Learn all about the fascinating world of figure skating history with Skate Guard Blog.
Explore a treasure trove of articles on the history of figure skating, highlighting Olympic Medallists, World and National Champions and dazzling competitions, shows and tours. Written by former skater and judge Ryan Stevens, Skate Guard Blog also offers intriguing insights into the evolution of the sport over the decades. Delve into Stevens' five books for even more riveting stories and information about the history of everyone's favourite winter Olympic sport.
As culture shifted in the world's great cultural centers like London, Paris, New York City, Berlin and Los Angeles with the advent of a new era following the drudgery and strife of World War I, economies around the world boomed and flapper dresses, the Charleston and art deco were all the rage. Canadian figure skating enjoyed that same surge in popularity following World War I. After a four year span where the Canadian Figure Skating Championships were not held from 1915 to 1919, they returned in 1920 with a flourish.
Jeanne Chevalier and Norman Scott
Jeanne Chevalier and Norman Scott, who had won the 1914 Canadian (and first American!) pairs title returned to dominate the singles competitions that year and the duo of Alden Godwin and Douglas Nelles claimed top spot in the pairs competition, which Chevalier and Scott did not team up to contest for. Chevalier and Scott were not to rest easily though that year. Joined by Winnifred Tait and J. Cecil McDougall, Jeanne and Norman won the fours title as well in 1920, a very popular tradition in Canadian pairs skating that saw two pairs teams join forces to skate a program together that continued to be held on a national level as late as 1997.
Canadian men's skating during the 1920's would be dominated by Melville Rogers, who won five Canadian titles from 1923 to 1928 and also (like many skaters of the era) competed in multiple disciplines. Rogers found success on the international stage as well, earning his rightful place in the history book as first male singles and pairs skater from Canada ever to compete at the Winter Olympics in 1924 at the Chamonix Games. Rogers also won two North American men's titles and three North American fours titles and went on to serve as the Canadian Figure Skating Association's President for two terms following his retirement from competitive figure skating in 1937.
A rare glimpse at the 1924 Winter Olympics in Chamonix from Frazer Ormondroyd (no footage of these wonderful Canadian skaters, unfortunately but gives you a wonderful glimpse into skating during that era)
Rogers' pairs partner at the 1924 Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix was none other than the same lady who would represent Canada in the ladies event (becoming the first Canadian ladies to compete at a Winter Games) Cecil Smith. David Young's book "The Golden Age Of Canadian Figure Skating" noted that Rogers and Smith were not originally intended to be Canada's sole representatives at those historic first Olympics for Canadian figure skating. Young explained that "originally, former Canadian champion Duncan Hodgson of the Montreal Winter Club, and the reigning ladies' champion, Dorothy Jenkins of the Minto Club, Ottawa, were selected to go as well. Marjorie Annable of the Winter Club, and John Machado of the Minto Club, were back-up skaters in case any of the original four had to drop out. In the end, however, only the Toronto pair travelled to France, as the others withdrew. 'They had no opportunity to practice,' was the reason. 'There has been no ice at Montreal or Ottawa, whereas Toronto has an artificial plant at the Dupont Street Rink.'" With most events still being held outside domestically in those days, it seems so funny but foreign to us today that a mild winter could be the reason for a skater's Olympic dreams being dashed. Cecil Smith, who competed mainly against Constance Wilson for much of her career, became a very popular and respected skater through her career. An account of Cecil's first Canadian title win (where she unseated Wilson) in Young's book reads: "Both did splendidly in the school figures... and their free skating performances were equally artistic and were both skated with the acme of grace and proficiency. Some favoured Miss Smith... for the delicate lightness of steps throughout, her airy leaps and her beautiful spins; others thought that Miss Wilson was a shade more finished and that in evenness and confidence of execution she had a slight advantage..." Smith again defeated Wilson in 1926 (winning both the figures and free skating) and would go on to become the first Canadian skater to win a World medal at the 1930 World Figure Skating Championships when she won the silver just behind Sonja Henie. An account of her medal winning performance from Young's book reads: "Miss Smith, who in her school figures had shown a subdued grace that won her the esteem of the critics... made her bow with a long swan glide, ending with a one foot spiral, and then set off to dance in complete abandon. Afterwards, the beautiful Canadian girl declared that she was startled for a moment as she looked up at the crowded galleries. Then, as the crowd, sensing her wonderful grace and poise began cheering, she set forth to outdo herself. Her performance was received by loud applause." Not to be outdone, Wilson would win a World medal of her own in 1932.
Although Smith (who won her first international medal in 1924 in Manchester, England) won two Canadian ladies titles, she would not win a Canadian pairs title like her Olympic pairs partner Rogers (who claimed the title in 1925 with Gladys Rogers). Wilson would win the 1926 Canadian pairs title with Errol Morson and then win a handful of titles in the late twenties and early thirties with her older brother Montgomery Wilson, who won the 1932 Olympic bronze medal. Constance Wilson's successes were in their own right remarkable - an account in Young's book describes the student of Mr. Gustave Lussi as "Pavlova in her prime, but Pavlova with winged feet and light as a fawn..." - and her fourth place finish at the 1932 Games remains to this day of one few top finishes by Canadian ladies skaters in an Olympic event, including her in a small but prestigious club amongst the likes of Barbara Ann Scott, Liz Manley and Joannie Rochette.
Montgomery Wilson
I think in examining this era of Canadian skating a couple things really stand out to me: the fact that Canadian skating really wasn't so much a nation wide affair by any stretch of the imagination but really a competition between a select few clubs such as Toronto's Old Orchard Skating Club, the Minto Club and Montreal Winter Club, that people changed pairs partners faster than some people change their hairstyles and that skating was really a family affair in those days. I'm not only referring to the Wilson's but also to the Smith's - Cecil would often skate in exhibitions and shows as a 'sister act' with her sister Maude. It really was a different time but it was when Canada was first making its mark internationally and we owe a lot to these pioneers of Canadian skating that paved the way for the Barbara Ann Scott's, Kurt Browning's, Toller Cranston's, Tessa and Scott's and Patrick Chan's to come.
