Breaking News: Kim Yu-Na to train with Peter Oppegard

Kim Yu-Na has just announced that she will train under Peter Oppegard at the East West Ice Palace in Artesia, California.

Peter Oppegard is best known for winning the Olympic Bronze medal in Pairs with partner Jill Watson at the 1988 Calgary Olympics. He is also married to Michelle Kwan's sister, Karen Kwan.

Other coaches at the East West Ice Palace include Karen Kwan, Naomi Nari Nam, Derrick Delmore, and Jere Michael amongst others.

What is unclear is the extent of her training with Peter as she continues to mull her competitive future.

BREAKING NEWS: Kim Yu-Na and Brian Orser Part Ways

What happened?!?! Arguably one of the most successful coach/skater partnerships ever has come to an end. Korean news has reported that Kim Yu-Na and Brian Orser have parted ways. It is also reported that for the time David Wilson will continue to work with Kim (the translation makes it seem as if he would be her coach...not sure on this bit). David Wilson is currently choreographing Kim Yu-Na's new free skate.

More to report as more info comes.

Update: It would appear that Kim's mother as well and a representative from AT Sports met with Orser way back on August 2nd and he was informed then he would not be retained as Kim's coach.

"I am honored to have worked with such a talented and gifted skater," said Orser. "I wish her all the best as she moves forward in her skating career."

Let the speculation begin....what would cause the split?

Breaking News: Plushenko Injured

Uh oh, did State of the Skate get her prayer request answered?

Evgeny Plushenko has reinjured his knee. Torn ligaments and a sore foot according to this site.

The injury forced him to miss a show as he and coach Alexei Mishin have decided to treat the injury and hopefully be prepared for Russian Nationals and ultimately the Olympic Games. "I hope that everything will be fine and I managed to recover to the championship of Russia" Plushenko told press.

BREAKING NEWS: San Jose, California to Host 2012 U.S. Nationals

U.S. Figure Skating has just announced the host city for the 2012 U.S. National Championships: San Jose, California. San Jose last hosted the event in 1996.

Kansas City was seen as the front runner in the race to host the 2012 event after failing to earn the bid in 2011 to Greensboro, North Carolina.

"We're thrilled to bring the 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships to San Jose," U.S. Figure Skating President Patricia St. Peter said. "With the support of the figure skating fans and the community of San Jose, we are assured a successful event."

"I am delighted that the U.S. Figure Skating Championships are coming back to San Jose," Mayor Chuck Reed said. "Our region has a strong history of producing some of America's top skaters and a legacy of competitive excellence. With hospitality, culture and an abundance of sports enthusiasts, San Jose has proven itself as a premiere destination for successful, world-class sporting events."

San Jose has launched the official website at http://www.skatesanjose2012.com/.

The event will be held January 22 - 29 at the HP Pavillion. You can follow San Jose on Twitter at @SanJose2012.

BREAKING NEWS: Skate America Has New Title Sponsor

This afternoon U.S. Figure Skating announced a new partnership with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). ASCO will be title sponsor for Skate America which will take place in Lake Placid November 12-15.

"The figure skating family has been impacted by cancer in so many ways over the years," said David Raith, executive director of U.S. Figure Skating. "Through a partnership with ASCO, we have the opportunity to help educate millions of people about the resources that are available to them in the battle against cancer."

"Just as skaters rely on their coaches for advice and guidance, people with cancer can rely on Cancer.Net to get the most trusted, doctor-approved information to guide them through their diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship," said Allen Lichter, MD, CEO of ASCO. "ASCO is pleased to partner with Skate America to bring this valuable information to people everywhere."

Whan an exciting development for U.S. Figure Skating...good things have been happening this year for them!

BREAKING NEWS: Cohen Out of Eric Bompard Trophy

Sasha Cohen has been advised by her physician to not compete in Paris to allow for tendonitis in her right calf to fully heal.

"I have been advised to limit my training for the next few weeks," Cohen told US Figure Skating. "My pain is subsiding, but I have not been able to fully train for Trophée Bompard."

She states, however, that she should be ready for Skate America the following month in Lake Placid, New York.

I think Sasha needed every competition she could get. This withdrawal basically means she cannot make the Grand Prix Final which would have been very helpful. That's one international competition prior to Olympics...that doesn't inspire much confidence.

Aye me!

BREAKING NEWS: Kimmie Meissner withdraws from Grand Prix

Today Kimmie Meissner has withdrawn from her scheduled Grand Prix events citing a knee injury she sustained earlier this year.

