Without Sasha Cohen, there is little reason to watch figure skating during the Olympics

This stinks. And no, I refuse to be consoled. You see, my heart was broken last night when my Angel of the Ice, Sasha Cohen, one of the most graceful, beautiful and elegant creatures to ever lace up skates, ended up in fourth place after her error-filled long program at the U.S. figure skating championships in Spokane. Her finish, after a superb short program earlier this week, almost entirely ensures that Miss Cohen will not compete in her third Olympics when the games begin next month in Vancouver.
These are dark days, my friend. Dark days, indeed.

Perhaps I am overreacting here, but I have no inclination in following figure skating during the Olympics at this point. At least the lovely Miss Cohen has a sunnier disposition than I do.

“It was just really special for me to take this challenge this year, and train rally hard and get back into great shape, to be here, with so many people I’ve know my whole life,” Cohen told reporters immediately following her skate.

“It was so special to come back and skate again. There wasn’t sadness and wasn’t regrets. I’m just really proud to be here, really proud to skate again.”

Here’s to you, Miss Cohen. For your class, dignity and, um, flexibility. You will not be forgotten.
But do not fret, my dear Sasha. Your legacy is safe. We will always have video of your short program to document you at your best. And the slideshow, so that’s nice.
No, this isn’t It’s simply the disappointed ramblings of a sad, disappointed sap.
Oh, just in case you’re curious, 17-year-old Rachael Flatt won, securing her spot in Vancouver. And sixteen-year-old Mirai Nagasu placed second, so she is likely to join Flatt at the Olympics. We’re happy for them.
Yes, I am incredibly bitter. Can you blame me? We’re talking about the Sasha Cohen, people. Sigh.
***
Flatt books Olympic ticket, Cohen fails [Reuters]