It has recently come to my attention as well as many other friends and fans of figure skating that Tamar Katz, a wonderful athlete that represents the Israel Ice Skating Federation so well, has been denied the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream...a chance to compete in the Winter Olympics.
As a fan of figure skating, as fan of sport, and as a citizen of the world, I ask that you please not deny Tamar this chance. She successfully earned a berth for Israel at this season's Nebelhorn Trophy, meeting the ISU qualifications for obtaining a berth, why would you deny her that opportunity?I say if you aren't pleased with her recent performance at the European Championships, let her go to the Olympics and allow her to prove she can do better. Let another flag for Israel wave in the opening ceremonies. Let another dream come true. Giving Tamar this chance costs you nothing but a breath of air to say "yes." In saying yes, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I can think of no reason why you would deny her this chance.
Amazing stories of triumph, perseverance, struggle, defeat, and victory will be told in Vancouver. I implore you, allow Tamar's story to be among those told. President Chait, your motto is "the sun never sets on my desk." Please don't let the sun set on Tamar's dream.
With hope that you will allow Tamar to compete,
Aaron @ Axels, Loops, and Spins.
UPDATE: Tamar's story is being featured in the New York Times.
