Slightly Sexy Pirate Wench...I'll Take It!

When Alena Leonova is at her best, she's hit her technical elements and then sells, sells, sells...that's exactly what she did today! She had me in the palm of her hand...and that's a lot considering I've been so over POTC for about two years now. The judges put her in first and I couldn't agree with the placement more. Murakami and Kostner in 2nd/3rd...neither really did it for me but I guess I get it; Murakami was clean and Kostner is, well, Kostner. Mao Asada is very lucky to be in 4th after what could have been a disaster missing that triple axel...luckily all the ladies behind her decided to make errors themselves.



Speaking of errors, let's talk about Ashley and Alissa...I'm not ready to write the obituary just yet, but this is not going well to this point for the American Ladies. The saving grace is, while Ashley is in 8th, she's only 5.5 points or so from the podium. If you look at her 4CC free, she can get there if things happen. Alissa...poor Alissa...the old Alissa is back. The one from a couple years ago that doubted everything, looked frail, and once one mistake happened...down came the domino's. For the free she needs to forget about competing and just go enjoy skating. Skate for herself and let the chips fall...if she puts the pressure of having to better her placement I feel the bottom will come from under her...this is about her now, not the placement.

As I watched these SP's, it became abundantly clear I miss some things in skating. I miss spiral sequences in the short program, I miss ladies 'having' to have a lutz and flip in the short in order to crack the top 6 (Costner is 3rd with a triple toe/triple toe, double axel, and double loop), I miss not having the luxury to wander to any seat in the arena because every seat was filled, and just a little...I miss the 6.0 system, but most of all - I miss Michelle Kwan.



Sorry...couldn't help myself:

The Iconic American Skating Moves

A co-worker of mine was watching a skating performance over my shoulder on YouTube on this slow Wednesday afternoon and she commented on how awesome a particular element was and I exclaimed, "Oh that's an iconic American skating move." I then began to prattle on about other iconic moves...at which point I'm sure I lost her as she started talking about work again but I figured I'd share my thoughts with all of you!

Jenni Meno and Todd Sand always put an amazing lift near the end of their programs that was always mesmerizing. It was a gorgeous stag lift that had this impressive drop-out at the end. The crowd always gasped a little when they did it but Todd never ever dropped her (whew!). Lots of teams after them have performed the element but it never seems to look as great as when Jenni and Todd did it. At one point the ISU considered making the move illegal...but thankfully that never happened.

Dick Button is an icon in the sport of figure skating, American or otherwise, but his invention of the flying camel spin or "Button Camel" is certainly one of the American iconic figure skating moves. Dick Button was quite the skating pioneer, being the first to land a a double axel and a triple jump (a loop) in competition. Quite the over-achiever!

Brian Boitano's "Tano" lutz is a classic. The lutz is already super-hard because it takes off and outside edge but Brian Boitano upped the ante when he decided to throw one arm above his head as he performed the jump. I think what made this move so impressive was the crispness and the tightness of his arm during the jump. Like any iconic move, lots of skaters have copied it, but often their arm looks floppy above their head. Brian's arm was always very strong above his head making it look so much cleaner. One of the more interesting reinventions of the iconic move comes from Adam Rippon who performs a lutz with both hands over his head. We'll see if his jump becomes as famous. Brian is also made the death drop iconic by making it bigger than anyone had ever before.

A spread eagle is such a basic move but no other American skater gave it such effect as Paul Wylie. While many skaters perform a spread eagle, Paul makes the move iconic. Paul has always been known as an artistic skater but he takes it to a whole different level when he enters into a spread eagle. It isn't even about how long or short the spiral it is, it's simply the power he performs the move with. He just explodes into it and hits this amazing position. Speed I think is the factor that makes the move work. Paul Wylie was always a skater with tremendous speed. At the 1992 Olympics during the free skate he hit his spread eagle with such amazing power it was a joy to watch. Brian Boitano also had an iconic spread eagle but he can't have all the credit. ;-)

Not really a move but an iconic part of her performance any is of course the Dorothy Hamill "Wedge" haircut. That hair is an icon all by itself. Every little girl wanted to have the wedge just like Dorothy. She became a fashion icon with that hair and a media hit following the 1976 Olympics. To her credit she does have an actual iconic move, the "Hamill Camel" where she moved immediately from a camel spin into a sit spin. Dorothy has managed to keep her hair current over the years but it always seems to somehow maintain some of that "wedginess" that was so popular.

