Controversy as Mao Asada misses national training camp.

The Japan Times reported today that olympic silver medallist Mao Asada was conspicuously absent from the latest Japan Skating Federation Camp, stating that Mao was 'exhausted' after the later-than-usual world championships and a number of benefit shows following the Japanese earthquake.

This may mean nothing but instantly suspicion has been raised that Mao may choose to sit out the grand prix season. This would be a shame for two reasons-
1) World medallists Miki Ando and Yu-Na Kim have already stated their intentions to sit out the series, leaving a watered-down and fairly unexciting field.
2) We're still waiting to see a successful return from Mao after her olympic disappointment, last year she was 're-working' her technique and finished a dismal (by her standards) 5th and 8th in her Grand Prix events. It would be a shame to see this hugely talented and elegant skater fade away quietly. She should be out there looking for redemption and new gold for the trophy cabinet.

Mao is due to start her season in November at the NHK trophy in Sapporo, Japan and Cup of Russia in Moscow (the site of the recent world championships where Mao dropped to 6th).  Plenty could happen between now and then.

Stay healthy and keep competing Mao!