Technically, former World Champion Kimmie Meissner was supposed to have to qualify for the U.S. Nationals this year by skating a regional event in early October. Technically, Meissner missed the boat on a bye created by transportation/competition conflict by one day. But U.S. Figure Skating has granted her a bye because of her heavy travel schedule due to the two Grand Prix events she was invited to, according to The Baltimore Sun. The regional event would have been the first event we saw her in this year, I believe. Now the first event will be Cup of Russia, Oct. 22-25.