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.
Quebec's Véronik Mallet is one of many Canadian ladies skaters that you absolutely want to be keeping your eye on. After winning medals on both the novice and junior level nationally, she finished in the top five at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships in her first year as a senior skater in 2013. Not to be outdone, she followed that up with a fourth place finish at this year's Nationals. She's represented Canada internationally as well at the Four Continents Championships, Skate Canada International and the Nebelhorn Trophy. With another appearance on the ISU Grand Prix circuit looming this fall, Véronik took the time to talk about her competitive career so far, working with some of skating's most brilliant choreographers, her favourite skaters and much more in this must read Canada Month interview:
Q: You've had such a steady climb up the ladder so far in your skating career - going from winning the bronze medal on the novice level at Nationals in 2010 to the silver on the junior level the following year, then fifth as a senior the next year and fourth in 2014. What have been your proudest moments or most special memories from competition so far?
A: The moment that impressed me most in my career so far was my Canadian Championships in the novice category. I had a performance during my short program which put me last. I was really disappointed because I was ready for the competition and it was not representative of my workouts at home. When I arrived at the arena in the morning for my practice, I was not confident and my practice had not been going very well. My coach Annie Barabé reacted very well and reassured me immediately. Before going on the ice to make my long program, I thought nothing was over, as it is not finished. I made a perfect long program, won the long program and I finished third overall. I learned a lot with this performance.
Q: Finishing fourth last year at Nationals, you've obviously got your eye on that podium. What are your main focuses in practice and how do you plan on getting on that podium in 2015?
A: I work a lot on the triple toe/triple toe combination because it is the only technical element that is not in my programs yet. I’m also working a lot on my choreography. I’m taking dance and ballet classes to improve on my posture. I also had the chance to work with David Wilson recently.
Q: What are your thoughts on vocals now being permitted in competition and what can you share about your new programs for the 2014/2015 season?
A: I am not against the idea of voice in programs, but for my new program I did not use music with voice because I think it is more for a show. My short program was set up by David Wilson. This is classical music and is different from my other programs.
Q: You have worked with Canadian and World Professional Champion Sébastien Britten, who I think is just a genius by the way. What makes Sébastien such a brilliant choreographer in your opinion?
A: Sébastien is a really good choreographer and I like him a lot. He always brings great ideas and his choreography is always very beautiful and very interesting. This year, I changed my choreographer for the short program because I had to make some small changes. David works in a different way and I enjoyed my experience.
Q: What would you say is your favourite and least favourite jump?
A: My favourite jump is the triple loop. This is the jump that is easiest for me. The jump that I like least is the triple salchow.
Q: Your home skating club is the CPA Sept-Îles in Quebec. What makes your skating club special?
A: What I like most about the club is that it is small and everyone is there to help. They are always there to support me during my competitions and events.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you most like to go?
A: There are several countries that would like to visit. Last year I had the opportunity to see Germany and Taiwan during my competitions and I loved both places. I love the countries where it is warm. I would like to visit France, Hawaii, Japan and much more. Q: Who are your three favourite skaters of all time and why?
A: I had the chance to skate with Cynthia Phaneuf, Jessica Dube and Bryce Davison and Shawn Sawyer. They have always inspired me. I have always followed their competitions and I always wanted to be like them. Q: What do you love more than anything about figure skating?
A: I love everything about skating. When I'm on the ice I feel good and I feel in my place. What I like most is the feeling after a good performance.
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.
Canada Month continues on the blog with the second of many, many wonderful interviews coming to you fast and furious all month. Winning the Canadian junior title in 2012, Gabby Daleman's rise to the top of Canadian ladies figure skating has been fast and fearless. The last two seasons, she has finished second on the senior ladies podium at the Canadian Championships and this season earned the right to represent Canada at both the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia and 2014 World Figure Skating Championships in Saitama, Japan. She placed in the top twenty in both events and proved that she is indeed a force to be reckoned with. The young rising star from Newmarket, Ontario took the time to talk about the Olympics, her goals for next season and much more in this short but sweet interview. Big thanks to Danielle Earl for the wonderful photographs!:
Q: You've won the Canadian junior title, the silver medal at the last two Canadian Figure Skating Championships, represented Canada at both the World Junior and Senior Championships and had the once in a lifetime opportunity of skating for Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. Looking back on your skating career so far, what are your proudest or special memories?
A: Really, every competition has a special memory for me but standing in the middle of the ice on the Olympic rings was magical. I was so proud to be Canadian.
Q: You train in Richmond Hill, Ontario with coaches Andrei Berezintsev, Inga Zusev and your father Michael and work with choreographer Lori Nichol. What makes your training team work so well?
A: They all talk to each other and work as a team. It is great they all gel really well.
Q: I have to ask! I saw a picture of the dress you wore at the reception after Worlds in Saitama. It was gorgeous! Where did you get it?
A: I got it at Laura's but we had to get six inches taken off the bottom... even in heels!
Q: Your goal for the 2014 World Championships was top fifteen and you placed thirteenth with two great skates. What are your goals for next season and what are you focusing on now in training? Have you given thought to programs for next season yet?
A: My goals are to win Nationals, place in the top five at two Grand Prix events and in the top six at Worlds. New programs are in the works!
Q: What do you see as your biggest strengths and weaknesses as a skater and how are you working hard to improve any weaknesses?
A: My strengths for sure are my jumps and I'm working with Lori (my choreographer) to improve my fluidity and second mark. Q: Sometimes you just have to pick favourites. What is your favourite book, song and movie?
A: "Gossip Girl", "Happy", and "Burlesque"!
Q: What's one thing most people don't know about you?
A: I love to do triple jump as my second sport. That was my dad's sport!
Gabby working it at World Pride in Toronto!
Q: Who are your three favourite skaters of all time and why?
