From Maia Shibutani’s Instagram
Releasing a whole video about her comeback from injury this summer just a week before Nationals is so strategic.
I think the primary reason is to give them that underdog energy - give people a reason to root for them. Not only is she coming back from cancer, but she’s coming back from this injury this season.
It will also silence any comments about why they didn’t do any challengers and how they should have, to get feedback earlier to get feedback on their programs and make any adjustments earlier in the season.
Suddenly not doing Champs Camp isn’t about them thinking they are too important, but to keep the injury quiet.
It also gives them an ‘out’ if they don’t do well next week, or a reason for the judges to chuck them a few more points (they will be even better in a month).
But it does make Alex’s abusive behaviour even more disgusting.