"My knee had become chronically inflamed, swollen and painful," Meissner said. "After some testing, along with an MRI, I was diagnosed with severe patellar tendonitis and a partial dislocation to my right kneecap."

This comes as Meissner was rebuilding towards a successful comeback. She moved to Florida to train with Richard Callaghan and Todd Eldredge and recently began working with famed ballet instructor Gyula Pandi.

"For the United States to be represented properly, especially during an Olympic year, I feel I must put my personal desire to compete aside," Meissner told U.S. Figure Skating.

In a Twitter message to her followers she said "I'm not retiring or anything crazy. Just taking off for the season. Thanks again for your support. I truly appreciate it." That statement makes it unclear if she'll attempt to compete at Nationals or not.

Kimmie Meissner has had the worst run of luck the last two years in a downward spiral I wouldn't wish on anybody. This is another blow that simply was not needed.

UPDATE: Over the last 24 hours Kimmie Meissner has been the topic of conversation. Upon further investigation, her bye to nationals is only valid contingent upon her competing at Rostelecom Cup and NHK. Since she has withdrawn from those events, she would need to qualify for Nationals and since she is injured her season is essentially over. What a shame.

UPDATE #2: The Baltimore Sun has constructed a timeline of Kimmie Meissner's rise to success and subsequent fall from grace.

BREAKING NEWS: The decision...

Michelle Kwan has made her choice. School...not Vancouver.

I must openly admit a part of me is sad but I'm excited that she has so many great opportunities ahead of her.

U.S. Figure Skating released a statement that Michelle will pursue a Master's Degree from prestigious Fletcher Law School at Tufts University in International Affairs.

"Representing the United States as an American Public Diplomacy Envoy the past three years has been very rewarding, and I want to do more. Furthering my education will bring me closer to that goal, and I don't want to wait any longer to continue the journey," Kwan said in the press release.

It was highly speculated that U.S. Figure Skating was holding on to a spot for her at Skate America would she had decided to return.

"Skating will always be a part of me," Michelle said in the statement. "But, in the bigger picture of my life, I have always wanted to find a career that will allow me to make a positive contribution and difference in the world."

She does plan to still skate in shows, commentate, and work as a spokesperson as time permits. She is still planning on skating in Korea in Kim Yu-Na's Ice Show.

Thus decides the most eagerly anticipated comeback decision.

BREAKING NEWS: Plushenko knew...

I finally made it home last night! Flying into O'Hare in Chicago was a harrowing experience...I've never flown directly through a thunderstorm...in progress! Kudos to the Pilot of American Airlines Flight 843 from Miami to Chicago...well done!

But enough about scary flights, what about the big news that just came out today from Zürich! When Evgeny Plushenko announced his comeback, he stated he thought Lambiel would do the same. Seemed a bit random at the time.

Well, it's official. Stéphane Lambiel intends to compete in Vancouver. In an official press release, Lambiel states, "I would like to qualify for the 2010 Olympic Games and achieve a top score in Vancouver." The release also states his abductor injury hasn't gone away, but physical therapy has made the pain manageable.

He'll train twice a week with Peter Grütter (in the news recently as Kostner's former coach) in Geneva and the rest of the time on his own at home in Lausanne under the care of his physical therapist.

But, there's a catch here. Jamal Othman, Switzerland's top mens skater in Lambiel's absence this season didn't perform so hot in competition. Compounding the problem, Othman failed to reach the free skate at the World Championships in Los Angeles. What does that mean? Switzerland didn't qualify an Olympic berth in Vancouver for the men's event. *GASP*

But, not all is lost...it simply means Stéphane has to do a few things. First he'll have to place in the top six at Nebelhorn Trophy. He'll have to get at least 195 points in two competitions (one will hopefully be Nebelhorn) to prove he's competitive. Likely, he'll need to compete at the European Championships in Estonia to seal the deal. At that point, the IOC can give Switzerland one of the provisional allotments.

Busy season for Lambiel ahead. I wish him luck and most of all I hope he can remain healthy enough through all of this.

BREAKING NEWS: Summer Shuffle

The coaching summer shuffle continues...

This time it's Mirai Nagasu. Nagasu has left long-time coach Charlene Wong and will train along side Evan Lysacek with Frank Carroll for this very important upcoming season.

