Sticking It Out

Amidst all the splitting, switching, and retiring amongst the top U.S. Pairs teams the past couple of seasons, one has remained constant and will continue to be so through at least the immediate future.

Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig announced Tuesday they will continue international competition during the 2011-12 season and train in Ellenton, Florida under longtime coach Jim Peterson.

"They are 'staying in' because of their love of the sport, a desire to better themselves as competitors and to ultimately reach their potential as athletes," Jim Peterson told the Southwest Florida Skating Club.

While the announcement would suggest they're leaning towards a run at the Sochi Olympics, they formally announced those plans yet. "Mark and I have always had commitments on a yearly basis" Amanda said.

Well no matter their decision, kudos to them for sticking it out for as long as they have. We've learned keeping teams together is no easy feat and this team has managed to "beat the odds."