I'm guessing Gracie thought she was more prepared then she actually was and it was a little bit of a shock for her. That's pretty normal really.
Otherwise I don't see why she pulled out of the free unless she was hurt or that was the plan all along and she was only in Russia so she could get to Nationals without doing regionals. It's a little yucky feeling but it's not against any rule so whatever.
I personally think she should have done the free just for the full on experience of being in competition again and the practice. Private practices at home are not the same and it would have been very valuable experience to have because the SP and the free are two different animals.
Otherwise I don't see why she pulled out of the free unless she was hurt or that was the plan all along and she was only in Russia so she could get to Nationals without doing regionals. It's a little yucky feeling but it's not against any rule so whatever.
I personally think she should have done the free just for the full on experience of being in competition again and the practice. Private practices at home are not the same and it would have been very valuable experience to have because the SP and the free are two different animals.