Interview With Lucinda Ruh

A spinning virtuoso, Lucinda Ruh is the whirling dervish of figure skating, making skating history by making the Guinness Book Of World Records for her spinning ability, but her beautiful artistry and presence certainly matched her spinning talent equally. A 2 time Swiss National Champion, Lucinda competed at 5 World Championships, earned a bronze medal at Skate Canada and finished third at the World Professional Championships, beating huge names like Surya Bonaly and Oksana Baiul. She also toured with Stars On Ice! Now married and the mother of twins, Lucinda lives in the United States and it was my pleasure to have the opportunity to interview her about her life, her skating and her thoughts on the current state of figure skating.

Q: I've got to start with an obvious question I'm sure you've been asked so many times, you're probably sick to death of answering it. You are one of the best spinners the world has ever seen. Denise Biellmann, Nathalie Krieg and Stephane Lambiel are all exquisite spinners as well. Is there something in the water in Switzerland the rest of the world doesn't know about?

A: I am the best spinner in the world in history because I am the longest spinner being in the Guinness Book of Records and also the fastest clocking at six revolutions a minute which is three hundred and sixty rotations per minute! I  also am the one who created most of the spin positions being done now and many that skaters still cannot replicate. You see many of mine, especially my famous pancake spin which I think needs to be called the Lucinda spin! Unfortunately I wouldn't be able to say it is anything Swiss as I was only born there and I rather grew up in France, Japan, China, Canada and the United States. However if you count Swiss DNA, then maybe that it is.

Q: Who do you think is the best spinner skating today?

A: I am not trying to sound arrogant but I do not think anyone in particular is spinning very well at the moment. No one is being innovative but rather just copying my positions as they are trying to get levels. I don't blame them as there is so much to work to be done on the ice and so many levels to achieve to get ahead in the rankings. This new system, which although the spin part was sparked because of me as they were trying to make a system that would award them, in contrary is just making spins look quite distasteful. Tragically with this system they are trying to put everyone in the same box where spinning and flexibility is not going to be everyone's positive point. Let each skater be an individual! That's where you are going to see the talent emerge. That is why in the old days you had such artists and creative personalities on the ice. Now, no more. You see one skater one competition, and gone the next. Skaters are completely loosing their identity in the midst of practicing day in and day out with only getting points and levels as their motive.

Q: What is your favourite memory of competitive skating and what was your favourite program that you skated?

A: My favourite memory of my skating career is the World Championships in 1999 in Helsinki. I was confident, in my element, injury free and loving to skate. Although it is said I should have been placed higher, placements mean little in the big scheme of life and I just remember the wonderful skates I performed and standing ovations I received.

Q: What was working with Toller Cranston like? He has to be one of the biggest geniuses the sport has ever seen - just saying.

A: Working with Toller Cranston was an education and honour to say the least. I have a whole chapter on it in my book which will bring you to tears and laughter at the same time! Although I cannot sum him nor my experience with him up in a nutshell as they are both larger than life I can say I am eternally grateful to have worked so close with such an enigmatic artist. He is forever my friend.

Q: You're now a mother! Congratulations! How has your life changed since becoming a mother and what is the funniest experience you've had so far as a parent?

A: Thank you! I am a mother... two for one! Twins have been such a blessing and more so such a surprise! I am loving every minute even amidst the busy schedule. The funniest experience so far has been when I thought both my twins somehow where covered with chocolate when I realized it was poo! From head to toe none the less. I also always play a baby Einstein CD and they will take the CD out of the CD player and hide it under the carpet! I guess they don't like that music anymore! At least they were loving it! But I must say every second being with them is the joy of my life.

Q: In addition to being one of my favourite skaters, you also got to compete with some of my other favourites... Laetitia Hubert, Tanja Szewczenko, Marie-Pierre Leray, Olga Markova... Who was the nicest person you ever competed against? The most competitive?

A: The nicest person I ever competed against was Irina Slutskaya. The most competitive, Tara Lipinski.

Q: Who is your favourite skater to watch?

A: My favourite skater to watch was actually a pair team.. Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov. Growing up I watched them day and night. I have yet to see a pair team come close to their beauty, grace and unison.

Q: Your Alanis Morissette program at the World Professional Championships years ago was a complete masterpiece. Where did you get the idea and concept for this program and who choreographed it?

A: Thank you! My Alanis Morissette program was one of my favourites too! It was my meditation program. Since when I was young I loved to just be in my own world I wanted a program I could escape to, so this was the time I could and actually skate at the same time. To me I was trying to show the sufferings and healing of the world coming together as one and becoming a meditation for the world. The magnificent Robin Cousins choreographed it with my final touch. :)

Q: What do you think could be improved with the new judging system? Do you miss the 6.0 system?

A: I do not like this new judging system in more ways than I can describe. It's not interesting or beneficial for the coach nor the skater nor the viewer. There is now even more space and secrecy for the judges to manoeuvre points around and manipulate results. More injuries and more stress for the skater. I miss the old 6.0 system in that it let the skater be who she or he is. Not making a mapped out plan of how each skater should look like, be and should do. It has become so cookie cutter that even when a skater enters a spin you almost know exactly what spin they will do to get their levels. When they enter footwork, same thing. It is all looking quite monotonous and therefore skating has lost it's audience.

Q: What was your favourite and least favourite jump?

A: My favourite jump was triple Lutz when I was doing it, and triple toe. My least favourite was triple Salchow.

Q: Not only a brilliant skater, you are also a gifted dancer, musician and are fluent in more languages than I thought existed! If you pursue skating, what other passion would you most have liked to pursue at the time?

A: I definitely wanted to be a scientist.

Q: What are your thoughts on professional figure skating? It was MASSIVE in the 1990's and professional figure skating competitions are few and far between these days. Would you compete again if they made a resurgence?

A: Professional skating was really in place because it was for skaters who then could make money or receive gifts for their performances. Now Professional skating has lost it's charm and motive because any skater can receive monetary prizes. I think like all other sports if you are competing at the World level you should be called a Professional. I actually wanted to come back for the 2002 Olympics but unfortunately was not allowed at that time. The Olympics is the one competition that has eluded me due to political reasons from Switzerland and so I had wanted one more shot at it.

Q: What's your favourite song and why?

A: "Con te Partiro" is my favourite song because it is the song of my husband and I. The meaning of it, "With you I live", is so beautiful.

Q: When all is said and done, when you look back on your experience as a competitive skater, how you do you think it has shaped the person you are today?