My favorite iconic move of them all is the Michelle Kwan forward spiral. It isn't that Michelle had the best stretch of any skater in her spiral...she didn't. It was more just how it moved across the ice, had the great change of edge, and simply embraced you with it's openness and honesty (yes...a skating move can be 'honest'). I think the first time she did it with impact was her 1998 Olympic Season short program to Rachmaninoff (which I believe remains one of the greatest choreographed short programs...ever!). At the 1998 U.S. Nationals, she was at the end of a ridiculously amazing performance and she flew into that spiral and the crowd went nuts. That's the moment it became iconic. It made several more appearances in subsequent programs of hers and was a crowd hit every time.

Have I missed any?

Who Won the Rivalry?

Part of what makes figure skating great are some of the amazing rivalries that have existed. I thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the rivalries fresh in our mind and decide...who won?!?!

Also, click on the links in this post for some fun YouTube trips down memory lane!

Alexei Yagudin vs Evgeny Plushenko: Yags v Plush. It seemed for a while these two where winning everything...and when one didn't win, the other got second place. It was ridiculous. It was even like their coaches would have snide little remarks about the other skater. I remember at one point Alexei Mishin (who in Yagudin's early days actually coached him) saying how Yagudin's best days where back in the junior ranks and Tatiana Tarasova called Evgeny Plushenko "plastic" at one point (what did that mean?). It all came to a head at the 2002 Olympics and fortunately for Yagudin, Plushenko decided to crash and burn on his quad combo in the short program leaving a free and clear gold medal path for Yagudin. But who wins this rivalry? I think if you look strictly at the competition between them, Yagudin's World Championship 3-peat wins over Plushenko (1998, 1999, 2000) combined with that Olympic Gold and I think Yagudin is the clear winner. If you take a look at their careers as a whole, Plushenko has certainly been more successful having medaled in three consecutive Olympics. I think rivalries are more than simply competition against one another but careers as a whole and what you are able to achieve above and beyond your chief competitor. WINNER: Evgeny Plushenko

Michelle Kwan vs Tara Lipinski: When Tara hit the stage in 1996 with that quick program set to music from the "Speed" soundtrack and finished 3rd at U.S. Nationals, I was sure we were looking at a contender for Olympic Gold in 2002. Not to be, she quickly rose to the level of Michelle Kwan (who won her first national title in 1996) and a rivalry was born. Michelle owned the 1996 season, winning the 1996 World Title as well...Lipinski finished 15th. But 1997 was an entirely different story. Things looked like they would continue as they had the year prior...Kwan had easy wins on the Grand Prix while Tara just had okay performances. The tides turned for Tara at U.S. Nationals where Michelle Kwan suffered a major meltdown and finished 2nd (the meltdown wasn't so much in the placement but in the terrible performance) allowing Lipinski...at 14 years old...to take the title. Michellle's storm cloud above her head stuck with her as she lost to Lipinski at the Champion Series Final (now Grand Prix Final) and at the World Championships. All of this set up an Olympic year showdown and both skaters where hungry! Michelle Kwan looked good on the Grand Prix but then suffered an injury causing her to withdraw from the Champion Series Final where Tara easily clinched a victory. At Nationals, Michelle Kwan turned in one of the most memorable performances in U.S. Nationals history to take that title. The short program at the Olympics couldn't have been any more suspenseful with both ladies skating flawlessly. But the much decried triple loop-triple loop from Tara Lipinski sealed the deal in the free and she took Olympic Gold. Ultimately, however, its about a career as a whole. WINNER: Michelle Kwan

