Fumie Suguri failed to qualify for Japanese Nationals again

[Iceman]

^ Yikes, that's a bleak picture. Surely there are shows that do pay eligible skaters to appear -- i.e. Yuna's show, some of the ones in Europe, even Disson shows have had eligible skaters in recent years. Any guesses as to how much those pay? And what are the limitations to how much a skater can be paid in order to stay amateur and not be sanctioned by the ISU?

She is skating in shows still. This year, two are Kings on Ice in Budapest and Music on Ice Bellinzona. For her fans, her is a vid of her performance at Music on Ice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CxVcRzX1nQ

[MysticHaze]

It's nice that she still has such a strong passion for figure skating but there comes a time in one's life when you must reevaluate and face reality. I guess skating in shows in not enough for her. I agree with those who say an intervention is needed. I mean at least Anastasia Gimazetdinova knew when to throw in the towel.

[Twilight1]

She should get into choreography or coaching and just move on.

[045t]

I admire her for wanting to continue, but I think she has to reevaluate her plans for the future if she wants to make the olympic team.

[AndyWarhol]

I think Fumie has about as much chance of making Sochi as i do.

[ioana]

I mean at least Anastasia Gimazetdinova knew when to throw in the towel.

But in Gizmo's case, she was the only skater from Uzbekistan who could be competitive internationally. I can see why you'd want to keep skating when a trip to Worlds and 4CC is pretty much a given.

[Ziggy]

Oh lord.

Should we stage an intervention?

Yes!

Not being facetious, but even if she was able to find another country, at this point would she even meet the minimum technical element scores?

With the way she's been skating for the last season, no.

One of the Russian ladies would be better off switching to Georgia...it's close to Russia and part of the former USSR. I think it would be harder to swing for someone Japanese.

Russia and Georgia do not maintain diplomatic relations ever since the 2008 South Ossetia war.

[Marco]

She should get into choreography or coaching and just move on.

I agree, especially if she really has so much passion for skating.

[AragornElessar]

One of our Sportscasters once said there's nothing sadder than watching an athlete out there who doesn't know it's time to say Goodbye. It sounds like Fumie's reached that point and I hate saying that more than I can say as I've always adored her skating.

[PeterG]

One of our Sportscasters once said there's nothing sadder than watching an athlete out there who doesn't know it's time to say Goodbye. It sounds like Fumie's reached that point and I hate saying that more than I can say as I've always adored her skating.

I agree. I did see a TV special about children dying of starvation. It was kinda sad also.

[Habs]

I agree. I did see a TV special about children dying of starvation. It was kinda sad also.

Poor Fumie. If she wants to skate, let her. Who is she hurting?!

[Twilight1]

I agree, especially if she really has so much passion for skating.

I find her so lyrical. She would be an asset to the field for sure.

[MR-FAN]

She didn't do any combinations, and she was a double-toe away from qualifying for Nationals! And who knows, maybe one of the top 10 ladies will withdraw before the competition

[Twilight1]

I don't know if you were responding to me but i was talking about her getting into choreography or coaching not competing.

[antmanb]

I agree. I did see a TV special about children dying of starvation. It was kinda sad also.

Must spread rep around before giving it to PeterG again!

[skateboy]

Poor Fumie. If she wants to skate, let her. Who is she hurting?!

No one.

[Eyre]

Poor Fumie. If she wants to skate, let her. Who is she hurting?!

Herself.

[Sasha'sSpins]

I feel sorry for Fumie. It's hard to say goodbye and she seems to be having a very hard time of it.

[judgejudy27]

However, she still hopes to make the Olympic team in Sochi

Oh god girl, get a grip already.

[PeterG]

I feel sorry for Fumie. It's hard to say goodbye and she seems to be having a very hard time of it.

Myself, I find it hard to say goodbye to yesterday. It's so hard, actually.