The two-time national champion was selected for the team despite, what she called an "embarrassing" performance, which saw her fall twice at the event in Boston.

"I'm at a loss for words right now," Wagner said.

"It's been a really long four years.

"I'm happy the federation was able to see beyond one bad skate.

"I'm on cloud nine."

Ashley Wagner fell twice during her performance at the US National Championships in Boston ©Sports Illustrated/Getty Images


The decision by US Figure Skating has been criticised by some in the media who believe third-place finisher Mirai Nagasu should have been selected ahead of Wagner due to the performances seen on the ice in Boston, however, Patricia St Peter, President of the national governing body, has defended the decision, claiming that other factors are taken into account when selecting the team ahead of an Olympic Games.

"This competition is not the only event that USFS [US Figure Skating] considers in selecting the team," she explained.

"It's the results and participation in events over the course of the past year-plus.

"So if you look at Ashley Wagner's record and performance, she's got the top credentials of any of our female athletes."

Rumours of a possible protest by Nagasu circulated shortly after the women's selections, but the athlete later released a statement to accept the outcome.

"I'm disappointed in the decision," Nagasu said.

"Though I may not agree with it, I have to respect the decision the federation made.

"And I'm grateful to everyone who has supported me and look forward to what comes next in my skating career."

Wagner, a fifth place finisher at last year's World Championships, was picked for the Olympic squad alongside new national champion Gracie Gold and silver medallist Polina Edmunds.

Jeremy Abbott was selected for the men's team alongside Jason Brown ©Sports Illustrated/Getty Images


The men's team sees Jeremy Abbott, who won his fourth US title at the Championships, and Jason Brown, the newly crowned US silver medallist, named to the US Olympic figure skating team.

In the pairs, national champions Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir, and Felicia Zhang and Nathan Bartholomay were chosen for Sochi 2014, while in ice dance the US will be represented by Vancouver 2010 Olympic silver medallists Charlie White and Meryl Davis, Alex and Maia Shibutani, and Evan Bates and Madison Chock.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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