Sasha Cohen says she’ll compete at U.S. Figure Skating Championships

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Sasha Cohen said unequivocally today that she will compete at the upcoming U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Spokane, Wash.

‘I am going to compete at nationals,’’ Cohen said in a telephone conversation.

‘I’ve worked so hard,’’ Cohen said. ‘I’ve really put myself on the line for this. I want to be there. I want to make the [Olympic] team. I want to skate great. I may be nervous, but I’m really excited, and I’m feeling really good about it.’’

Cohen also said she has returned to her old coach, John Nicks, and they will arrive in Spokane two days before the women’s event begins Jan. 21.

Doubts about her participation have grown since Cohen withdrew from both her planned Grand Prix competitions with injuries and equipment problems.

‘I do realize that [there has been skepticism about her competing], but that’s the nature of life,’’ she said.

Cohen has not competed since the 2006 world championships. She is the 2006 Olympic silver medalist.

Cohen will be seeking one of the two U.S. spots in the women’s event at the 2010 Olympics.

-- Philip Hersh