How U.S. Winter Olympic athletes are selected

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Figure skating
The United States announced its figure skating roster on Jan. 15, and it did not come without controversy. Despite not skating at the U.S. Championships because of an injury, Michelle Kwan was named to the squad over third-place Emily Hughes.

Kwan returns in what will probably be her final shot at winning the Olympic gold medal that has eluded her. Kwan, however, must prove that she's fully healthy before the Olympics in order to compete.

Image: Michelle Kwan
Robert Azmitia / AP
Michelle Kwan will return to Olympic action for one more shot at the gold medal that has eluded her.

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With Kwan out, Sasha Cohen finally had her time to shine. Cohen won her first U.S. title, clinching an Olympic bid. She finished with 199.18 points, more than 28 points ahead of second place Kimmie Meissner, who also gained a berth.

In men’s competition, there were no surprises except for the fact that Timothy Goebel had a poor performance and won't be going back to the Olympics.

Johnny Weir skated to his third straight national title, clinching his first trip to the Olympics despite a sub-par third-place performance in the free skate. His first-place finish in the short program, however, was enough to ensure him another U.S. championship. Weir will be joined by teammates Evan Lysacek and Matt Savoie at the Olympics.

It will be the first time since 1976 that the United States will send three newcomers on the men's team the Olympics.

In pairs, the United States will be represented by the duo of Rena Inoue and John Baldwin. The team of Marcy Hinzmann and Aaron Parchem will also join them in Turin.

The U.S. team’s best chance for its first Olympic ice dancing medal since 1976 will come from the team of Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto who will also be joined by the duo of Ryan O’Meara and Jamie Silverstein. The pair of Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov will round out the U.S. ice dancing team.

CONTINUED : Hockey