A: My skating journey has made me who I am today. No doubt about it. It has shaped and formed me with how I think, with how I react and how I live my everyday. It has given me incredibly discipline, drive, and determination to really achieve anything I set my mind to. I notice, compared to non athletes my level of intensity when I do do something is so much higher due to the training I had been under from a very young age. It always was that it had to be done then and there. There was no second chance. I have to admit it can drive my husband crazy at times and then I need to remember I am not on the ice! I am not being judged and critiqued to the ninth degree. I am okay just being me and I don't have to do everything and have everything right now. But you know, skating is a very lonely sport, especially if you are a singles skater, and it is also such an intense sport. I think with gymnastics it is the most difficult sport out there and if you do not want it now, and want to train so very hard, and want to not be with friends and have sleepovers then its just not for you. There are so many great twelve year old skaters out there and yet so few eighteen year olds. So little survive this sport and even fewer make an impact on the sport. So I can only be profoundly appreciative of this sport and even more than what I have given it, for what it has given me and my family.

Skate Guard is a blog dedicated to preserving the rich, colourful and fascinating history of figure skating. Over ten years, the blog has featured over a thousand free articles covering all aspects of the sport's history, as well as four compelling in-depth features. To read the latest articles, follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube. If you enjoy Skate Guard, please show your support for this archive by ordering a copy of figure skating reference books "The Almanac of Canadian Figure Skating", "Technical Merit: A History of Figure Skating Jumps" and "A Bibliography of Figure Skating": https://skateguard1.blogspot.com/p/buy-book.html.

Interview With Russ Scott

With over 20 years of coaching experience, USFS Double Gold Medallist Russ Scott has competed as a national level competitor in both pairs and singles skating, winning the bronze medal in junior pairs at the 1993 U.S. National Figure Skating Championships. With a wonderful attitude about the sport, it was my pleasure to speak with Russ about his skating and coaching careers:

Q: You competed nationally as both a singles and pairs skater, competing against skaters like Jenni Meno and Todd Sand, Rudy Galindo and Todd Eldredge. Was it difficult balancing competing in two disciplines?

A: Competing in both singles and pairs did sometimes become a difficult balancing act at competitions. There were a number of times where I would have to miss practice for one of the events(usually singles) because of overlap with the pairs. I do feel that training in both disciplines increased my conditioning though.

Q: What was the hardest part of skating to you?

A: For me the hardest part of skating was overcoming my own frustrations and perfectionist tendencies.

Q: What is your favorite memory or performance from your skating days?

A: I think the first time I stepped onto the ice for practice at my first Nationals is a memory that will always stick with me. It had already been such a long and incredible journey that I was completely overwhelmed.

Q: You are active as a skating coach now. Where do you coach and who have been some of your favourite skaters you've worked with?

A: I currently coach in Anaheim, California. Having coached for over 20 years now, I have had the great fortune to work with many great athletes. I would be hard pressed to single out any as favorites as I feel that each has given me so much and they all have a very special place in my heart and mind. I feel as if I have helped raise so many of them and I am very proud of the skaters and people that they have become. Standing at the boards when one of my Senior men skated a clean program at Nationals to a standing ovation or watching the girl from a beginner class who went on to pass her Gold test, it has been an amazing ride so far.

Q: Who were your skating idols growing up? Who did you most admire?

A: My idols growing up were Charlie Tickner and Tai and Randy. I am so privileged to now call each of them a friend. I really admired any skater who was willing to put themselves out there and expose themselves to the world. Skating is such a personal experience yet you have to let go of your inhibitions and show the world your inner soul.

Q: When did you retire from competitive skating and what prompted this decision?

A: I retired from competitive skating after competing in the Senior men’s event at the 1995 National Championships. I had unfortunately not found a new pair partner and I was at a place financially where I needed to step away and take care of life. I wish that I could have continued, but I had already been coaching for 5 years at that point and it just seemed like the right time to move forward.

Q: Do you feel jumping and spinning or presentation is more important or are these equal talents to look for in a champion?

A: I would love it if both aspects where of equal importance, but unfortunately I feel in the current IJS judging format the technical points seem to dominate what you look for. Hopefully as skating continues to progress we will have skaters with the quadruple jumps of the current young stars and the artistry of John Curry.

Q: Do you miss performing?

A: I do miss performing and I win all of my competitions in my dreams still! My knees, hips, and back probably do not miss performing though. As a coach I experience many of the same emotions while my skaters are performing.

Q: How do you think U.S. skaters will fare at the Sochi Olympics?

A: I think the U.S. skaters should have a good showing in Sochi. Obviously our dancers are doing extremely well. Ashley Wagner and an interesting crop of up and coming young ladies could surprise some people. We have the potential in the men’s event if the guys keep it together. Our pair teams are the biggest question, but I would never bet against the spirit and passion of any U.S. athlete to excel.

Q: What is one thing all skaters can focus on to really improve their training regimen?

A: All of the skaters need to learn to enjoy the process of training and set aside thinking about the end result. If the skaters can put emotion, passion, and perseverance into their daily routines they will find success.

Skate Guard is a blog dedicated to preserving the rich, colourful and fascinating history of figure skating. Over ten years, the blog has featured over a thousand free articles covering all aspects of the sport's history, as well as four compelling in-depth features. To read the latest articles, follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube. If you enjoy Skate Guard, please show your support for this archive by ordering a copy of the figure skating reference books "The Almanac of Canadian Figure Skating", "Technical Merit: A History of Figure Skating Jumps" and "A Bibliography of Figure Skating": https://skateguard1.blogspot.com/p/buy-book.html.

Interview With Doug Mattis

After winning the U.S. junior title and competing for years as a senior competitor at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, with a backflip, a flourish and an amazing skate, Doug Mattis turned professional in an instant and wowed audiences for years with his creativity, amazing sense of humor and fabulous skating. Armed with solid triple jumps, a backflip Scott Hamilton would be jealous of and a cantilever that's about sickening as it gets, Doug excelled as a professional, performing at the 1994 Gay Games and finishing second at the 1994 U.S. Open Professional Figure Skating Championships, beating World Champion Alexandr Fadeev and Olympic Silver Medallist Paul Wylie in the process. A few years later in 1997, he again defeated a strong field and became the American Open Pro Figure Skating Champion. Always a showman and an all around fabulous guy, Doug has proven a wonderful ambassador to the sport. It was my absolute thrill to finally get a chance to interview him. As I honestly consider Doug among my favourite skaters, I hope you will all enjoy this interview as much as I did!

Q: You're wonderfully positive and encouraging to ALL of today's U.S. skaters. What U.S. skaters or teams do you think will really make a splash next season? 

