The U.S. Figure Skating Association has released a statement in response to the backlash received for their selection of Ashley Wagner over Mirai Nagasu for the 2014 U.S. Olympic Figure Skating team.
The statement comes in direct response to a stirring editorial in the Wall Street Journal by Jeff Yang in reaction to the snub.
U.S. Figure Skating firmly stands behind its process, the Athlete Selection Procedures for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, and the selections made regarding the athletes nominated to the team…
U.S. Figure Skating firmly believes in equality. Our bylaws clearly state that all athletes are to be provided an equal opportunity to participate in eligible athletic competition “without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender or national origin.”
U.S. Figure Skating takes very seriously any implied reference that there was discrimination in the selection of the 2014 Olympic figure skating team. We challenge any such implication, particularly given the fact that more than 25 percent of our Olympic team members are Asian-American….
To read the complete statement from the USFS, go to the Wall Street Journal.
Same reason why Michelle Kwon didn't win the gold.