Two weeks and a half after the disappointment of not being named into the US Olympic team for Sochi, in spite of her bronze medal at the National Championships, Mirai Nagasu wrote a wonderful message to her friends and admirers on her facebook account; though devastated by the decision made on January 12, Mirai seems determined to put everything behind and looks into her future – the talented skater who was fourth in Vancouver says she’ll continue to skate till the next Olympics, trying to make the US Olympic team again. Here is Mirai statement in its entirety.
“I want to take this moment to thank everyone, fellow skaters and fans of the sport, who have reached out to me to offer support after the US championships. Not being chosen to represent the United States at the Olympic Games in Sochi and at the 2014 World Championships in Japan has been extremely disappointing to me, and it has been very difficult for me to process. I know that I performed my best at the US Championships in Boston. I am proud of the way I skated and of being awarded the Bronze Medal.
The 2010 Olympics in Vancouver was one of the best experiences of my life and I am proud that I finished in 4th place. For the past four years my goal had been to make the Olympic Team again and pick up where I left off.
Not being selected to this year’s team was devastating and I remain confused by US Figure Skating’ decision to not select me for the 2014 Olympic or World teams. Once I have time to fully process the impact of these decisions, I do know it will renew a fire inside of me. My Olympic journey does not end here. I will continue to work hard, to train and grow and improve as a skater and realize my dream of once again representing the United States at an Olympic Games. In the immediate, I will jump back into my training in the event that I should be needed in my role as alternate for the Olympics or World Championships
Most importantly, I want to wish Gracie, Polina, Ashley and the rest of the US Team the best of luck at the 2014 Olympic Games. Representing your country at the Olympics is one of the biggest honors and best experiences in an athlete’s life, and I hope they all do well and have a great time. I will be watching and cheering them on”.
Mirai Nagasu, at the 2010 Worlds in Turin, a month after the Olympics, where she was fourth
Mirai and her coach, Frank Carroll, at the 2010 World Figure Skating Championships in Turin
Two hours after Mirai has written these beautiful words on her facebook account, her statement had already gathered more than 700 likes and 30 shares – and tens of people from all around the world left encouragement messages and kind words for the American skater. Here are some of them:
“Proud of you, Mirai! You are a champion in every sense of the word!”
“Keep working hard! You still have time to achieve your dreams!”
“You’re always a true champion in our hearts, Mirai! We’re rooting for you in whatever journeys you embark on!”
“You earned a spot on the team, Mirai – no doubt. I couldn’t believe how it played out, so not right, I can’t imagine how you feel but you’re such a class act. Eloquent words you’ve spoken here. Wishing you much success, keep on skating!”
“You earned a spot on that team, Mirai… the selection committee screwed up! Beautifully spoken words, from a woman who’s just as lovely on the inside as she is on the outside! Best wishes to you as you move forward in life, both on and off the ice”
“Gambatte! Mirai-chan. I love your performance”
“I hope your practice with Mr. Mura will work well. Keep on good work and we are all on your side. Go Mirai! Future is the word for you!”
“Sadly, this sport was rife with politics and corruption in my day, and it still is. I am really sorry to see things evolve into a Karolyi type Star Chamber with selection by committee – thus insuring that the most powerfully represented skaters will prevail. In my day, everything hinged on your Nationals performance. Sink or swim, it all boiled down to one night. (Barring extreme circumstances – like being bopped on the knee) In my opinion, it should return to this, or scrap Nationals all together”
“You are such a class act and a great role model for all young ladies!”
“You are all kinds of awesome, Mirai. I’m so proud of you. To me you are a two time Olympian – I saw you earn it out on the ice. You’ve been in my heart and thoughts since Nationals. I can’t imagine how I would have dealt with what you went through. Please know that as a fan you are much beloved by myself and thousands of others. And as a fan, I am overjoyed that you will continue to fight for your dreams. I’ll for sure be there to cheer you on all the way”
“You are a class act, Mirai; the complete package. I share the sentiments of thousands in that Nationals should dictate who represents our country at Worlds and the Olympics. To stray from that is an injustice to the sport. Let this experience make you stronger and more firmly committed to prevail in the skating world so there can be no dispute your right to represent the US next year in Worlds and in 4 years at the next Olympics. Remain strong; remain focused. Good things will come your way”
“Spoken like a true champion. Not many athletes would have dealt with this situation with such grace and class. You are a role model for so many”
“Mirai, you are a class act! As a former skater, I understand firsthand how subjective and political our sport can be! I know how hard you have worked to get back to this spot! You rightfully deserved that 3rd spot on the team and all of us know that! Just know that you have thousands of supporters and fans throughout this country who will continue to support you and lift you up! Take this experience as fuel going forward! Stay strong and stay determined!”
“Beautifully stated… We are very proud of you as a skater but more importantly as a wonderful young lady. Your grace and perseverance under these circumstances have shown you to a remarkable person who will come out of this stronger and able to face whatever life brings you. Keep spreading your wings and fly strong!”