A: Thank you for your kind words. Although I am proudly partial to our U.S. team, I am steadfastly encouraging for all skaters around the world! I think that when everyone skates their absolute best... when that happens, that podium truly has so much of which to be proud. As far as skaters that are going to make a splash next season... although I see deep talent in ladies (particularly coming up out of novice and juniors), pairs and (of course!) ice dance... I’d like to focus on those making a splash in the men's event. I think the groundwork for breakthrough performances has already been laid. Joshua Farris and Jason Brown have improved so much this year and I think Alex Johnson is demonstrating that artistry and choreography are one of the most significant ways to separate oneself from the pack, as it were. I would like to think that skaters like Alex and Jeremy Abbott are setting the trend for men's skating - amazing jumps are compulsory - but it's the SKATING that separates one from the crowd. Those that stand out by creating innovation between fantastic jumps... they will resonate most effectively with the crowd and (hopefully) the judges.

Q: Where are you coaching and what's your funniest coaching experience to date?


A: I coach freelance - and mostly choreography. Sometimes I'll have a main coach ask me to work on a particular student’s jump or spin, but mostly I am brought in by coaches to create program and then I go back to do brush-ups and tweak the final product. The younger girls I work with sometimes call me "hair and makeup" because I’m there to make them look pretty. As far as humorous coaching stories, a few years back, I took a young, precocious, basic skills student (with her main coach) to her first competition ever. We stood at the side of the rink to orient the program; which direction it would start, where the elements would be, and so on. She pointed to the judges and asked, "Who are those people?" I said, "Those are the people that will be judging you." She said, "I’d prefer a jury of my peers, thank you very much." Love the things kids say! I entertain my non-skating pals with funny stories like that all the time.

Q: What was your favourite program or performance you skated?


A: I think I’d have to name the two programs I did in the 1994 U.S. Open - the "Hypnotized" technical program and the "Imitation" number for the artistic, that year. Although I developed the concepts, I had help. Master choreographers Christopher Nolan and Cindy Stuart helped me with both programs. The "Imitation" number was put together during a time of unprecedented skating popularity. I wanted to show the crowd that I could do some of the signature moves of skating’s great personalities…and show fans that what they really loved about those skaters wasn't the signature moves…but those skaters, themselves, who are bringing their personal talents to the art of ice skating. I would also have to mention the AIDS tribute number I did for a number of years in the 90's, "Can’t Cry Hard Enough," once again put together with input from Cindy Stuart and Chris Nolan. I lost so many of my friends during the 80's and 90's…skating that number was always emotionally gut-wrenching…but hugely satisfying as a tribute, as well. It was my way, through skating, of expressing my determination to never forget those beautiful souls we have lost to AIDS.

Q: If you could be stranded on a desert island with three skaters, who would be they be and why?


A: Hmmm…hard to answer this without going "all-out funny." Hmmm…how to best pass the time on a desert island…? I got it! Laughs and visual entertainment. Ummm…Yvonne Gomez and Kim Navarro because they are both so beautiful and we laugh so hard every time we hang out…and I guess John Zimmerman because Vonnie, Kimmy, and I will need somethin’ to look at. (Sorry, Silvia—I love you, too!)

Q: Who are your favourite skaters competing today? From the past?


A: I’m going to shy away from naming my favourite skaters of today. I am steadfastly supportive of each and every one of them reaching their full potential. (Sounds like I’m running for office. Ha! But it’s the truth.) Growing up, I was inspired by Robin Cousins’ inventiveness and musicality, Scott Hamilton’s ability to reach and audience, and I was spellbound by Janet Lynn and Dorothy Hamill. I am biased when naming my longtime great friend, Debi Thomas, who I thought was an amazing balance of athleticism and great positions. But I think my favourite skater of all-time is an old pal—Kurt Browning. Kurt's humor (on and off the ice) and his ability to create movement that looks like magic. Yeah, that's the stuff that really makes skating special for me.

Q: You've been really involved in Young Artists Showcase. What excites you most about this project and what benefit do you think it brings to aspiring young choreographers?


A: Three things strike me as being most exciting about Young Artists Showcase. The first is functional; one of the primary goals is to inspire the next generation of choreographers by giving them a forum in which they can be as expressive and inventive as possible. As we plan for YAS4 (hopefully in the fall), I contend that this inspiration of new choreographers is starting to happen! So many YAS alumni have been increasingly successful and empowered…I’m so proud of each and every one of them. The second thing is that skating fans and young skaters are watching. With hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube, YAS pieces are both entertaining skating fans who seek more artistic skating outlets—and young skaters are, hopefully, watching and seeing that artists have a place in skating—and those young skaters watching YAS are realizing that even skaters who don’t make the Olympic Team can choose to create choreography professionally. If more skating fans stay interested and tuning into skating…and more young skaters stay in skating as a result of being inspired by YAS. That's a big "win" for the skating industry. Thirdly, there is the inspired influence YAS has had—and can have, in the future—on competitive skating. Skating fans and judges crave thrilling performances at Nationals and Olympics. Inspired and determined choreographers are the folks that can make those memorable performances happen more often. We hope YAS will help that happen! YAS participants and choreographers can be seen throughout different levels at Nationals…and if the end-result of YAS is more "Wow! That took my breath away"-programs in competition…fans, skaters, and judges will be more delighted, let alone me.

Q: Speaking of choreographers, who blows your mind when it comes to choreography?


A: Sarah Kawahara, Lori Nichol, David Wilson, Chris Nolan, Cindy Stuart, Jamie Isley, Tom Dickson, Kurt Browning, Jeffrey Buttle, Phillip Mills, just to name a few. There are many others!

Q: Who is the one most underrated figure skater of all time?

A: Maybe people sometimes confuse the word "underrated" with skaters that simply never reached their potential but were recognized as being huge talents. I’d go back to a couple of amazing free skaters of my childhood out of Atlanta—Laura Steele and Stacey Maxwell. Both were phenomenal freeskaters…and perhaps underrated because their amazing free skating talents were offset during a period of time when figures both existed and were highly valued. I wish YouTube had video of the two of them! They were both…spectacular.

Q: Do you think that professional skating competitions are a thing of the past? Should they be?

A: Absolutely there should be more pro skating competitions! I would love to see more that are specifically focused on artistic achievement…as well as some that would be specifically about jumps—like a skating version of golf’s "skins game." You land that triple axel the most times? You get the money. I think that kind of format would be fun—back-to-back with an artistic event.

Q: When is the last time you performed and how has your training been going for Sochi 2014?

