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Sex and alcohol scandals mar U.S. preparations
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-01-13 11:16
"It's really up to the committee to choose who they believe will be the best
three skaters in America," Kwan told a conference call. "I feel that I am one of
the three best skaters in America."
Most observers believe Kwan will get the nod based on her overall record.
Alissa Czisny is one of the skaters who could be left behind if Kwan gains a
spot on the team.
"I think most of us, myself especially, need to focus on our own skating,"
the 18-year-old college student told a news conference. "There's nothing we can
do. The decision is not up to us, obviously.
"The best thing I can do is go out and skate my best and see what happens
after that."
While acknowledging that Kwan "has done so much for the sport," Czisny
conceded: "I'm guessing they'll give her a spot on the Olympic team."
The U.S. skeleton program has been reeling from the developments surrounding
Nardiello and Lund.
The 45-year-old Nardiello denies the harassment allegations but his chances
of going to Turin remain cloudy.
He was suspended from coaching by the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation
(USBSF) on December 31 pending an investigation and a New York court this week
refused to reinstate him.
MILLER APOLOGISES
Lund, 26, tested positive for anti-baldness drug Propecia, which can act as a
masking agent.
"It's on the banned list -- no question he screwed up," USBSF president Jim
Shea Sr., told the New York Times.
Mercurial skier Miller appears to have acknowledged his mistake, apologising
for saying on television: "There have been times when I've been in really tough
shape at the top of the course. It's like driving drunk, only there are no rules
about it in ski racing."
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