Around the World

To begin, in Australia, the death of 4 people on Sydney Harbor including Australian Skating Champion Morgan Innes, is again coming under investigation. In March 2007, a Sydney Ferry collided with a cruiser carrying a large group of the Australian Figure Skating Community late at night. The New South Wales Deputy Coroner Hugh Dillon is investigating the crash in which witnesses will testify that the Sydney Ferry did not have it's lights on. Tragic indeed.

To Japan where apparently Mao Asada has her own 5 minute spot on Sunday afternoon television that looks at her training, nutrition habits, and her staff as she "aims for victory" in 2010. Interesting...

In Canada, Emanuel Sandhu, has again ditched the skates for the dance floor as he has once more made it past the initial trial rounds in the Canadian Television hit 'So You Think You Can Dance Canada.' "I consider myself a performance artist" said the 28 year old Sandhu who has been absent from figure skating for the past two years. Last season he was cut before the top 20 was picked. The finalist will be announced when the show airs this fall. Also, World Silver Medalist Patrick Chan is meeting Joubert's challenge and has begun working on 'the quad.' Remember this comment: "I think Joubert is constantly, always complaining because he never has anything else to say." If you recall, Joubert threw a small tempur-tantrum due to then Buttle's and now Chan's lack of the jump in competition during both the 2008 and 2009 World Championships. Joubert won neither while a Canadian has placed higher than him for two years running. Also, program update for Chan. Free Skate will be 'Phantom of the Opera.'

In the U.S. Johnny Weir's 'Pop Star on Ice' debuted to good reviews. Johnny's screen presence will continue with a show later this year on the Sundance Channel. Also, some very fun pics were taken of some of the Figure Skating hopefuls for 2010...check out the gallery here.