A: If there is an Olympic wine-tasting event in Sochi…LOOK OUT. I’ll be there. THAT training is coming along nicely. The comedy answer to "When is the last time you performed" is "Did you see the lesson I gave last week?" I last performed in 2002 and I was happy to wake up one morning and think…"I think I’m done." I have been so very, very lucky to have achieved just about every goal I had in competitive and professional skating---I knew it was time to change my definition of success and move on. In the last decade…that definition of success includes creating choreography as a means to help young people express themselves in more meaningful ways, framing the coaching of skating as a set of life-skills that every participant will take with them into adulthood, and spending more time "giving back" through supporting projects like Young Artists Showcase, Ice Theatre of New York, Skate For Hope, The Michael Weiss Foundation, and An Evening On Ice. Someone always happened to be "there" to help me or help me create perspective along the way. I'm so happy to spend increasing amounts of time doing the same for skaters and artists in our skating community.

Check out Doug's favourite charities and events: http://youngartistsshowcase.net/, http://www.icetheatre.org/, http://www.skateforhope.org/, http://www.michaelweiss.org/ and http://www.usathleticfoundation.org/events.html. 

Skate Guard is a blog dedicated to preserving the rich, colourful and fascinating history of figure skating. Over ten years, the blog has featured over a thousand free articles covering all aspects of the sport's history, as well as four compelling in-depth features. To read the latest articles, follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube. If you enjoy Skate Guard, please show your support for this archive by ordering a copy of the figure skating reference books "The Almanac of Canadian Figure Skating", "Technical Merit: A History of Figure Skating Jumps" and "A Bibliography of Figure Skating": https://skateguard1.blogspot.com/p/buy-book.html.

Come Back, Come Back, Whoever You Are

Nobody loves a good comeback more than me. As difficult as it is for skaters to reach an elite level of competitive skating and maintain it, it is probably twice as hard for skaters to reach that level again after time away from the sport. In 1993, the International Skating Union allowed for an extended period where skaters who had lost their eligibility (due to the great number of professional skating competitions, shows and tours of the time) to reinstate to eligible competition. Additionally, there have been many skaters who have simply retired from the sport or been away for extended periods for a variety of reasons (injury, illness, not being able to find a suitable partner, etc.). From triumphant returns to difficult setbacks, let's talk about 6.0 of the sport's most memorable comebacks...

ELAINE ZAYAK (1994)

If I could transport myself to Detroit, Michigan in 1994 and give Elaine Zayak a standing ovation right now, I would. Probably one of the most amazing comebacks I've seen was Elaine's return to competition in 1994, where she skated two outstanding programs, performing the same triple jumps she had made famous when she won her 1981 U.S. and 1982 World titles and showing great attack and wonderful competitive spirit. Although she just barely missed the Olympic and World teams that year with a 4th place finish, she warmed the hearts of thousands with her gutsy performances and went on to return to competitive professional figure skating from 1994 to 1996. Going out and finishing 4th at your national Championships 10 years and popping off multiple triple jumps ten years after you last skated in eligible competition is nothing to sneeze at, that's for sure.

KATARINA WITT (1994)

Music has it's Shirley Bassey's and Julie Andrews'; figure skating has Katarina Witt. People were shocked when 2 time Olympic Gold Medallist and 4 time World Champion decided to join fellow Olympic Gold Medallists such as Viktor Petrenko, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov and Brian Boitano when the International Skating Union allowed reinstatement of professionals in time for the 1993/1994 season and Lillehammer Olympics. After all, the diva and darling of ladies figure skating had not only won once but twice. Although she didn't have the technical difficulty to compete with the ladies field six years after retiring from eligible competition, she proved she had heart, delivering a flawless and dramatic short program to "Robin Hood" and an emotionally charged free skate to "Where Have All The Flowers Gone?" dedicated the people of the war torn city of Sarajevo, where she won her first Olympic gold medal in 1984. The way people related to and cheered on Katarina and her easier jumps in Lillehammer is proof and parcel that the skaters who move us and who we FEEL something for are the skaters we cheer on.

MIDORI ITO (1996)

The 1989 World Champion and Japan's first real Olympic gold medal hope at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France, Midori was under immense pressure and ultimately faltered slightly and took the silver to Kristi Yamaguchi in 1992. Neither skater was perfect, although both close. Turning professional after the 1991/1992, Midori won herself a World Professional title and performed the first triple axel by a lady in both ISU eligible AND professional competitions. And we're not just talking executed, we're talking nailed. Midori was one of the finest jumpers that figure skating has seen - with huge and consistent triple jumps and a triple axel that could compete with any men's skater of the era. When she returned in 1996 in time for the 1996 World Championships in Edmonton, Alberta, it was not the dream she had imagined. Under immense pressure from the Japanese federation yet again, Midori handily reclaimed her Japanese national title and demonstrated her trademark triple axel in front of 'hometown' fans. Unfortunately, when it came time to compete at the World Championships, she arrived anemic and weak and just didn't seem herself. She managed a top 10 finish but was not in top form. Like Witt and Zayak, she returned to professional skating, competing in the Japan Open competition twice with great success and performing in shows in Japan. Returning to competition yet again at the 2011 ISU Adult Championships in Oberstdorf, Germany, Ito demonstrated a fearless attack on the ice and that her competitive fire still hasn't died. It's clear from looking in her face she just loves to skate.

TANJA SZEWCZENKO (1997)

She was the "new Katarina Witt", even defeating Katarina at the 1994 German National Championships and performing strongly at the 1994 Winter Olympics and later at the 1994 World Championships in Makahari, Japan, where she won the bronze medal behind an emotional and tantrum throwing Surya Bonaly. And then injuries and inconsistency began to plague her and just when it got bad, it got worse. Tanja contracted a rare and near deadly combination of viral infections that nearly killed her. As the saying (and Kelly Clarkson) says "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger". Battling back from illness, Tanja really arrived back on the scene in the fall of 1997 just in time for the Champions Series (now called the Grand Prix) and rocked her way through her Grand Prix assignments and gave the skate of her life at the 1997 Champions Series Final, nailing each and every element and finishing a controversial 2nd to Tara Lipinski. Sadly, things again unravelled when she had to withdraw from the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano due to illness and did not deliver the same outstanding skates she had throughout the fall at the World Championships that year. I stole her "Speed" movie soundtrack music, she went on to star in German soap opera "Unter Uns" and skate pairs with Norman Jeschke in Holiday On Ice. The rest, they say, is history.

