Comments on: Cohen drops from first Grand Prix

By: Sasha Cohen Addresses Critics | Required Elements

Sasha Cohen Addresses Critics | Required Elements — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:14:26 +0000

[...] (gasp) questioning an athlete’s motives. And he went on to quote Jennifer Kirk, who mused on her blog that it is possibly a fear of failure that is motivating Cohen rather than injury. And then, we [...]

By: nicoletrudell

nicoletrudell — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:50:57 +0000

More great analysis. I do agree it was unfortunate Cohen didn’t withdraw a little sooner. Whatever the reasons for withdrawal, hopefully she can be ready for Skate America.

By: alijolly

alijolly — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 09:41:08 +0000

I can’t help but compare this withdrawal and peoples response to it with Kimmie Meissner’s announcement a few days ago. Kimmie’s withdrawal gave plenty of time for alternates to be appointed to her events, it was clear that she is withdrawing for the whole season and was met generally with feelings of sadness that Kimmie has been forced into this decision, when she was obviously wanting to have another attempt at an Olympic season, despite her recent poor form.

Sasha’s withdrawal on the other hand was generally met by cynicism , many people had forecast her withdrawal from her grand prix events even before seeing her two recent performances. Unfortunately for Sasha those two performances did nothing to correct their suppositions.

The field at TEB is deep this year and I think that a podium finish was looking difficult to achieve. With everyone skating to their best, which this early in the season is unlikely I admit, she would definitely place behind Kim and Asada and probably Kostner and Nakano. On a personal note I am really disappointed she isn’t competing as I will be spectating and would have loved the chance to see her compete but I was unsurprised at her decision.

By: u291832

u291832 — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 01:42:19 +0000

This is disappointing for sure and I think really spells out that Cohen is probably going to drop out of the Olympic race.

It certainly won’t help her cause with the USFSA and the two slots for the Olympics.

I am sorry to hear about Kimmie as well. What a shame!

By: newbatgirl

newbatgirl — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:54:25 +0000

Jenny:

Thanks for voicing what a lot of skating fans were thinking when this announcement came today. It really bugs me that she did a show this week and then decided to pull out of the GP assignment. Is it too late for USFS to send a replacement?

I know that decisions such as this are very personal and I am not one of those fans that feels that any skater “owes” me anything. I do think that after receiving two GP assignments (despite not competing for quite some time), Sasha should have given USFS and her fellow skaters more notice on this situation.

By: Jennifer Kirk

Jennifer Kirk — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:36:23 +0000

If she knew she wasn’t trained, she shouldn’t have waited until the last second and skated in a show on Tuesday. That’s what makes me question this. I think this announcement is too bad, for Cohen and skating fans, because next week’s event was going to be very exciting with her in the mix.

By: ebdunc

ebdunc — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:18:56 +0000

I agree with you. It makes no sense at all. I know she mentioned having some tendonitis issues over the summer, but now? I’m thinking it’s all about fear of failure, as you said, being up against Mao Asada, Yu Na Kim, etc where she probably wouldn’t make the podium. Another thought is perhaps she’s just under trained and not where she wanted to be–or thought she would be–at this point. It’s pretty silly for her not to go when she was invited, when she really needs to get out there, etc.

I wonder what the French Federation (who invited her!) thinks about this…

Lanie