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Hey Northernboy!!

The popularity of the sport here seems to be sliding a bit. We've had so many medal winners the last few years that the sport got a lot of coverage, but it seems lately with so many retirements the coverage has been more on the back pages of the sports section.

Same here, although ABC tv continues coverage of the Grand Prix Series (main comp series for all eligible skaters). I usually get a chance to watch it on repeat when it plays on ESPN against Monday Night Football. But for the most part, figure skating's days of TV glory seem to be over.

But I'm really impressed with the level of skating this year, even if the tv time is reduced. Without the top american ladies competing, we get a chance to see talented non-americans shine. And an american team is finally winning medals in ice dance, which is a long time coming. Plus, Russian Irina Slutskaya is having a great year, despite being severely ill off and on for the last four years. Good for her.

So what is the informed opinion now about Sasha Cohen? Do skating people think she's ever going to break through and win Gold medals, or do they think she's going to have a career like Anna Kournikova?

Well.... Sasha did not enter the Grand Prix this year, due to a severe back strain. She made her first comeback a couple of weeks ago, but did not fair well, falling on three jumps. I did not seee it, so I can't say how she looked otherwise. Hopefully Sasha will be stronger by US nationals in mid January, and get a spot on the world team to compete with the best in March.

With all her chronic injuries, it's difficult to say if Sasha will ever rise to the top at Nationals, Worlds or the Olympics. It must be disappointing for her, to get so close and still not be able to hold on for the Gold. Unfortunately, even when she's been healthy and is "the chosen one", she still hasn't been able to hold on enough to win.

I heard they may make a rule next season that a skater can only compete at Worlds and the Olympics, if they've competed in the Grand Prix. This would eliminate people like Michelle Kwan, who shows up at the end of the season to give dazzling performances without going through all the stress, travel, and hard work of the Grand Prix like the rest of the competitors. I guess this is more fair, although the series does tend to lead to more injuries.