JOHNNY WEIR (2012)

Always "controversial", always entertaining and always pushing boundaries, the three time U.S. National Champion Johnny Weir may have gotten married and settled into life as a reality star on his LOGO reality show "Be Good Johnny Weir", but he wasn't done competing just yet. Weir staged a comeback by competing at the 2012 Finlandia Trophy, finishing off the podium. He initially had planned to continue on to try to reclaim his U.S. title at the 2013 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Omaha, Nebraska, stating he needed to step back and prepare more before continuing to compete at that level. At any rate, love him or not, you have to respect the courage and tenacity it takes to try to return to competition after time away. If there's one thing that Johnny Weir IS, it is fearless.

EMANUEL SANDHU (2013)

When 2004 Grand Prix Final Champion and 3 time Canadian National Champion staged a comeback in time for the 2013 Canadian National Championships, he shared something in common with all of the other skaters that decided to return to competitive skating after extended absences: his love of skating. Walking away from competitive skating six years ago, Sandhu had rediscovered his love of the sport. A finalist on "So You Think You Can Dance Canada?", Sandhu had to endure the qualifying process just as an any aspiring national competitor would have had to, and showed his trademark elegance and musicality. Although he finished out of the top 3 at both the Skate Canada Challenge and the Canadian National Championships, Sandhu's return to competitive ice reminded Canadian skating fans everywhere that it's never too late to do what you love.

Skate Guard is a blog dedicated to preserving the rich, colourful and fascinating history of figure skating. Over ten years, the blog has featured over a thousand free articles covering all aspects of the sport's history, as well as four compelling in-depth features. To read the latest articles, follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube. If you enjoy Skate Guard, please show your support for this archive by ordering a copy of the figure skating reference books "The Almanac of Canadian Figure Skating", "Technical Merit: A History of Figure Skating Jumps" and "A Bibliography of Figure Skating": https://skateguard1.blogspot.com/p/buy-book.html.

Interview With Barbara Berezowski

After winning 3 silver medals in ice dancing at the Canadian National Figure Skating Championships, Barbara Berezowski and David Porter win on to win to Canadian ice dance titles in 1975 and 1976 and represented Canada at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria - the first Winter Olympics where ice dancing was included as an Olympic Sport. After making history and finishing in the top 10 in these Olympic Games, Berezowski and Porter turned professional, touring with Toller Cranston and later with Ice Follies. In addition, Barbara was crowned Miss Toronto in 1976, was a finalist for Miss Canada and Barbara and David went on to win the 1977 World Professional Figure Skating Championships. Now an esteemed author and motivational speaker, I had a chance to ask Barbara about her competitive and professional careers and the state of figure skating today.

Q: As a Canadian figure skating champion, you had the experience of representing Canada at the 1976 Winter Olympics. What was this entire experience like for you and how did it change you?


A: My goal was always to become Champion of Canada and then to one day skate in Ice Follies as a professional. The Olympics was never within our sights because Ice Dancing was not an event in the Olympic Games. In fact, one of the most difficult moments for me was back in 1972 when we won the Silver Medal in Canada. It was at the Canadian championships in London, Ontario. We had just finished the event. The Canadian Figure Skating Association (CFSA, now known as Skate Canada) had all the medallists gathered on the ice for the official 1972 Team pictures. First, the World Team Members were named. This Team would represent Canada at the upcoming World Championships. It consisted of the medal winners in the various events: Ladies, Men’s, Pairs and Ice Dance. Then came the official Team Photos for the skaters named to the Olympic Team...but only those competing in Ladies' Singles, Men's Singles and Pairs were called out. I could never understand why ice dancing was not a part of it but it was not something we had control over and so it was what it was. Very disappointing and unfair, I thought. Having said that, we were very proud to represent our country at the World level, it was a thrill and I took on the responsibility with great pride. Little did we know that we would be Champions of Canada in the right place and in the right time. I couldn't believe the announcement that Ice Dancing was to be an official event at the 1976 Olympic Winter Games in Innsbruck, Austria! Wow! That was a game changer (sorry for the pun) and our sights were now set on those 5 wonderful rings! Being named to your country's Olympic Team is an experience of a lifetime. It is so overwhelming. When you arrive at Olympic Village and register as a participant, you realize the enormity of the event. It's just not a "skating" competition. You are surrounded by the world class athletes of every winter sport! Everything is suddenly more immense... your excitement level, your responsibility, the size of the world stage you are about to step out onto, etc. It was wonderfully amazing, an experience I will never forget. One note for the record books: David (my skating partner) and I drew the dreaded number one in skating order at the Innsbruck Olympics. Dreaded because you never want to be the first competitor: it almost guarantees low marks, no matter what you do because the judges have to leave room for the other 25 skating teams to come. Looking back on that now though, there was a silver lining to that: that action made David and I the first Ice Dancers in the World to ever compete in the Olympics! The entire experience of being at the Olympics changed my outlook on how important achievement is and how it can inspire others. It made me realize that I was more than just a skater... I was an Olympian and because of that I have a duty to share what I've learned and experienced and to inspire others.

Q: You won the World Professional Figure Skating Championships in Jaca, Spain. What was this experience like and what are your memories of this competition?

A: Firstly, the people in Jaca, Spain were wonderful. They welcomed us with open arms and shared their excitement and pride by hosting a fabulous event. It was a little strange to go back into a competitive mode after skating professionally for a year, at that point. We were now used to skating in spotlights and show makeup and sequins, backed with a cast of skaters. To go back into a competition was a little bit of a strange feeling but once we got there, we knew it was meant to be. It was a bit of a "going home feeling" because the other competitors there were the same skaters we competed against for years in the amateur world. It is no secret that there were many deals made between skating federations, back in the day, and the final placements and medals awarded at the world championships, were not always on the merits of the skaters out in the middle of the ice, alone. Now, at the World Professional Championships, we were all looking forward to a more level playing field. No political agendas, no behind-the-scene deals to be made... just a chance to put your stuff out there and be appreciated for what you do...honestly. Winning that World Professional Ice Dance Title was huge and meant so much to us because we had now proven that what we believed about the results in the amateur world events (we deserved to be placed much higher than 7th in the world) was true. The skaters that we out-skated at this event, were the very same competitors that we out-skated in the amateur world yet they were always placed higher. Now, the tables were turned and winning was sweet. It gave us peace of mind to finally be recognized for our ability and talent.

Photo courtesy Sandra Bezic

Q: How has ice dance changed in your opinion and do you agree with the way it is scored as opposed to under the 6.0 system?