Johnny Weir vs Evan Lysacek: The recent Twitter drama has me about sick of this rivalry. I wouldn't even call it a rivalry really if the media didn't make it so. Maybe it became a rivalry at the 2006 Olympics when Lysacek got ahead of Johnny for the first time (he finished 4th to Weir's 5th)? I don't even feel like it was a real rivalry until 2008 when they tied at U.S. Nationals but Evan won the tie-breaker to take the title. Then it was like, "Oh it's on bitch!" Johnny still seemed to be getting the better end of it during the Grand Prix in 2008. Evan failed to make the Grand Prix Final while Johnny took the Bronze. At Nationals they both lost out as Jeremy Abbott won the title, Evan only finishing 3rd and Johnny, well, not even on the podium. But that's when Evan kicked it up a notch, narrowly missing the Four Continents title in 2009 but then running away with the World Title. Johnny made a good run at Evan in the Olympic Season but didn't have the chops to keep up. Evan won the Grand Prix Final, Johnny third. While Evan again lost the National Title to Abbott, he was second to Johnny's third. And of course Evan scooted out of Vancouver with Olympic Gold...Johnny was 6th. I'm somewhat certain we are done seeing these two compete against each other in the competitive arena but their rivalry or what I would actually call a bitch-fest continues. They just keep trying to media-up one another and it's getting old. The last stunt Evan pulled about not being sure if Johnny was a girl was in poor taste...but Johnny's has pulled some zingers of his own. WINNER: Evan Lysacek on the condition he stops the bitch-fest.

Kim Yu-Na vs Mao Asada: This is the hottest rivalry in skating currently. This rivalry is so intense their fans are often ridiculous about it. I mean, computer servers have been shut down over these two. They are both so magnificently matched in talents and abilities. It's just crazy. They've been trading titles back and forth for the past three years and you never know which one will win if they are in a competition together. Mao has two World Titles to Kim's one but Kim has the Olympic Gold to Mao's Silver. I guess we can give Kim another point for having the World Record score, but then Mao is in the Guinness Book of World Records for Triple Axels completed by a woman in a competition. In the end, its ridiculously close between these two! WINNER: Undecided...I don't think we can call this one yet but Kim Yu-Na is ahead by just a smidge.

Brian Boitano vs Brian Orser: The storied Battle of the Brian's between American Brian Boitano and Canadian Brian Orser is one of the biggest rivalries in skating history. Both equally matched in skill and ability, their rivalry came to a head at the 1998 Olympics in Orser's home country of Canada. Brian Orser also had won the previous season's World Championship ahead of Boitano and entered the competition as the slight favorite. After the short program, both were nearly tied but a bobble on a triple flip in the free skate allowed Brian Boitano to slip through and win the title...and the Battle of the Brian's. But picking a winner of the overall rivalry between these two is tough. While Boitano has the Olympic Gold, Orser has two Silver's. You do have to give points to Boitano because he competed in a third Olympics (Lillehammer) while Orser only competed in two. Does Orser get points for coaching Kim Yu-Na? Boitano for having a show on Food Network? WINNER: It's a tie! Disagree...well it's my blog!

Tonya Harding vs Nancy Kerrigan: The knee whack heard round the world got everyone to tune in to what was going on between these two prior to the 1994 Olympics. But these two in fact did have a history prior to the 1994 U.S. Nationals. Both had a National Title under their belts prior to 1994. Both had a smattering of medals from various international events including the World Championships (that includes the 1991 U.S. sweep of Yamaguchi/Kerrigan/Harding). Tonya had something Nancy didn't have though...a triple axel. After the attack on Nancy at the 1994 U.S. Nationals, Tonya went on to win the title but at the Olympics it was a sad story for Tonya. Her entire career seemed to crumble in front of her and finished 8th while Nancy soared to Silver, narrowly missing the Gold in a 5-4 judging decision. Details of the attack had come out prior to the Olympics, Connie Chung was following her everywhere, she couldn't get her shoe-lace on her boot tied, it was a press nightmare everywhere she went, and she couldn't keep it together. On March 16th 1994, Tonya avoided jail time by pleading guilty to conspiring to hinder an investigation, was stripped of her National title, and banned from all future eligible competitions. WINNER: Nancy Kerrigan...as if it could go any other way?