A: Joannie Rochette, Carolina Kostner and Scott and Tessa. They have passion for their sport. Joannie Rochette didn't like being off for more than two days or she'd get restless. I get that! Me too!
Q: What do you love most about figure skating?
A: Everything!
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.
After taking a look at Norval Baptie: The Father Of The Ice Show on Canada Day yesterday, Canada Month on the blog continues today with the first of MANY interviews we'll see this month! Jeff Langdon twice stood on the senior medal podium at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships and he also twice finished in the top ten at the World Figure Skating Championships. At the 1998 Canadian Figure Skating Championships in Hamilton, Ontario, the pressure couldn't have been any more on all of the athletes competing, and a young skater then fresh out of the junior ranks named Emanuel Sandhu surprised everyone by skating to a silver medal ahead of Langdon. Instead, Skate Canada sent Langdon, who had proven himself in national and international competition, to the Nagano Winter Olympic Games. Again in a position to prove himself, Langdon passed the test with flying colors, skating two very strong programs to finish in the top ten in his trip to the Olympics in what was a very deep field of skaters. Retiring from competitive skating in 2001, Langdon skated professionally with Willy Bietak and Holiday On Ice and now acts as a coach at Calgary's Calalta Community Figure Skating Club alongside World Ice Dance Champion Paul Thomas, Canadian Pairs Champions Annabelle Langlois and Cody Hay and U.S. Champion Scott Davis. Jeff took the time to talk about his own competitive career, coaching, his love of skating and much more in this fantastic interview: Q: You have won two medals on the senior level at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships, represented Canada at the 1998 Winter Olympics, World Championships (twice finishing in the top ten) and at countless international competitions, including the Nebelhorn Trophy which you won in 1994. Looking back, what are your most special or proudest moments from your competitive career... and which were the most challenging?
A: I am most proud of my first World Championships performances. I was able to skate two of my best programs of my career under the most pressure. It was a wonderful moment and I had my Mom and Dad and friends all in the audience which was incredible for me! I think the most challenging time in my career was actually during the last couple of seasons competing. I had many injuries and really struggled to get back to the form I had been in the late nineties. It was a physical and mental challenge. Looking back now I really learned a lot about tenacity and I learned how to surround myself with people that I trusted and that had my best interests at heart.
Q: You worked with Doug and Michelle Leigh during your career, training at the Mariposa School Of Skating in Barrie. What was your relationship like with your coaches and now, as a coach yourself at the Calalta Community Figure Skating Club, how important do you feel having a connection between skater and coach truly is?
A: I was fortunate enough to have some great coaches in my career and I was close to them as I grew up. I started with them when I was around eleven years old so they became very important in the development of who i became as a person and as an athlete. I put a lot of trust in them. Now, as a coach, I have tried to have a strong relationship with my athletes so they are able to trust me and what I am trying to get them to achieve. I have some great young skaters who I am excited to see grow as skaters and as people!
Photo courtesy Toronto Public Library, from Toronto Star Photographic Archive. Reproduced for educational purposes under license permission.
Q: While you were 'at the top', you competed against so many strong Canadian men's skaters - Elvis Stojko, Sebastien Britten, Marcus Christensen, Emanuel Sandhu, Jean-Francois Hebert and others... did you always get along with your competitors or was there a rivalry there?
A: I think we all really did get along well. It was an incredibly strong time in men's skating in Canadian history. I think we all respected one another and what we were all trying to achieve. I never felt any conflict or tension between us and as a skater I tried to be kind to all. We are all doing what we love and trying to reach our own goals. I think that in skating there is room for all.
Q:What prompted your decision to retire from competitive skating and did you ever regret your choice?
A: I think that injury was a big factor for me. I had a tough last few seasons and I was starting to lose my love of skating. I needed to step away from the competitive side. I don't regret my decision at all and it gave me the opportunity to coach at an early age. Also, I was able to do shows for many years which I absolutely loved and had some of the best times of my life. I also met some people who are still some of my closest friends. Q: Who are your three favourite skaters of all time and why?
A: I think my favourite skater is Brian Orser, whose skating I admired and who motivated me as a young boy to move to train with his coaches who I stayed with for my entire career. He was also the choreographer of my Olympic short program. I think beyond that it would be hard to narrow it down to two others. There have been so many skaters who have inspired me and made me love skating more and more. Q: What's one thing about you most people don't know?
A: I love to do interior design and real estate. It is always of interest to me and I am constantly trying to keep up with the trends and follow the markets. Q: If you could give a word of advice to anyone skating competitively today looking back on your own personal experiences, what would it be?
A: I would tell them to skate because they love it and skate for personal goals, regardless of what those goals are. Skate from the soul and appreciate all it gives us as we are not able to do it forever. Q: What is your favourite movie of all time?
A: I love all of the Bourne movies!
Q: Would you ever get into professional skating or performing again?
A: I don't think that I would perform myself anymore but I love being involved with coaching, choreographing and would like to perhaps someday be involved in the choreography of an ice show. Q: What do you love most about being on the ice?
A: I just love the freedom of expression and passion it allows us to share through body and soul, and the combination of the physical and artistry is so amazing if we allow ourselves to let go and just be ourselves! It's incredible!
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.
Before we get started, I want to take a minute and let you all know about my recent interview with PJ Kwong on Open Kwong Dore podcast! I recently had chance to talk everything from skating to drag to bullying with PJ (who is really the voice of Canadian figure skating) and it was just a lot of fun. For those of you who may enjoy the blog itself but might not know much about me personally, give it a listen! We talk about some interesting stuff.
Now... I can't think of a better way to get Canada Month rollin' on the river on Canada Day than with the first of several articles coming this month about Canadian skating history. I decided to take a look at the life of Norval Baptie. Born March 18, 1879 in Bethany, Ontario, a small village of less than three hundred in the Township of Manvere County, Durham, Norval was a pioneering force in figure skating and a real 'father' of the ice show, although many have never even heard his name.
