Japanese Nationals 2023 Recap with Cathy Reed 

I thought of the Russia factor, too. A wild card quota kind of works in theory when international podiums are composed of skaters from a variety of countries, like the way things are now. Say, for example, Japan could send 4 men to Worlds. Realistically, there's zero chance that Japan would claim gold, silver, bronze, and the 4th place spot. But in the days of Russian female dominance, it would have been a likelihood that they would claim the top four spots. Gone would be the chance that another skater could podium if one of the (Russians) struggled. Looking forward to a few years from now, assuming Russians are allowed back in ISU competitions, it will be the pairs discipline that will be turned over to the Russians. Might as well forget about other countries like Japan investing in a pairs program, when that happens!