourth place finisher Caroline Zhang is just 14 as well. Meaning the USFSA could end up sending 3rd place Ashley Wagner, 5th place BeBe Liang, and if they stick to placement, 6th place Katrina Hacker, who has little to no international experience. According to sanctions, they could pass her over for 7th place Kimmie Missner, who fell three times in her long program. If we can't send our top little skaters to Worlds because of their age, and their older, but not as competitive counterparts don't skate well, they could cost the US dearly. If the placement from the top two skaters from a country is below 13 - say a seventh and an eighth place finish - that country can only send two skaters to the next Worlds. Smart rule, right? More about Mirai: http://emily-carlson.com/ http://www.zimbio.com/About Emily Carlso... http://emily-a-carlson.blogspot.com/ http://eacarlson3.bravejournal.com/ http://www.emilycarlson.org http://www.emilycarlson.info