From 1894 to 1910, Norval was a competitive speed skater who was unbeaten for sixteen years in his sport, winning almost five thousand races and setting records for broad jumping on skates, barrel jumping, skating backwards and skating on stilts. He turned his attention, however, to stunt and figure skating, and toured Canada and the Northern U.S. with a one man show that was a pioneering movement in presenting figure skating to audiences as a form of entertainment. He recounted his story in 1966, which was reproduced with much of the information found in this article in David Young's fantastic 1984 book "The Golden Age Of Canadian Figure Skating": "The show consisted of seven acts. First, I would help the ticket taker at the gate. Then I would loosen up with an exhibition of speed skating, just to get some of the 20 to 30 below (F) weather out of my bones... A fox chase usually followed with as many as fifty local youngsters skating their heads off in an effort to catch me. I would then jump some barrels, and in some of these towns, they had kids who were pretty handy at this, and they wouldn't be satisfied until you upped the number to exceed their best efforts. This would be followed with an exhibition of figure or fancy skating. The finale usually consisted of a stilt-skating exhibition, and mine usually measured twenty-six inches, although most of those used by today's spectacular acts are only fourteen inches high."
Norval's pioneering efforts and exhibitions - not only of figure skating but of barrel jumping on skates and skating on stilts - became staple acts in tours like Ice Follies, Ice Capades and Holiday On Ice that were to come. He shared his passion for figure (or "fancy" skating) in a 1929 interview with the New York City Public Schools Athletic League Annual: "... at this point I might say a good word for fancy skating. Few activities add so much to the grace and build of a man or a woman as does fancy skating for the benefit of those who might like to take it up. The gyrations, bending, twistings and curves of fancy skating give one more healthful exercise than any number of daily dozens."
After World War I ended near the end of the second decade of the 1900's, Norval expanded his shows to a format that was to better be known to skating audiences to come, employing other acts and joined both on and off the ice by Gladys Lamb, a dancer turned skater from Chicago, Illinois who he married in 1924.
Norval directed skating carnivals featuring three time Olympic Gold Medallist Sonja Henie and in 1938, retired from performing and moved to Washington, D.C. to coach skating at the Washington Figure Skating Club. At the club, he worked alongside 1936 and 1937 Canadian Figure Skating Champion and renowned coach Osborne Colson, who described Norval as "one of the most remarkable men that I had ever met".
Norval really was remarkable, not only for his pioneering efforts in the sport, but for the fact he continued to coach after having both legs amputated within a four year span due to complications with diabetes, teaching skating from a wheelchair until his death at age eighty seven on November 26, 1966 in Baltimore, Maryland. In a fabulous Pro Skating Historical Foundation article written by the late Janet Wright, Shirley Sherman recounted being taught by him: "Back in those days Norval was the only coach in the Winter Garden. [It was] open in September until sometime in the spring. He looked grumpy but was very gentle with me. In the earlier 30's there weren't many little kids figure skating. I think he felt sorry for a little girl struggling around school figures!... I only remember Daddy having complete faith in him."
Photo courtesy Library And Archives Canada
Having pioneered the ice show, entertained audiences in cities and towns across North America and taught so many skaters how to skate, Norval lived a remarkable and impacting life. He was named to the United States Ice Skating Hall Of Fame prior to his death and his pioneering efforts live on in the ice shows and skaters of today. He paved the way. And with that... Happy Canada Day!
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.
You know how on Christmas between opening presents and carving turkey and refilling wine glasses, there just don't seem to be enough hours in the day? It's really the same way with every holiday if you think about it. We anticipate these special days eagerly, our mouths salivating weeks ahead of the delicious meals laid out in front of us are even going in the oven, let alone making their way to our tables and bellies... and poof! Just as the meat sweats and the turkey hangover kick in, the plates are being cleared and the holiday in question is one for the history books. Sound about right? Well, I thought we'd mix things up a little bit on the blog this year. You know me... Conventional just is not something I'm prepared to put on the menu. After doing Christmas In July last year, I decided... you know? With July 1 and Canada Day just around the corner, it would be really be pretty rude of me to offer you just one day of great Canadian skating content and then move on to something else while the fireworks are still fading from the sky. SO I came up with this fabulous little idea I think you're going to love.
We're not doing Canada Day on Skate Guard this year. We're doing Canada freakin' Month! Why not, right? With a HUGE special thanks to Skate Canada, Canada Month on the blog will feature interviews with members of Canada's 2014 Olympic and World teams! Alma, no need to check your battery - you heard that right! Rather than keep you in suspense, I'm going to tell you exactly who you'll be seeing interviews with (in alphabetical order): GABBY DALEMAN
KAETLYN OSMOND
ALEXANDRA PAUL AND MITCH ISLAM
KEVIN REYNOLDS
There's SO much more! I've also got interviews coming with Alexandra Najarro, Veronik Mallet, Sasha Alcoloumbre, two time Canadian Champion Cynthia Phaneuf, 2001 Canadian Silver Medallist Jayson Dénommée, Michelle Leigh (coach to Canadian Olympians Elvis Stojko and Jennifer Robinson), 1998 Canadian Olympian Jeffrey Langdon and... WAIT FOR IT... I am hoping to have ready in time my interview with World Champion, two time Olympic Silver Medallist, eight time Canadian Champion and coach to Olympic Gold Medallists Yuzuru Hanyu and Yuna Kim...
BRIAN ORSER
Yeah, I am! I won't just be featuring interviews with great Canadian skaters during Canada Month... I've also got some new articles coming about Canadian skating history that you're going to just love. So now that I've got you all jazzed for Canada Month, I can't just leave you hanging... Why not take a look back at some of the great interviews with Canadians I've already done? They are ALL here in this list below:
My apologies to anybody I've missed! Somewhat like Gladys from Ellen's talk show, I love figure skating but I drink a little. Please bear in mind that although I already have most of these interviews finished and ready to go, a few of them are still as they say 'in the works' so if due to scheduling I am not able to get them all out in July, don't worry... they are all coming!