Did I call it right? Would you call it differently? Weigh-in!

All That Summer Skate

Currently taking place in Korea is Kim Yu-Na's blockbuster All That Summer Skate. Here is a look at her much anticipated new exhibition piece to La Roux's Bulletproof:



And if that wasn't enough for you...here is Michelle Kwan's new number to Annie Lennox's Primitive as well as her duet to Mariah Carey's Hero with Kim Yu-Na:

The 2010 TIME 100: Kim Yu-Na

By Michelle Kwan

I couldn't have been more surprised or honored last summer when Korean figure skater Kim Yu-Na told me that as a 7-year-old, she was so inspired by my skating at the 1998 Winter Games that she memorized my skating routines, pretending to be at the Olympics. Twelve years later, she no longer had to pretend. I have never seen a skater with such a combination of artistry and athleticism. From the first notes of her sassy James Bond medley to the closing Gershwin strains, Kim's inspiring performances in Vancouver changed the face of figure skating forever. Those 6½ minutes on the ice left not only a mark in the record book but also an indelible impression on millions of young girls around the world. For Kim, the dream that began as a 7-year-old has been realized. For these girls, thanks to her, a dream and journey are just beginning.

Kwan is the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1984685_1984949_1985220,00.html#ixzz0mcWTgmgJ

Chance of a Lifetime!

I wasn't the only one who was presented the chance of a lifetime recently! This is a great story that I have to share with all of you!

Meet Badr Raissi. He's not your typical 16 year old. Badr came to the United States 3 years ago from Rabat, Morocco. In this short amount of time, he's not only conquered a language barrier, but has become an Honor Student at Passaic County Technical Insititute in Wayne, New Jersey where he is a junior.

Badr is a student member of the AT&T/Junior Achievement Worldwide Job Shadow Initiative (AT&T/JA). After a recent job shadow experience, members were invited to participate in an essay contest describing their job shadow experience, with the winner receiving a trip to the Olympic Games in Vancouver to cheer on Team USA!

I read Badr's essay with a big smile on my face! Not only did he show how his job shadow experience had a big impact on his future outlook, he connected the experience to much bigger themes in his life and underscored all the sacrifices he and his family have made. Read the essay...it will floor you.

I know what finding out you've won a trip to the Olympics feels like so I can estimate his state of mind when he was told he had written the winning essay and would travel to Vancouver; his excitement as he sat in Canada Hockey Place, explored the athlete village, and attended other Olympic events.

And here is where it gets really good, he was able to sit down and talk with two decorated U.S. Olympians...Picabo Street and my personal sport icon Michelle Kwan! You heard me...MICHELLE KWAN!

I would have fainted at that moment...Badr manages to keep it together!

It's great when amazing things happen to amazing people! I envy Badr. I made it to Vancouver because I'm a great Blogger...Badr made it because he's a great person! Badr reminds us that goals, education, ambition, and good old-fashioned hard work can really get us places in life.

*AT&T/JA Job Shadow Initiative is one of the largest corporate job shadow initiatives which pairs AT&T employees with students to provide a firsthand experience in the working world and demonstrate how education is essential to future success. AT&T launched its high school success program and joined with Junior Achievement to help the approximately 1.3 million high school students dropping out each year—a problem more severe among minority students.