A: There have been many changes in Ice Dance and I like some of the artistic freedom the skaters are allowed (i.e.: the music) but I do not like that the rules seem to be a demand to up the pair-skating elements within ice dancing. There are times though that I feel the new judging system has pros and cons. Obviously on the pro side, the deals cannot be made and judges can no longer "fix" the scores... on the con side, I feel that there is just too much put on "a point for this and a deduction for that"... the big picture is sometimes lost. Just let them dance, I don't like pair spins in a dance program.

Q: You're an accomplished writer and public speaker. What are your goals and what is the most important part of your work you do today?

A: Thank you for that. As I said earlier, as an Olympian, I feel it is my Duty to share what I've learned and to inspire others. This is my mission and it is passion. In my book: "Win At Life and Positively Sparkle! An Olympian's Advice For Success", I write about how important it is to me to share my outlook. I want to teach others; I want to help others succeed. Having performed on the world stage, the experiences have taught me many lessons that I can now apply towards what I do as a Speaker on the motivational stage. I allow my passionate feelings for my message to guide me towards this new adventure.

Q: Who are your favourite Canadian ice dancers? 

A: Without question, I have to say Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir! They are our Canadian sweethearts and are so talented and wonderful Ambassadors for our sport. You can see that their feelings are true; they are just being themselves out there on the ice, which is perfect. That is all they need to be. I do also have to mention that I enjoy watching our other very talented ice dancers: Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje. There is alot of talent in Canadian ice dancing – Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, Nicole Orford and Thomas Williams and so many more. We have so many young couples that are ready and waiting in the wings for their turn to shine and they will! What I like most is that there is a good, healthy and exciting competition between Virtue&Moir vs. Davis&White for world ice dance dominance at the present moment. Makes for entertaining viewing.

Q: What are your thoughts on the future of figure skating? What kinds of changes and innovations do you think you'll see in our lifetimes? 

A: That's a difficult question to answer... In today's world of big money, sponsorships, marketing and the fact that athletes can have lucrative financial careers while still "amateurs", you will see more 4 time, 5 time, 6 time, etc. champions. They can now afford to stay in the game longer, as opposed to the 2 time, 3 time champions of the past who were just as good and equally as talented (for their time) but they couldn't afford to go the distance because they had to support themselves. It would be nice to raise people's awareness of the importance of looking at the big picture and to understand why we are now seeing multi-year champions. Progress doesn't just happen out on the ice, it's also in the system and the life factors of the time. I would like to see figures come back in the instructional/developmental side of skating; there are many out there that can fling themselves into quad after quad but they lack the fundamentals. I just hope that there will be a limit, at some point, to the technical side of skating and allow the blade to just glide.

Q: If you could give the world one piece of advice that would improve their day to day lives, what would it be? 

A: That's easy.... B Positive and Sparkle! I say it everyday. For anything you do in life, you must remain true to yourself. Always look at the big picture. Love life, be grateful for all the little things, believe in yourself, be passionate about your purpose and have a positive attitude.

Skate Guard is a blog dedicated to preserving the rich, colourful and fascinating history of figure skating. Over ten years, the blog has featured over a thousand free articles covering all aspects of the sport's history, as well as four compelling in-depth features. To read the latest articles, follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube. If you enjoy Skate Guard, please show your support for this archive by ordering a copy of the figure skating reference books "The Almanac of Canadian Figure Skating", "Technical Merit: A History of Figure Skating Jumps" and "A Bibliography of Figure Skating": https://skateguard1.blogspot.com/p/buy-book.html.

Interview With Jennifer Kirk

In 2000, Jennifer Kirk was the World Junior Champion. Two years later, she was the Four Continents Champion. She competed in three World Championships and was also a U.S. and Skate Canada medallist. After losing her mother and fighting a difficult battle with eating disorders, Jennifer returned to the sport, showing her true passion for it through The Skating Lesson, a new YouTube site that showcases the sport's very best and shares their real stories. A fabulous skater and a fascinating person - here is my interview with Jennifer:

Q: I'd like to start by saying I'm a huge fan! You're hilarious and I always just loved your skating. Why do you think having a sense of humour about yourself and the sport is so important?


A: Thank you, Ryan! I didn't know I was hilarious! Haha! I think it's important to have a sense of humour about yourself because life is hard yet can also be very, very funny. We've all had experiences where we've looked back on a situation that at the time was miserable but one we can now laugh at. I think it's always important to find the humour in everything because it makes life so much more enjoyable. It's also important to find the humour in yourself; we should never take ourselves too seriously.

Q: What is your favourite memory of competitive skating and what was your favourite program that you skated?

A: My favourite memory of competitive skating is my Junior Worlds long program in 2000. There was a moment in the program, right after I landed my triple flip and the music changed to the slow section, where I just knew I was going to skate a clean program. It was as if my body totally relaxed, and I felt so in control and present for the rest of the program. It didn't matter what place I ended up at that moment; all I could think about was how much I loved skating and performing and how lucky I felt to be doing what I loved.

Q: What's the most rewarding part of your involvement in the sport today?


A: I am really enjoying the podcast/interview series that I recently started with Dave Lease called The Skating Lesson. I love talking to influential figures from the sport and learning about the lessons they learned during their time in skating. I've developed such respect for our interviewees and the challenges each of them have overcome. I've also been amazed at their willingness to speak so honestly in the effort to help others. It's been a blast.

Q: Who, of the current top skaters in the world, do you really think people need to watch out for? Who's the underdog that has the potential to make it big?

A: I would watch out for Alex Johnson. He recently won the Challenge Cup and had a fantastic skate in his long program at U.S. Nationals. I'm a huge fan of his skating and see him as the underdog next season.

Q: As a skater, you got to work with some of the world's best coaches and choreographers. How important is good coaching and choreography to a skaters ultimate success?

A: Good coaching and choreography is paramount to a skater's success. Probably the most important element to it is finding a coach and a choreographer who really understands you as an athlete and a person. Just like any good relationship, you need to have that connection. It's also really important I've learned to have good communication and the ability to speak up about how you feel and what you like and dislike as an athlete. Skaters need to feel that they can go to their coaches and voice their opinions. Likewise, a good choreographer who is willing to take input from the skater is vital. It needs to be a collaborative effort.

Q: What is the most overused piece of music in figure skating?

A: Ha! It's a tie: "Carmen" and "Swan Lake."

Q: What do you think could be improved with the new judging system? Do you miss the 6.0 system?


