Michelle Kwan
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LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Bob Horen, chairman of US Figure Skating's international committee, confirmed the decision after Kwan, who skipped the US national championships because of a groin injury, completed both her short and long programs for a five-person group of USFSA monitors.

"Not every element was performed perfectly, but they had a high level," Horen said. "The only fall was on a double axel. And right after the program she got up and did two double axels immediately."

Kwan also completed four clean triple jumps, Horen said.

"It is really the feeling of this monitoring group that Michelle could win the Olympics," Horen said. "We really do believe she's skating very well."

Sasha Cohen
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"That's awesome," Kwan said when told of Horen's comments. "That's good to hear."

But the 25-year-old, who was also troubled by a hip injury earlier this season, admitted the do-or-die monitoring session in a near-empty Los Angeles rink, was stressful. Although press was gathered outside, there was no crowd to provide energy and no score kept.

"It was pretty intense this morning at the rink," she said. "This was a situation I've never been in before. You finish skating and that's all you can do."

Although the US championships are the selection meet for the Olympics, only the winners are guaranteed a ticket to the Games.

When she withdrew from nationals earlier this month, Kwan petitioned the USFSA to be considered for the Turin Games, and that petition was granted by the international committee.

Kimmie Meisner
© AFP/Getty Images/File

The three US women's team places therefore went to US champion Sasha Cohen, runner-up Kimmie Meissner and Kwan, with US bronze medallist Emily Hughes relegated to alternate's status.

Such a medical exemption is not unprecedented. Nancy Kerrigan was granted an Olympic place in 1994 after she was clubbed on the knee by associates of rival Tonya Harding.

Kwan said Kerrigan called her before the monitoring session to wish her luck.

A nine-time US champion, Kwan is seeking one last chance at obtaining the one major title that has eluded her throughout her brilliant career - an Olympic gold.

She earned silver in 1998 and a bronze in 2002, but Kwan faces even longer odds now.

Her last world title came in 2003, and she finished fourth at last year's world championships behind Russian Irina Slutskaya, who confirmed her status as the Olympic favorite by capturing her seventh European title this month.

Kwan said she was looking forward to making the most of her opportunity.

"One of the reasons I put in this petition is that I do have a shot," she said. "I'll take advantage of this shot and try my best."

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