10 Most Tagged

I took a look at the skaters that I've tagged the most since I began writing this blog (way back in 2005...I know, right?!?!?!). Who has grabbed my attention, the news headlines, the spotlight, etc. Cool thing I might do at the end of every year.

As a pre-notation...I'm equally intrigued by the skaters that aren't on this list (no pairs, no ice dancers, no Europeans). It gives me some ideas on where to spread my blogging to.

#10 Kimmie Meissner - The majority of my coverage on Kimmie has been, sadly, focused on her downward spiral that began at the 2008 U.S. Nationals and just continued from there. She is one of my favorite skaters so it stands to reason she'd be among the top. Here's wishing her a better next year!

#9 Evan Lysacek - A recent heavy hitter, he was nowhere near being in the top ten until last March when he won the Gold Medal at World's and has continued to be a huge force to be reckoned with this season. Evan has slowly won over my graces...my love of his skating hasn't come easy...but I'm getting there (I don't think Aunt Joyce will approve though...).

#8 Patrick Chan - He moved into the Senior ranks well and I am constantly impressed with his talents and abilities. If he doesn't get his time to shine at home in Vancouver, I have little doubt he'll be a major factor in Sochi.

#5 Daisuke Takahashi, Sasha Cohen, and Johnny Weir - Three way tie here. Johnny and Daisuke are two skaters that I admire for their artistic sensibilities. No surprise that Johnny Weir grabs one of the top spots...he's a headline grabber for sure with his quick wit, quotable soundbites, and reality television show on the horizon. Sasha was tagged in lots of posts in the wee early days of my blog in her run-up towards Torino and has recently been tagged a lot as she attempts (attempts...) to make her comeback.

#4 Kristi Yamaguchi - Perhaps a fluke of Reality T.V...Kristi was tagged in tons of the Kristi Can Dance posts during her winning run on Dancing with the Stars. I think she was a Face of Influenza too...

#3 Michelle Kwan - My favorite skater ever! She has been a constant on this blog. Her attempt to compete in Torino, her grace as she withdrew, her happenings in the in-between, the mystery behind 2010, her recent skating appearances in Korea. She'll always be featured here...ALWAYS!

#2 Mao Asada - The rise, the fall, the axels. She's one of the most tagged skaters because she's just that good. She's also given us a dramatic storyline this season as she has struggled a bit.

#1 Kim Yu-Na - No question about it...she's the skater with the most global buzz. Isn't she Korea's Person of the Year...again?

Pic of the Week

I do try so so very hard to be, at the least impartial on my blog. I try not to let my bias for or against any skater get in the way of the info I bring to you. But, this time I'm going to let my attempts at impartiality go...

Michelle Kwan, in my eyes, is a rock star! She's my absolute favorite and now you all know! I was in the arena in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Portland when she won four of her nine U.S. National Titles. I was in the arena in Minneapolis, Vancouver, and Washington D.C. when she won three of her five World Titles. I literally cried when she gave that press conference in Torino announcing her withdrawal from the 2006 Olympics; not only because I was saddened to not see her compete, but also because I was so proud of her and I truly recognized it was the right thing to do (I'm sure Emily Hughes agrees!). I feel like I've 'grown up' with Michelle Kwan, and from the very first time I saw her on ice (1993) she's been my 'ice icon.'

So while I reported with tempered emotions that she had decided not to compete this season, secretly my heart broke. Had she decided to compete this season, my expectation for her was not to win Olympic Gold, truly I believe that was almost an impossible task given the evolution of the sport and the current crop of talent dazzling us these days, but to soak up the adoration of her fans who just love seeing her out there one last time in competition mode. I suspect, the only way Michelle Kwan would have been willing to compete this season is if she really believed she had an opportunity to win. She might of came to the same conclusion I did and thought to herself, 'Better one of these American girls who really has what it takes go after the likes of Asada, Kim, Rochette and company.' Her decision not to compete proves the fact that she is such a champion without even stepping on the ice.

