LAFigure skating star Sasha Cohen revealed she has informed U.S. Figure Skating she would accept its invitation to Skate America next fall, a move that confirms she will come back to competition in an attempt to make the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Cohen’s chances to make a third U.S. Olympic team — she was fourth at the 2002 Winter Games — were hurt when the U.S. performances at the March world championships earned just two women’s spots at the 2010 Olympics. Under USFS rules, Cohen qualifies for the 2010 U.S. nationals, where results will determine the Olympic team, because she was a medalist in the most recent Olympics.

I can’t imagine any news coming at a better time than this. What, with the Bruins falling behind in the series and the Celts losing home court advantage and the Red Sox sort of running in place with injuries to some key guys. Thank God the Figure Skating season never ends. And make no mistake about it, this is welcome news. As every Stoolie remembers, the US women looked horrible at Worlds last month and things have been looking grim for Vancouver. But along comes Sasha Cohen like Teddy Roosevelt and the Roughriders charging up San Juan Hill to brighten our prospects and give the nation hope again. This is welcome news both for us skating fans and fans of fully grown adult women who look like jailbait alike. (Thanks to Mickey B.)

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