I'll also be re-sharing many of these above interviews I've already completed with Canadian skaters as well as a lot of the past articles I've written about Canadian skating history during Canada Month. You can't go wrong with a little Throwback Thursday action, now can you? At any rate, I'm a-cookin' somethin' right some special for you all up and I really hope that you're as excited for Canada Month as I am! It's going to be a time!
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.
Dick Button, Kristi Yamaguchi, Paul Wylie, Natalia Bestemianova, Jozef Sabovcik, Meagan Duhamel, Elena Bechke, Trixi Schuba, Tim Wood... Olympic medallists ALL and each one of them wonderful, wonderful people I've been so fortunate to have become acquainted with through having the opportunities to share their stories in their own words on this blog. It's my absolute honor and privilege to be able to add one more name to that list of Olympic medallists I've been so fortunate to have chance to interview... in this case the current Olympic Bronze Medallist Denis Ten. A world medallist, international champion, three time National Champion of Kazahkstan, ambassador of skating in his country and absolute joy to watch, Ten rose to the occasion to win his country's first Olympic medal in history at the 2014 Sochi Games. What I think you're going to really appreciate from getting to know Denis a lot more through this interview is just how intelligent and fascinating a person he is. From talking about his past, present and future in skating to his background in music and his ancestor Min Geung-ho, Denis was so kind to share so much and he was just an absolute treat to interview. I think you're going to love it:
Q: You've made history by becoming Kazakhstan's first medal winner at the Winter Olympic Games and World Championships. What did these moments mean to you and have things changed vastly for you in your life at home as a result?
A: Thank you! Of course, it meant a lot to me, to my family, coaches and the whole country. Kazakhstan never had figure skating before. I started skating at an open air rink and then my training location moved to a shopping mall until I turned ten years old. Looking back now, we can see that it was a long way to get where I am at the moment and I’m incredibly thankful to my parents for their unbelievable support throughout my career. Anyway, since 2011, when I won the gold medal at the Asian Winter Games (and it was held in Kazakhstan) the sport started getting recognition among people. The government built lots of wonderful ice arenas that are corresponding to the highest international standards. People got an opportunity not only to enjoy watching our beautiful sport but also to try skating themselves. Since 2011, the popularity of skating tremendously grew… officially one of the biggest ice rinks in Kazakhstan served over 200 000 people on public skating. Not to mention that in Astana alone we have about seven rinks and all of the learn-to-skate groups are overcrowded nowadays. Kids love figure skating. I really enjoy seeing such progress and I truly understand that from my point it's a huge responsibility to present myself well at competitions as there are so many young skaters looking up to me. That is why my position in sport is not just an athlete but also as an ambassador of figure skating in Kazakhstan.
Q: What do you see as your biggest strengths and weaknesses both as a skater and as a person?
A: It's hard to say. I had to deal with so many challenges and in particular with injuries for last two years. These problems sometimes didn't let me train properly and also to compete well at international competitions. However, when it's a very important event I know how to get myself together no matter what's going on and I was always like that... in music school, in school and now skating. I think that this is my biggest strength. Q: What does the future hold for you? Do you plan on going full steam ahead and working on new programs or is professional or show skating something you'd like to explore more?
A: It took some time to decide what was going to be next after the season was over. As I mentioned earlier, I struggled with injures for the last two years. In this way, this year was like a nightmare! I had one injury coming after another one. Just two weeks before the Olympics, I could barely walk as my ankle ligaments were completely damaged. It was a lot of stress. Did I mention that a few weeks before it happened my skates broke? I take my hat off to Mr. Carroll for being so patient with me! After the Games, I had some time to recover after injuries and to find myself doing other things. I've been pretty busy. I did some shows, lots of media activities and for the second time organized my own show which had great success. I got to hold a five day seminar for young skaters and their coaches in Kazakhstan after shows. Doing all these great things actually inspired me to keep competing for another four years. As you might know, Almaty (which is my hometown) is one of the bids for the Winter Olympic Games in 2022. I am an ambassador for the Bidding Committee and I truly hope that someday the Olympics will be held in Kazakhstan. I know we have a great chance and people have recently started to ask me "If we win, would you consider skating until 2022?" We will see. For now, my goal is PyeongChang 2018.
Q: You attended music school and competed as part of a choir, winning the silver medal at the 2002 World Choir Games in Korea. How important is music to you in your life and what pieces of music or songs to you listen to constantly?
A: My Mom is a professional violinist. She graduated from the Kazakh State Conservatory and performed all over the world before I was born. So since I was a child, music would always take an important part in my development. I used to go to a music school where I studied piano and sang in the choir. Unfortunately I had to quit the music school when we moved to Moscow for training and I graduated only five grades. I used to hate solfeggio but now I really miss it. After Sochi, there was some time to do what I enjoy and I slowly started getting back to music. One of my friends is a very famous composer in Kazakhstan, Renat Gaissin. He is incredibly talented! He actually wrote the music for my skating show. So this summer, I got to the point to record the pieces I wrote and we could work together. Although, the tracks were a bit personal and I don’t think anyone will ever hear them, he found them to be "ingenious". That makes me feel a bit more confident that in the future I’ll make a return to my music school.
Q: You have worked with some of the best coaches and choreographers in the business - people like Frank Carroll, Tatiana Tarasova, Stéphane Lambiel and Lori Nichol. What has each brought to your skating that has helped you grow as an artist?
A: I am truly the luckiest athlete in the world to have an opportunity to work with so many great coaches. They all gave me a lot. I became a professional skater by training in Russia with Elena Buyanova and Tatiana Tarasova. It was a wonderful time and I'm really grateful to them for everything they taught me. It was a priceless experience. I grew as a skater by working with Frank Carroll, Lori Nichol and Stéphane Lambiel. Frank is the most polite and wise person I've ever met in my life. Lori is the biggest professional in the whole world of skating choreography and it is an honor for me to work with her for four years in a row already. As for Stéphane, he was always a skater I looked up to and when I met him I realized that he is the most gifted skater I've ever seen. The things he does are impossible to execute unless you're him. He does all the triples both ways. Can you imagine? Starting in 2012, all my exhibition programs are choreographed by Stéphane.
