Controversy - Mirai Nagusu is denied spot on US Olympic Skating Team

January 13, 2014

Gabrielle Bluestoneon GAWKER.com - AP Photo

The top three finishers at the national figure skating championships have always been, barring injury, the skaters named to the US Olympic team. But not this year.

Mirai Nagasu, a 20-year-old skater who finished fourth at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, took third place at the nationals competition this weekend. The only top finisher with Olympic experience, she was also the only figure skater not to fall or make a major error.

But when the American women's team was announced Sunday, 22-year-old Ashley Wagner, who placed fourth, took the third Olympic spot. Nagasu was named as an alternate.

The switch seems unprecedented - click here to the story by Gabrielle Bluestone on GAWKER.com