"At the end of the season I felt like I really needed a change. After a lot of thought and deliberation, we decided that the right choice was to begin training with Mr. Carroll" Nagasu told NBC's Universal Sports.

An important decision, as the ante has been up'd for next season with Sasha Cohen's return to competitive skating and only two Olympic Berths available for the women. Next season it will take everything Mirai can bring to the table for her to make the U.S. Olympic Team.

And if you're following Michelle Kwan on Twitter...let's just say she's keeping the guessing game going...

So will Nagasu's big move pan out in the end? Only time will tell...

BREAKING NEWS: It's official?

Sasha Cohen got the Olympic Comeback Bandwagon rollin...

Now, apparently, Evgeny Plushenko has made it official that he will return to competition next season.

However, with Plushy, I'm still gonna file that under believe it when I see it.

Plushy told the Russian Newspaper 'Kommersant' "I've missed competing badly. As for an Olympic medal, I'd be pleased with any, regardless of the color. But, obviously, I'm coming back to win."

Apparently, for the past three months, he's been working on getting his triple axel and quads back. Per his account, he has them under his belt. He also eluded to the fact that there will be two quads in his free skate next season.

No word yet on where that season debut will be (should it actually happen) but my guess is it will be Cup of Russia which takes place earlier than usual in next season's Grand Prix Season.

Ice Network, which also broke this story, is suggesting that Stéphane Lambiel may in fact return to competition as well. Wouldn't that be interesting...

BREAKING NEWS: Sasha Cohen to Compete!

BREAKING NEWS!

Sasha Cohen has announced plans to compete next season and attempt to make the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team.

In a press announcement from Winnipeg, Canada, Sasha announced she will be training in Lake Arrowhead with Rafeal Artunian.

Sasha has also informed U.S. Figure Skating that she would accept an invitation to compete at Skate America in Lake Placid should one be offered her (I think my decision to go or not may have just gotten easier!).

Sasha will begin full training June 1 after resting a sore ankle.

A formal announcement is expected a week from Friday.

BREAKING NEWS: Skate Canada in the hot seat!

ABC's World News with Charles Gibson will air tonight a story showcasing Skate Canada's attempt to make mens figure skating more macho.

It will air at 6:30 p.m. EST

Get the full scoop here!

UPDATE: I received several reactions to this story via twitter last night. It was a wide range of opinions.

One person compared Skate Canada to Hitler...they're attempting to exterminate gays like he exterminated Jewish people.

A few people were just generally angered and said Skate Canada should butt out of what skater are doing on the ice.

One comment in particular I liked was a person hoping Brian Orser would speak out on the issue and give his opinion. Orser's opinion would certainly carry some weight.

Another tweeter made a good point that while skaters ought to be able to express themselves how they like, it can't hurt to try to broaden the appeal of the sport...good point.

Two tweeters commented on the fact that Elvis Stojko looks much better without a mullet...no joke...they did.

Just received another tweet, one is concerned that the same thing is happening in the U.S., just covertly.

Feel free to tweet me (@ skating102) your thoughts or post them here.

BREAKING NEWS: Greensboro gets it

Sorry Kansas City...sources close to the U.S. Figure Skating's Board of Directors announced today that Greensboro, North Carolina will host the 2011 U.S. National Figure Skating Championships. The decision was said to have been decided upon late Tuesday night.

This will be the first time that Greensboro has hosted the event and will be the first major Championships in the city for 35 years. The event will be in Greensboro Coliseum.

A news conference is scheduled today at 12:00 p.m. ET to officially announce the selection.

BREAKING NEWS: Michelle Kwan...NBC Commentator?

Yep!

NBC has confirmed that Michelle Kwan will join the broadcast team for their live telecast of the ladies free skate on March 28th at the World Figure Skating Championships in Los Angeles.

Michelle Kwan will be joining Bob Costas and Dick Button on giving overview, reflections, etc. on skaters performances. Other members of the NBC Team include Scott Hamilton, Sandra Bezic, Tracy Wilson, Andrea Joyce, and Tom Hammond.

The L.A. Times Olympic Blog (also Phil Hersh!) reports that if Michelle chooses not to return to competitive skating next season, she will most likely be apart of the 2010 Vancouver Telecast as well.

I'm kind of excited about this...I've been hoping she would do this for a long time now!

BREAKING NEWS: The answer is...

Well, Sasha has said that she wont make the decision until June on whether to return to competitive skating for another crack at Olympic Gold.