Q: Tell me about some of the friendships you've formed through competitive figure skating. Who are some of the nicest skaters you've met or worked with?
A: I'll start with Stéphane. He is not only a skater or choreographer for me but also a great friend of mine. Even though he achieved so much in our sport, he remains as a very nice and easy person. We have so much fun together and the memories I have with Stef are just priceless. Carolina Kostner is also a wonderful person and friend. We stay in touch throughout the season and always support each other. There are actually way more people I want to mention but I am afraid there won’t be enough space on your website!
Q: Who are your three favourite skaters of all time and why?
A: Alexei Yagudin... he's a legendary skater. He was always my idol but he is also an awesome buddy. Stéphane Lambiel... as I previously said, he is the most gifted and talented skater I think. He is truly an artist! And Yuna Kim. Just because. Q: If you were stranded on a desert island and could bring only three things with you, what would they be?
A: Definitely not skates. It's a tough question. Maybe a solar power generator, a knife and… a friend?
Q: Your great-great-grandfather Min Geung-ho was a Korean independence fighter general during the era when Korea found for independence from Japan. What can you share about his story?
A: It's so inspiring. You know, when I was a kid I didn't even know about my grandfather. I always knew of course that I'm Korean but we never talked about him until 2010 I think. In January of 2010, the Four Continents Championships were held in Jeonju, South Korea. About a month before the event, the Korean channel KBS was filming a documentary about Min Geung-ho and his descendants and they wanted to film me as well. That was the time when my Grandmother told me all the stories about Min Geung-ho and I got so inspired! I couldn't believe that there was a real hero in our family's tree! After Four Continents, we went to Wonju with the TV crew to visit his tomb which is a very special place located on the mountain and has a huge territory. We also went to the monument of him which was constructed by the city in 1999 in honor of his patriotism. That inspiration made me interested in world history but in the Korean War of the 1900's in particular. I remember when I moved to the U.S., I would spent nights reading about him thanks to some fans who'd send me Korean-English translation of articles about him. His army was the largest in the country and had the strongest fighting spirit. They won around a hundred battles and most memorable fights were in Jeocheon, Jucksan, Janghowon, Yeoju and Hongcheon. "He was a man of integrity and fairness and held in great respect by his subordinates. Also he was a strong-willed commander with an excellent leadership skills and thus had many followers" it says on the monument of General Min Geung-ho. In 1962, he was posthumously awarded the Republic of Korea Medal of Order of Merit for National Foundation (the most prestigious civil decoration in the Republic of Korea) for his efforts for Korean independence. Only after getting to know the history better, I realized what he really has done for my second home country Korea and how great, smart and brave he was. In the beginning, I even felt ashamed that once there was one show where I was given to wear a headband which says Japan and back then I didn't know about my grandfather. When I got to know his biography better, I thought to myself "what if he saw it and got disappointed with me?". In the beginning, I got a bit frustrated but then I realized that the war is over and things have changed but since then I always skate with a thought of him. I try to be a worthy descendant and I want him to be proud of me. Q: What's one thing most people don't know about you?
A: Most of the people think I’m a very serious person but I bet they are wrong. Completely wrong. Q: What do you love more than anything about being on the ice?
A: I might sound strange but in skating I enjoy only one thing and it's not about my feelings. I like bringing joy to people. When I see people enjoying what I do, that means I do it for something. I do it for the 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.
If you look at the documented history of figure skating (especially here in North America), it's fascinating to me how much we really know about so many of the sport's great Olympic gold medal winners but how comparatively little we know about others. Skaters like John Curry, Peggy Fleming, Dorothy Hamill, Scott Hamilton, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean and Katarina Witt for instance have all been the subjects of books and documentaries. Their journeys both on and off the ice are ones we know well. Sadly, the story of Trixi Schuba, the two time European and World Champion and 1972 Olympic Gold Medallist is one that has never really been fully known to many. She was the queen of compulsory figures, often overlooked by skating fans and storytellers alike because her strength as a skater was in those school figures at a time when they counted for so much. The fact of the matter is that Schuba was so dominant and unstoppable in those figures that she won most competitions before the free skating even started. There's something to really be said for that, especially considering that she balanced her skating career with work during much of her career. I had the opportunity to finally catch up with Trixi while she was in Italy vacationing in late May and again after she returned to Austria. We actually first connected on my birthday and I can't think of a better birthday present than to have spoken with her. Prior to speaking on the telephone, we'd never actually talked before aside from via e-mail and she was one of the sweetest, most down to earth people I have had the good fortune of interviewing. We spoke about everything from her "amateur" and professional careers to her thoughts on the elimination of school figures and the ISU judging system, her involvement in figure skating today, an amazing and long overdue reunion of sorts and much more in this wonderful interview I guarantee will leave a smile on your face: Q: You had such an amazing career in figure skating: six Austrian titles, two European titles, two World titles and the Olympic gold medal at the 1972 Winter Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan. What are the proudest moments from your skating career?
A: Of course, the greatest accomplishment was the gold medal at the 1972 Olympics. When I became the 1971 and 1972 European Champion, it was looking very good that I could win also gold at the Olympics but I also knew that I would have a lot of competition from both Karen Magnussen and Janet Lynn. They were both competitors. Because of the school figures, I had so many points that it was obvious to me that I would win at that point. Nothing could top the Olympic win.
Q: After winning the 1972 World title, you retired from competitive skating and toured with Holiday On Ice and Ice Follies for several years before turning to a career in the insurance industry. Where did your decision to turn professional come from and why didn't you continue with professional skating or return to it?
