Hi there,

I am a poster on www.isu.org. It would be nice to have another
Maria fan, or two, to balance out the number of haters she has on the
thread. If there is anybody who would like to join me in defending
her there, it is easy to register, instructions are to the left. The
link is www.isu.org/discus/index.html

I was concerned for Maria's decision to skate at the GP final
after her surgerical operation. She did a valid job considering,
hopefully by the Olympics she will be more fit and able to give her
best. She will need a solid skate, since Hughes is very consistent,
and Kwan and Slutskaya are always at their best at big events.

Regardless how it turns out Maria has proven herself to be a
champion due to her determination and never-say-die attitude. The
maturity and experience she brings to the sport is a refreshing
change from the teen-bopper wave in recent years.