I suppose, that she truly has had 'her time.' Despite the fact that she never won Olympic Gold, I suspect she really has nothing to prove. I don't think anyone informed on the sport thinks her any less great because of that omission. Nine National Titles, five World Titles, two Olympic Medals, and every other championship you can think of kind of speaks for itself. Just about all of my Kwan memories are great ones, and the very few that aren't simply reminded me she is human and can't always be perfect (but she was perfect more than any other skater I can think of).

So, despite saddened by her recent decision to not compete this season, I was thrilled to see her performances at Ice All Stars 2009 (see two of her performances below). She looked amazing, skated amazing, and was amazingly respected by the South Korean crowd. Seeing her perform reminded me of everything good about Michelle Kwan and seeing her in this atmosphere reminded me she hasn't gone anywhere, I can continue to enjoy her. I certainly hope she decides to keep performing because I'll keep watching.

A toast to Michelle Kwan...may my favorite skater always do what she loves, and may we always love her for doing it.

Don't forget I'm compiling a list of the Greatest 1000 Moments on Ice. Be sure to let me know what should go on that list!

Ice All Stars 2009

Well by all accounts the show was a success. Great job Kim Yu-Na! South Korea's skating hungry audience was delighted to the hilt, Michelle Kwan made a graceful return, and the internet is simply a buzz with skating glee! My friend Reese was able to attend (she actually had a ticket for me...but work got in the way!) and said it was a good time. Everyone on Twitter who was there was simply buzzing about the show too!

First, if your interested in seeing the show. Just head over to YouTube and search for Ice All Stars 2009. You can see many (if not all of the performances from the show there. I've put one of my favorite clips below (I still today am completely impressed by Ilia Kulik).

Second, the cast. What an exciting, if unusual collection of skaters. While I wasn't surprised to see the likes of Rippon, Lambiel, or even Kwan in the show; the presence of Denkova and Staviski shocked me a bit. That's right, Maxim Staviski. Is this his first gig since his, shall we say, trouble? Guess he didn't have to serve those 2 1/2 years after all...

Finally, when can we begin to see this kind of excitement for figure skating back in North America. I'm actually quite jealous of South Korea right now!

Be sure to follow me on Twitter @skating102 for skating news, tidbits, and other fun information!

The Globe Trot

So much going on around the world these days!

The biggest off all the news coming from Korea where Ice All Stars has wrapped successfully. Of course Michelle Kwan made her return (although not competitive) to the ice. There was quite a cast and I hope to bring you all some more info on that soon in a separate post. Also, Kim revealed her music choices for next season. James Bond for the SP and Piano Concerto in F for the free.

To Germany where the Nebelhorn Trophy entries have been announced. This event is uniquely important this season as it serves as an Olympic Qualifier for those nations that performed (or didn't perform at all) poorly at last season's World Championships in Los Angeles. To that end, Stéphane Lambiel will be competing there as Switzerland needs to qualify a spot in Vancouver. Fedor Andreev will be competing on behalf of Azerbaijan to attempt the same. Other notable competitors in the event include: Yannick Ponsero, Brandon Mroz, Kiira Korpi, Fumie Suguri, Alissa Czisny, Sarah Meier, Savchenko and Szolkowy, Castile and Okolski, Kerr and Kerr, and Davis and White. This event takes place Sept. 24 - 27 in Obsterdorf, Germany.

Here in the U.S., the IOC, USOC, and NBC are all still squabbling about the proposed Comcast/USOC Olympic Network. Another coaching change to report, this time it's 2008 U.S. Bronze Medalist Stephen Carriere who will now train under Priscilla Hill. Overheard Rumor...McLaughlin and Brubaker's free skate will be to Slumdog Millionaire. If so, I'm way excited...that would be an awesome piece for them. Also, Scott Hamilton is getting back on the ice!