A: I do miss the 6.0 system, but I also think aspects of the new system are really beneficial to the sport. That said, I worry that the new system doesn't allow enough of a skater's personality to be revealed during a performance. Skating has become somewhat generic. Skaters are all trying to do the same moves in order to maximize points. I miss seeing a skater hold a spiral for a good 20 seconds at the end of their program like Nancy Kerrigan or a spread eagle the length of the ice like Paul Wylie. Today, skaters' programs have to be jam-packed with tricks, and the personality of the skater really suffers because of it.

Q: Who's your skating idol? Who's one skater you love that not many people may know about?


A: Growing up, I loved Kristi Yamaguchi and Nancy Kerrigan. I still watch YouTube videos of them whenever I'm missing skating! I also really loved Nathalie Krieg. She was a Swiss skater with fantastic spins.

Q: Who's the nicest skater out there?


A: It's funny, the majority of skaters are incredibly nice. I've rarely, if ever, met a skater with whom I didn't connect or find pleasing on some level. I was always touched during my last year touring with Champions On Ice that Rudy Galindo would come out and stand by the curtain every night to watch me perform. I admired him so much growing up, so to see him take the time to watch me perform always stuck with me. I also found Nicole Bobek to be someone who is very kind.

Q: What are your goals these days and where do you see yourself in five years?


A: Dave and I are having so much fun with The Skating Lesson. We have plans to turn it into a website where we'll cover as many skating events as possible--at the local level to international events--and provide a place where skaters and fans can discuss and exchange information about the sport. We also want to continue with our interviews and develop a section on the site where skaters can learn from experts and former champions through interviews and information gained from these influential figures. The sport has lost some of its television coverage and mass appeal, and Dave and I want to help bring that back.

Q: What are your thoughts on professional figure skating? It was MASSIVE in the 1990's and professional figure skating competitions are few and far between these days. Would you compete if they made a resurgance?


A: I was just talking to a friend about this today! I would love to come back to do shows at some point. Unfortunately, because skating is not on television as much these days, the interest in the sport has dwindled. I don't think the new judging system has helped the sport's popularity as well. It's sad, because the talent and the personalities are still there; they just need to be seen and embraced. That is a goal Dave and I have with The Skating Lesson: To showcase the great personalities of the sport.

Q: What's your favourite movie and why?


A: I have so many favourites, but if I had to pick just one, I'd probably say "Almost Famous." I love Kate Hudson, and it's a movie to which I really connect.

Q: When all is said and done, when you look back on your experience as a competitive skater, how you do you think it has shaped the person you are today?


A: Skating taught me so much about myself. In a way, the sport has shown me what I'm made of. As an athlete, you have to constantly push yourself beyond your limits and overcome physical and mental pain. Skating taught me to overcome adversity and to never take a victory or a defeat too seriously. I am constantly finding ways to use the lessons I learned during my skating career to help with my life off the ice and to help others. When I look back at my time as a skater, I see it as such a gift and will forever be grateful to the sport that has given me so much.

Skate Guard is a blog dedicated to preserving the rich, colourful and fascinating history of figure skating. Over ten years, the blog has featured over a thousand free articles covering all aspects of the sport's history, as well as four compelling in-depth features. To read the latest articles, follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube. If you enjoy Skate Guard, please show your support for this archive by ordering a copy of the figure skating reference books "The Almanac of Canadian Figure Skating", "Technical Merit: A History of Figure Skating Jumps" and "A Bibliography of Figure Skating": https://skateguard1.blogspot.com/p/buy-book.html.

Interview With Parker Pennington

With an immense love for the sport, Parker Pennington competed in over 10 U.S. National Championships, winning the U.S. juvenile, intermediate, novice and junior titles. After years of competing, Parker created a very unique project called Skate Dance Dream, which pairs young skaters with talented and experienced figure skaters and dancers and gives them the opportunity to perform along side them. I had chance to catch up with Parker and ask him a few questions.

Q: You were a juvenile, intermediate, novice and junior U.S. men's champion? That's insane! Which of those victories was the sweetest?

A: Wow, that is a good question. I would have to say the junior title. It was one that I felt like was my hardest victory. I was in third after the short and came back to win, delivering a strong free skate. It was my grittiest win of the four and the one I appreciate the most therefore.

Q: In total, you competed in over TEN U.S. National Championships. What gave you the drive to keep going and what is one of your favourite memories from your competitive skating days?

A: I was driven for sure-it was my dream to be on the World & Olympic Team at the time, but when I didn't quite my achieve those particular goals, it was my passion and love for skating that kept me going strong. I always and have continued to just love the glide of the ice, as it takes me to my 'happy place'. I love that feeling of being completely engrossed in what I am doing. As for my favorite memory, that most definitely was my short program at the 2009 U.S. Nationals in Cleveland. I think it was my all-around best skate and it was just in the right place, being literally "my backyard" (trained in Lakewood, just 10 miles outside of Cleveland). I had a standing ovation and let out some fist pumps and even shouted a yes during my program (after the death drop). It was a moment I will never forget, although looking back I wish I had jumped into the crowd, Cleveland Dog Pound style! Every time I watch that performance, I get all teary eyed. Yes, I cry for figure skating. Insert joke here.

Q: What's one song you'd love to perform to and never have?


A: There's so many songs I love and feel like I could skate to....and they are currently all on the tip of my tongue haha. My only wish in looking back, is that I would have tapped into my true creativity as a skater and artist. I believe I could skate to just about anything now. I feel like I was geared a certain way coming up towards technique (which helped with the W's!), but I never really thought outside of that capacity. Once I stopped competing, all of a sudden it hit me. Now, I take all of that creativity I have had stored up for all of the years and pass it on to others (choreography and our Skate Dance Dream show productions).

Q: Tell us about Skate Dance Dream. What is it and what are its greatest successes to date?


A: Skate Dance Dream is a full show production experience that fuses figure skating and dance. That's right, there's a dance stage on the ice! But more importantly, we give youth figure skaters and dancers the opportunity to perform with and learn from the Stars, through show rehearsals, meet & greets, group numbers, seminars and more. The Stars being World Team members and U.S. National Medallists, along with Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance?" finalists. With Skate Dance Dream, we have one main goal: to inspire skaters and dancers alike. We believe every child deserves the chance to be on the same platform next to the Stars. There is a big difference between seeing the Stars on television and getting to see them (let alone perform with and learn from them!) in real life. I don't know if it is just me being a dreamer but I think, what skater or dancer wouldn't want to do this? The greatest successes of the show has been seeing that all the children have a smile on their face and they look like they are having the time of their life.

Q: Who's your skating idol? Who's one skater you love that not many people may know about?