A: I knew at the beginning of the season, that it will be my last year and also the ISU changed the regulations cutting it down from six to three school figures and adding the short program so I went into professional skating. I also knew 1972 would be my last year anyway even if I won the Olympics or not and it's always better to end on the top. First I had Ice Follies from 1972 to 1973, then from 1973 to 1974 the Holiday On Ice in the United States and then I returned to skate with the European Holiday On Ice from 1974 to 1978. Already winning the European, World and Olympic titles, there was really no more for me to reach; it was the time to quit.
Q: An interesting question that was posed to me by Frazer Ormondroyd to ask you was that you performed the double Axel in practice but didn't include it in your competitive programs. Why was this?
A: First of all, I really didn't like the double Axel jump very much. I had so many bad falls on it in practices and I was a little afraid to put it in my program and do it there. It was also really not necessarily for me, being so far ahead in the school figures. Q: You have been very active in supporting figure skating and sport in general in Austria. You're currently on the board of the Graz Skating Club and have previously served as president of the Austrian Ice Skating Association and have sat on the boards of both the Austrian Olympic and Paralympic Committees as well. What are some of the most inspiring things you've seen through your involvement in these organizations?
A: Well, I was for quite a long time not involved in skating. In 2002, they asked me to become President of the Austrian Ice Skating Association but that didn't last for a very long time. I often felt I was fighting against other officials. After 2006, I was not welcome anymore as the President of the Austrian Figure Skating Association. I saw too much of the sport. I also became a controller in the Austrian Olympic Committee until 2009. These positions allowed me to become a little more involved again. The Grazer Skating Club, where I am the Vice President, is wonderful. They really appreciate and want me involved and are thankful for what I do. I'm from Vienna, and not even my ex-Viennese club Wiener Eislaufverein has really shown any appreciation. I'm happy to support the people in Graz and I do have some skaters in Graz I help behind the curtains that come to me for advice and help. That makes me so proud. Now I am on the board of the Paralympic Committee in Austria and also help at the Special Olympics in Austria and internationally. On another note, I am very passionate about school figures and would love to maybe work with more skaters and talk to them about why they are important to improving your skating. Q: Earlier in your career, you were coached by 1952 Olympic Silver Medallist Helmut Seibt, an accomplished skater in his own right. What was working with Helmut Seibt like and what influence did your coaches have on your career?
A: Helmut Seibt was my first coach and was very good. He taught me the love of compulsory figures but he left Austria in 1962. I then worked with Inge Solar for one year and then changed to Hilde Appeltauer from 1964 to 1970. After the Worlds in 1970, I didn't feel very comfortable with her anymore. She was never optimistic or positive and always made me feel down. It wasn't psychologically a good experience. Then in the spring of 1970, things changed and I worked with Leopold Linhart for the final two years and it was amazing that I was able to reach all of my gold medals with him in this short time. Q: What is your favourite book, your favourite song and your favourite meal to eat?
A: I don't know if I have a favourite book, but I read a lot nowadays. I am trying to develop myself a little more and have an opinion that the whole body exists in mind, body and soul and am always trying to improve these sides of myself and learn. It's been interesting for me to develop in this way. When I'm not reading books like these, I might also read a crime book or something. I enjoy classical music. That's more for me than the new sounds. That's not my music. As for food, I was eating almost everything, but I have changed now to a more vegan diet. I feel now much better and it was the right time to improve my way of life.
Q: When was the last time you skated and would you ever get out and perform for an audience again?
A: No, no, never! I am sixty three and I am only on the ice skating once a year now. We have every year a very big competition in Graz, the Icechallenge, which is also in the ISU calendar and at the ice gala I announce the show. NO jumps, NO spins because I don't want to end up going in the hospital! Q: What is one thing most people don't know about you?
A: I have no idea what they know and don't know! I suppose sometimes it's necessary for you to have some secrets in your life. I have a dog (Cosima) and she's here vacationing with me in Grado, Italy, which isn't far from Venice. I stayed at this same hotel when I was here at age four with my parents. It's beautiful, a family friendly hotel; very old fashioned and nice. Q: Who are your three favourite skaters of all time and why?
A: I can just say my favourite. My mother and I watched Sjoukje Dijkstra skate at the 1964 Olympics in Innsbruck and I thought that it would be fantastic if I once competed at the Olympics after watching her skate there. I was lucky enough to get to do it twice - finishing fifth in 1968 in Grenoble and four years later, winning gold in Sapporo. What I thought was wonderful is that after all these years, I was able to meet Sjoukje Dijkstra and she was a hero to me. She's just a normal person like you or I and it is just fantastic to become a friend of your hero.
Q: You've been hailed by many as the greatest 'compulsory figures' skater of all time. What were your feelings when compulsory figures were eliminated from international competition in 1990 and what are your thoughts on how skating (and the way it is judged) have changed over the years?
A: Well, I felt really sorry when they were eliminated because in my opinion, school figures are the basis for being a good skater. You have to learn strong edges on both sides and perfect those skills. I was sad when they removed the figures from world competition and also sad when they changed the judging system in 2002 after the Salt Lake City Olympics because of the scandal between Russia and France. Don't ask me how the new system works. Its is not so easy to understand. Last year Doug Wilson wrote a book "The World Was Our Stage" and did a chapter on Janet Lynn and I. It was really, really a nice chapter. Janet Lynn also read it and said it was fantastic. What's really an interesting story is that after Doug wrote this book, Janet Lynn, Karen Magnussen and I all reconnected after forty years. We are all in touch and all have the exact same opinions about the changes in skating today; we all feel the same way. The three of us reconnecting is all because of Doug's book.
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.