In Japan, Mao Asada continues to prepare for the toughest season of her career. In a recent article she told press reporters, "want to land a triple axel. I’ll push myself even more in practice and hopefully I can get started with a good season in my first event." She'll get the chance to strut her stuff at the Japan Open which is October 15-18. Also, seems Daisuke Takahashi was interested in Kim Yu-Na's ice show as he was spotted at the event.

And from Canada, news of the Teflon of sort. What am I talking about? Skate Canada and T-Fal have teamed together to offer commemorative Skate Canada frying pans. A portion of the proceeds go to the Skate Canada Athletes Fund which provides financial assistance to it's athletes. "It's hard to express the wonderful work T-fal has done to support our athletes and sport. These new pans are absolutely gorgeous and are a perfect addition to any kitchen," said Debbi Wilkes, Skate Canada Director Marketing and Communications. Perhaps at Canadian National's, the likes of Rochette and Chan will get a frying pan along with their medals?

Be sure to follow me on Twitter @skating102 for skating news, tidbits, and other fun information!

BREAKING NEWS: The decision...

Michelle Kwan has made her choice. School...not Vancouver.

I must openly admit a part of me is sad but I'm excited that she has so many great opportunities ahead of her.

U.S. Figure Skating released a statement that Michelle will pursue a Master's Degree from prestigious Fletcher Law School at Tufts University in International Affairs.

"Representing the United States as an American Public Diplomacy Envoy the past three years has been very rewarding, and I want to do more. Furthering my education will bring me closer to that goal, and I don't want to wait any longer to continue the journey," Kwan said in the press release.

It was highly speculated that U.S. Figure Skating was holding on to a spot for her at Skate America would she had decided to return.

"Skating will always be a part of me," Michelle said in the statement. "But, in the bigger picture of my life, I have always wanted to find a career that will allow me to make a positive contribution and difference in the world."

She does plan to still skate in shows, commentate, and work as a spokesperson as time permits. She is still planning on skating in Korea in Kim Yu-Na's Ice Show.

Thus decides the most eagerly anticipated comeback decision.

Top 10 Most Thrilling

Sports Illustrated just put out a list of the Top 10 Most Thrilling Figure Skaters. The skaters are ranked as follows:

10. Sasha Cohen
9. Duchesnay and Duchesnay
8. Scott Hamilton
7. Torvill and Dean
6. Michelle Kwan
5. Katarina Witt
4. Gordeyeva and Grinkov
3. Gillis Grafström
2. Dick Button
1. Sonja Henie

I think I have a different definition of the word thrilling...some of these skaters don't come close to my definition. Some skaters I felt left off the list...

• Jozef Sabovcik - They didn't call him Jumpin' Joe for nothing.


• Urbanski and Marvel - One of the most athletic Pairs teams ever.


• Shen and Zhao - Speaking of Pairs teams...some of the biggest throws ever.


• Denise Bielman - I'm fairly certain she created thrilling for ladies skating.

Anywho, you can weigh in here or in the comments below. Who's on your thrilling list?

The Globe Trot

Some interesting things happening in the world of figure skating.

First to Korea where it appears Kim Yu-Na invited Michelle Kwan to skate in the All-Stars 2009 Tour...and Michelle said yes! "Michelle has turned down other invitations, but she and Yu-na have a mutual admiration society going. Michelle is feeling healthy and has her abilities up to the standards she sets for herself, which are very high standards" said Shep Goldberg, Michelle's agent. Might Michelle drop a return-to-skating bomb in skating crazy Korea...stay tuned.

Lots happening here in the U.S. First, Carolina Kostner will be staying in L.A. and training with Frank Carroll and Christa Fassi. The moves comes after a disastrous showing at Worlds (ironically) in L.A. and the dismissal of her former coach Michael Huth. The big news is of course the tragic arrest of Nicole Bobek on charges to distribute Meth. She's plead not guilty and has been released on $200,000 bond. Jenny Kirk is getting positive press for releasing details of her eating disorder while she was competing. An important issue, to be sure, that needs more attention. The USOC and Comcast have teamed up to bring forth a new network devoted to Olympic coverage. Sorry if you don't have Comcast. Finally, reigning World Champ Evan Lysacek will be part of the marketing campaign for Ralph Lauren's 2010 Olympic Gear. "Having worn Ralph Lauren clothing for years, I am really excited to partner with Polo Ralph Lauren for their Olympic campaign," said Evan.