A: Okay, skating idols: Scott Hamilton and Kurt Browning are the guys I looked up to growing up. I will give you several skaters that not a lot of people may know as well... Ryan Jahnke and Matt Savoie. Loved their creativity---they were clearly ahead of the times, which most true artists are. And, just to throw out some other names, although they are notable I just love to watch them: Alissa Czisny, Michelle Kwan, Ryan Bradley, Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov, Tanith Belbin & Ben Agosto, Kim Navarro & Brent Bommentre. I also love watching all the up-and-comers! They are the future of our sport and I think their is a lot of budding potential!

Q: What are your goals these days and where do you see yourself in five years?


A: My goals purely revolve around Skate Dance Dream. You know how some people live, eat, breathe what they do. Yeah, that's me with Skate Dance Dream. Of course I love production and all the creativity, but that's not what drives me every day. Skate Dance Dream is the chance for us to inspire many people from different walks of life. At our core, we want to inspire skaters and dancers and teach them to love what they do, be themselves and dream big. As for where I see myself in five years, I want us to have a touring show across the nation..but for right now, it is just taking one glide at a time.

Q: If a tree fell in the forest, which judge would you like it to fall on?


A: Oh my goodness, you are hilarious Ryan! Where do you come up with these questions hahaha! In all honesty, I will say no one - just because I realize every person has their voice and opinion, and as always, I take what those that were hard on me had to say and I worked on what I needed to do in order to be become a better skater. In the end, that's what it is all about anyways: being the absolute best you can be. Placement was always the icing on the cake.

Q: What are your thoughts on professional figure skating? It was MASSIVE in the 1990's and professional figure skating competitions are few and far between these days. Would you compete if they made a resurgance?


A: I would love to watch it, that's for sure! We have so many personalities in skating (both new and old) and I feel like the world is missing out on them! As for me, would I want to get out there and compete again? No. I don't miss those days! While some have that 'itch" and may love to compete, I feel that way about helping and inspire others. I want to share my passion of figure skating and dance!

Q: What's your favourite book and why?


A: I like how you spell favorite, 'favourite', so French of you, Love it haha!!! I really like James Patterson and Dan Brown books. Although I am about to start into some autobiographies. Am hoping they have ones for Ellen Degeneres and Oprah Winfrey. Would also love to meet them one day.

Q: Is there one thing about you a lot of people may not know or your skating you'd love to share with them?

A: I have a great sense of humor, I can always pull the good out of any situation or experience and I just love to learn! Okay, so I guess that actually counts as 3 things! :)

Learn more about Parker and Skate Dance Dream at www.skatedancedream.com. Skate Dance Dream have a show coming up May 19, 2013 in Lakewood, Ohio. 

Skate Guard is a blog dedicated to preserving the rich, colourful and fascinating history of figure skating. Over ten years, the blog has featured over a thousand free articles covering all aspects of the sport's history, as well as four compelling in-depth features. To read the latest articles, follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube. If you enjoy Skate Guard, please show your support for this archive by ordering a copy of the figure skating reference books "The Almanac of Canadian Figure Skating", "Technical Merit: A History of Figure Skating Jumps" and "A Bibliography of Figure Skating": https://skateguard1.blogspot.com/p/buy-book.html.

Spotlight On Laetitia Hubert

Ask your run of the mill skating fan who Laetitia Hubert is and the run of the mill story you'll hear goes something like this: "OH YEAH! In 1992 in Albertville she skated a wonderful short program and fell seventeen times or something like that in the free skate and they called her The Human Zamboni. Get it? Human Zamboni?" Yikes.

That vignette has been passed down as through skating history but the fact of the matter is that there is so much more to this French star's story than one memorable implosion. Laetitia Hubert joined an elite club of skaters when she competed at four consecutive Winter Olympic Games in 1992, 1994, 1998 and 2002. In a career spanning two decades, the French firecracker competed at nine World Championships, seven European Championships, won two French national titles and entering countless international competitions, showcasing her incredible power, avant garde style and competitive spirit in every one of her outings.

They say the skaters we remember are not always the ones to win the gold medals, and Laetitia certainly exemplified this statement. As touched on earlier, with a flawless original program at the 1992 Olympics in her home country, her skating certainly caught the media and skating community's eyes and came into the international consciousness. Although she faltered with a disastrous free skate effort at those Games, she rebounded to finish fourth at the following World Championships. She went on to finish in the top ten at the World Championships four more times including another fourth place finish in 1998 - right after another disastrous Olympic setback. Detect a theme here?

Although at times inconsistent, Laetitia's trademark speed and very original and edgy programs spanned everything from the music of Dead Can Dance to "The Last Emperor" soundtrack, classical and tango music, jazz, movie soundtracks and even her iconic 1998/1999 free skate where she portrayed a prostitute on drugs. She was never afraid of trying new things or taking risks, attacking triple/triple combinations at a time many competitors were labouring with triple/doubles. 

One of Laetitia's greatest challenges was at home. Although she won her pair of French national titles in 1998 and 1999, she was competing in an era where there was an incredible amount of depth in French ladies skating. Surya Bonaly and Vanessa Gusmeroli - world medallists both - and other talented skaters such as Marie-Pierre Leray gave her a run for money at every turn. She was phased less than she was painted as being phased though. A win at the 1997 Trophee Lalique Grand Prix event in her home country over Tara Lipinski just months before Tara won her Olympic title, certainly showcased her potential and if you sit down and watch most of her performances during her final season as an "amateur" skater in 2002, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by how she didn't quit when the going got tough as she did at the 1998 Nagano Games.

One of my greatest joys - as a huge fan of this skater AND Liz Manley - was seeing BOTH of them perform for the first time in years at the 2011 Caesar's Tribute show. Joining them were such skating stars as Nicole Bobek and Yuka Sato. It was certainly a great throwback to a different era.

What made Laetitia Hubert the kind of skater I still remember and absolutely still adore watching was the fire in her, even after so many rough skates. She had something special in her, she knew it, and she never gave up. Laetitia is now married, coaches in Albertville, France, is a technical specialist and still performs occasionally. Not nearly enough as far as I'm concerned!

Skate Guard is a blog dedicated to preserving the rich, colourful and fascinating history of figure skating. Over ten years, the blog has featured over a thousand free articles covering all aspects of the sport's history, as well as four compelling in-depth features. To read the latest articles, follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube. If you enjoy Skate Guard, please show your support for this archive by ordering a copy of the figure skating reference books "The Almanac of Canadian Figure Skating", "Technical Merit: A History of Figure Skating Jumps" and "A Bibliography of Figure Skating": https://skateguard1.blogspot.com/p/buy-book.html.