Sasha Cohen fails Olympic comeback
After four years on the brink of retirement, Sasha Cohen hoped to skate back to the spotlight and a place on the U.S. Olympic team.
At the US Championships in Spokane, Cohen came in a dazzling second in the short program. But she fell badly in the free skate, came 4th at the U.S. championships, and will not be going to Vancouver.
Rachael Flatt won the U.S. championship in impressive style, and Marai Nagasu finished second. Third place was won by Ashley Wagner.
Simply by stepping onto the ice [for the short program] Thursday night,
reported AP, Cohen made American women's skating a happening again. Fans cheered and whistled like she was a rock star, and there were so many camera clicks it sounded like a Hollywood premiere.
Two spots are available on the U.S. team, which will be decided in Spokane, Washington at the U.S. championships. Cohen's main competitors are reigning U.S. champion Alissa Czisny, Rachael Flatt, a high school senior who finished fifth at 2009 worlds, Mirai Nagasu, who won the U.S. title in 2008 at the age of 14, and Ashley Wagner, fourth at the U.S. championships in 2009.
Just as golf needs Tiger Woods, ice skating is crying out for the return of Cohen's brand of artistry and charm.
Judging by her practice session on Wednesday, January 20 at Spokane Arena, Cohen's comeback is convincing enough. She's still got what it takes. She's good enough to make the U.S. team and, should she win a place, she's an outside shot for a medal in Vancouver.
At 25, Cohen looks the equal of the silver-medal winning athlete she was at the 2006 Turin Games. At 5 feet 2 inches, her frame is petite, but her grace and confidence convince us we are in the presence of a mature artist.
John Nicks, who started training Cohen when she was 11, says: Her skating is so beautiful and so different than the other very, very good skaters. She steps on the ice and she sets herself apart.
Sasha Cohen, fails in her attempt to make Team USA, unable to skate two error-free programs
It remains to be seen whether she has overcome her trademark weakness of only being able to skate one good program and throwing away first place by tumbling or bungling when the pressure is really on.
She fell on her first jump during her free skate in Turin, ruining her chance for gold. Will it be a case of history repeating, or is she now able to banish those demons?
Sasha Cohen
For Nicks, the answer is clear. Cohen will make it onto the U.S. team and the Vancouver Olympics if she able to stay on her feet
.
Asked how important the Olympics are to her, Cohen says she feels no pressure to win gold.
It's not about winning the gold,
she says. It's about being competitive, pushing yourself. And feeling that you belong, I think.
By Ben Foster
Readers respond
Linni, Chicago Thanks for the write-up on getting in shape for older people. I am a 47 year old female. I used to run and bike alot, up to 12km running a day and 50km a week biking. I gave it up over the years, I felt so tired and just gave up.
Four years later and I am now 30 pounds overweight, flabby tummy, bulky arms, huge saggy breasts. I am about 160 pounds and 5' 3". My average weight has always been between 118 and 128 pounds. I have also been single (not even a date) for nearly 6 years now because of the way I feel about my body. I am inspired by what you write and think there might still be hope for me! Thanks.
How fast can you run a mile at 50?
If you're 50, normal weight, and untrained, you should be able to run a mile in 9 minutes. After three months of training, you should be down to 8 minutes. After six months, you should be capable of 7 mins 15 sex. After two years of serious training without injury, you should be close to six minutes.
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Don, Boulder Thanks for the great article. Great encouragement for me to get running again after a few years off after an injury. At 51 I hope to someday feel comfortable running 5 and 10k's, maybe even a marathon if I can be so lucky.