Some skaters just exude potential and if you're talking about U.S. men's skating in the here and now, Jordan Moeller is absolutely one of those skaters. After performing a very strong free skate to take the silver medal in the junior men's event at the 2014 U.S. Championships in Boston, Jordan went on to represent the U.S. internationally at the World Junior Championships in Bulgaria where he finished in the top ten in his first trip to the event. Jordan took the time out of his training and preparations for next season to talk about everything from competing at the World Junior Championships to training alongside Jason Brown, new programs, Blades Of Glory and much more in this interview that's bound to make you root for him next season:
Q: Your accomplishments so far - at nineteen - are just remarkable. You've won medals on both the novice and junior level nationally, have won both Regional and Sectional titles, a gold medal at the Gardena Spring Trophy and have represented the U.S. on both the Junior Grand Prix Circuit and at the World Junior Championships. Putting it all together and looking back so far, what are your proudest moments and most special memories?
A: It has truly been quite a journey so far and I could not be more thankful for the opportunities I have had in my sport so far. There have been quite a few moments that I would classify as special, one of them being my National silver medal at the junior level this past season. In the past, I have struggled with the pressure of competing on big stages. This year, however, I was able to overcome a disappointing sixth place short program and rise up to the challenge of the long program. I proved that I could pull myself back together and earned the silver medal overall. Another special moment (and probably my favourite so far) happened at the 2014 World Junior Championships. This was my first trip to the World Junior Championships. I had been practicing my short program with a triple axel leading up to the competition and was planning to go for it on the world stage. I could not have picked a better setting to land my first triple axel in competition. This, followed by a clean short, was my proudest moment of my career so far.
Q: You train alongside Jason Brown and like Jason, work with Kori Ade and Rohene Ward. How have Jason, Kori and Rohene each pushed you to become the wonderful skater you are?
A: I could not ask for a better team to train with. Jason, Kori and Rohene have all been in my life for about seven years now. Each are a blessing in their own way. Jason is one of the hardest workers we have in this sport. It is great for me to be able to train along side of him and see him push himself to the max each day. In turn, this pushes me to work harder everyday in order to reach my full potential. Kori is one of the most kindhearted people I know. With her wisdom and no-nonsense work ethic, I have been able to get to where I am today. She is very knowledgeable of the sport and always brings great ideas to the table. With all of the serious training everyday, however, she still manages to find ways to keep things fun and entertaining while pushing us to our limits. Rohene is absolutely brilliant with his choreography. It is amazing to be able to watch the wheels turning in his head as he is creating a program. I always love seeing what he will bring to the table each year. On top of being a great choreographer, he is also good at playing drill sargent. I cannot count how many times I left the ice dripping sweat. Keep in mind that Monument is not a warm rink! My team has been behind me through it all and I could not ask for a better group of people.
Q: I read that your inspiration to compete internationally was the film Blades Of Glory. That's
awesome! Would you say you're more of a Chazz Michaels or a Jimmy MacElroy?
A: Blades of Glory has been one of my favourite movies for a long while now. I truly admired the accurate portrayal of our sport and competition. It is a masterpiece for the ages. I would have to say that I have a little bit of both Jimmy MacElroy and Chazz Michael Michaels in me. I think I have the grace and compassion of MacElroy, followed by the ferocity and charisma of Michaels. When combined, these attributes would certainly be enough to raise me to the top, ahead of, say, the pair team of Fairchild and Fairchild.
Q: What's the plan for the 2014/2015 season? What are your goals and focuses in training and what can you share about the programs you'll be skating?
A: I am very excited for the 2014/15 season. This will be my first year at the senior level and I cannot wait to see what it has in store for me. The only competitions that are concrete so far are the 2014 Broadmoor Open and the 2014 Glacier Falls Summer Classic. As far as my programs are concerned, I will be skating two very different programs from last year. My short program music is entitled "Wakare No Kyoku" and is from a Japanese Anime called "Fullmetal Alchemist." It is a piece that is based from a Chopin symphony and was choreographed by Katherine Hill. I will be a young man who, after many years of separation, is reunited by fate with a lost love. My free program, choreographed by Rohene Ward, is entitled "In the Hall of the Mountain King" from the Peer Gynt Suites. I will be portraying an aged, mad king that is in a state of longing for his rightful place on the throne. I am really looking forward to debuting these programs!
Q: You've been traveling to Chad in the summers to help build houses for blind children and have done conservation work with the endangered kakapo owl parrot. First of all, who are you? Sally Struthers? That's insane! Good for you! Secondly, what's the most rewarding part of your work in Africa and what keeps you coming back to do this amazing humanitarian work?
A: My trips abroad have been wonderful experiences. It really makes me happy to be able to help out around the world in order to make it a better place. One specific memory I have of Africa is of a young boy named Yannick. I had just entered his hometown and this little boy ran to me with a huge smile on his face and gave me the biggest hug he could muster. I made friends with many of the children there and, although my time is always short, I really enjoy being able to see smiles across their faces.
Q: Who are your three favourite skaters of all time and why?
A: During my rise in the skating world, I have looked up to several skaters. I have always admired Daisuke Takahashi's ability to entrance an entire crowd as he becomes one with the character in his choreography. Michelle Kwan has always been a great face for figure skating. She is a true model of a champion through victory and defeat. Another skater I have looked up to for a while is Midori Ito. She is an explosive skater that can still remain graceful through adversity. Q: What's one thing most people don't know about you?
A: One thing that many people do not know about me is that I have a collection (not a huge one) of Japanese Manga that is on my bookshelf. Every now and then I enjoy immersing myself in another world and books are the easiest way to do that. Q: What's your favourite song to rock out to?
A: Right now? The answer to this question changes so frequently! I have been listening to "Modern Age" by Anberlin a lot lately. I have been a huge Anberlin fan for a long time and I hope I can see them perform someday. Q: If you had to eat one food and one food only every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: I would have to go with steak. The carnivore in me is feeling hungry.
Q: What do you love the most about figure skating?
A: Skating has been a great outlet for me throughout my life. I have always loved being able to allow myself to move however I may want. Having a pair of blades strapped on my feet has made that feeling so much easier to accomplish. I feel that I express myself best when I am on the ice.
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.