However...Phil Hersh (Chicago Tribune) talked with her this past week and she confirmed to him that, if her training continues to go well (and by her and her skating companions accounts, it has gone very well) she indeed would like to Skate at Nationals in 2010 and make the Olympic Team.

"As long as I can keep my body healthy and especially the way I've been skating lately, it feels like the right thing to do. Going to a third Olympics would be just incredible. I have the next 50 years of my life to have fun. Eventually I will have to move on, but I think I can do it again, and I need that purpose and challenge in my life right now," she said.

Also, a fact I didn't know...as a medalist at the 2006 Olympics in Torino...she gets a bye to Nationals if she chooses. That gives her more training time and less hassle.

For someone who isn't decided...in the past week she has told two reporters she leaning toward yes...sounds like someone is in the 'Olympic Mood!'

BREAKING NEWS: Nagasu out of Junior Worlds

You may already have heard that Mirai Nagasu has withdrawn from the Junior World Championships set to take place later this month in Bulgaria.

It's probably a smart decision. She's been dealing with an ankle injury all season, but has been toughing it out, culminating with a gutsy performance at U.S. Nationals that placed her in 5th place.

She told U.S. Figure Skating, “After U.S. Championships, I met with my doctor and was advised to take some time off to heal. It was a very hard decision to make, but my doctor and I agreed that it was in my best interest.”

Given the magnitude of next season and a trip to Vancouver on the line, best to be fully healthy rather than dealing with a bum right ankle.

Mirai Nagasu's withdrawal sets the stage for Katrina Hacker, who will give her farewell performance in Sofia. Katrina has stated that she will not be skating competitively next season and will instead focus on her studies at prestigious Princeton University.

“I am very excited and honored to have the opportunity to compete at junior worlds,” Hacker told U.S. Figure Skating. “I wish Mirai a speedy recovery, and I hope to represent the United States as well as she would have.”

I certainly wish Mirai a speedy recovery as well.

BREAKING NEWS: And Emily too...

I can't keep up with the withdrawals quick enough!

Emily Hughes has just withdrawn from Nationals citing an ankle injury.

"I just don't have enough strength in my ankle to perform my programs," Hughes told Ice Network. "I plan to resume training when my ankle heals and to compete again as soon as possible."

This is the second year in a row that Emily has withdrawn from Nationals because of injury. Her path back to 'competition ready' looks as bleak as Meissner's at this point.

How sad...again.

BREAKING NEWS: Kimmie Meissner withdraws from Nationals

This morning, the Baltimore Sun is confirming that Kimmie Meissner will withdraw from this weeks U.S. Nationals in Cleveland.

Apparently, whille running on a treadmill a week ago she injured the hip, however, it was feeling better later in the week. Then this week while practicing for Nationals, she reinjured it landing a triple lutz. She flew home to Maryland to work with her physical therapist and doctor says no skating for two weeks.

What terrible timing for Meissner. I mean, talk about being kicked while your down. Given her abysmal season thus far...her placement last season, it is gonna take one of those fairytale like stories for her to comeback strong for the Olympics next year.

How sad.

BREAKING NEWS: Well crud!

I log in this morning for my daily dose of figure skating and I see the news that several of my blogging compatriots have already reported...Tanith and Ben have withdrawn from Nationals.

This is not good news for them. It gives their closest American competitors (Davis and White) a chance to shine and steal the spotlight in a season where Meryl and Charlie were already stealing some of the spotlight. Tanith and Ben were unable to win a Grand Prix Event, Meryl and Charlie did (Skate Canada). Tanith and Ben had to withdraw from the Grand Prix Final due, in part, to the same injury that is forcing them out of Nationals, Meryl and Charlie won the bronze. Seems to me it would have been in their best interest to stop the momentum of Davis and White right there on the ice in Cleveland...but we must listen to doctors...and doctors say no.

They do intend to compete on the World Team and I see no reason why US Figure Skating wouldn't put them on the team so whoever gets the Bronze in Cleveland, well, sorry. I have a feeling that will be a battle royale between Samuelson/Bates and Navarro/Bommentre.

Across the pond, it appears the reigning World Champs, Delobel and Schoenfelder, are dealing with injuries of their own and won't compete at Europeans. Similar story for them with teams like Khoklova/Novitski and Faiella/Scali nipping at their heals, in addition to Domnina and Shablain that have always been a thorn in their side...not a great time to be sidelined.

Well I hope for a speedy recovery for all teams that are 'under the weather.'