The German magazine Pirouette recently did an interview with Stéphane Lambiel and he just will not close the door on a possible competitive return, however, he states that it's not on his top list of priorities. "It is not 100% out of question but it is not my plan yet. I don’t want to disappoint the fans. For me it’s important that I’ve ended my career and I am happy with that, what I have achieved. If something will change on with physical conditions, then I will think about it.”

Who am I following on Twitter? There's an extensive list over on my right side bar but new to my followings are Madison Hubbell, Daisuke Murakami, and Fedor Andreev.

You may have noticed I changed the name of the spot from Around the World to The Globe Trot...thanks to my readers for the feedback and suggestion.

Need some direction?

From time to time I check into the search engine queries that direct individuals to my blog. Here are some of the recent heavy hitters and all that I can offer on the topics:

Whitney Jo Lawson - The "Braniac" to competitive skater in six weeks flat! I did a post on her last October. She was on the MTV show "Made," must have re-aired. The original blog post is here.

There are a lot of searches associating Caroline Zhang with Don Laws, who coaches Patrick Chan. Not exactly why people are searching for these two in conjunction but I can tell you that Caroline will not be training under Laws, but rather Charlene Wong. You can check the story here.

Michelle Kwan - Nobody knows yet? No official word and the mystery Skate America slot persists...

Jeffrey Buttle - Yes, he's on Twitter (@J_Butt)!

I fairly certain that Alexei Yagudin is not planning on competing next season. He is about to be a dad! But Evgeny Plushenko is in!

Lastly, I couldn't find any Charles Shou-San Pao YouTube videos when I did my pic of the week post...sorry.

Around the World

In Japan, Daisuke Takahashi updated his blog and explained that he has begun jumping again. Unfortunately for all my Japanese readers, he won't be performing at this Sunday's "Koshien Ice." He will, however, be there to greet fans.

In Russia, 1999 World Champion Maria Butyrskaya, gave birth to her second child, a girl. She had a son two years ago. Reportedly she and husband Vadim Khomitski are very happy and had "dreamed" about having a girl.

Lots to report here in the United States. First, Michelle Kwan has graduated from Denver University with a degree in international studies with a political science minor. What's next for Michelle? Nobody knows. The economy has the organizing committee for the 2011 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Greensboro, NC trying a new tactic. During the month of June, if you buy an all event pass for the event, they'll give you a ticket to the exhibition, free. That's a savings of about $60.00! You may have seen the new USOC Television Spots (if not...it's below) that features many of our new 2010 Olympic hopefuls including Belbin and Agosto, Jeremy Abbott, Davis and White, and Johnny Weir. Lastly, unconfirmed twitter reports are saying Evan Lysacek has signed a sponsorship deal with Ralph Lauren who will be outfitting Team USA in Vancouver.

In Italy, Carolina Kostner has left longtime coach Michael Huth reports a German news agency. It's also reported that she'd like Brian Orser, who coaches World Junior Champ Adam Rippon and World Champ Kim Yu-Na, to coach her. However, Orser has not committed to the coaching deal and has previously stated his "plate is full." Stay tuned...

In China, much fanfare over the return of Shen and Zhao to competitive skating after a two year hiatus. "We are aiming for the gold medal this time," the 35-year-old Zhao was quoted as saying by sports.cn. "To achieve this, we have done a lot of preparation, such as inviting the best choreographer and the best costume designers in the world. Before leaving the national team, we got all the titles of that season. So, if we could reach the form at that time, we are confident we can realize our Olympic gold medal dream."

Finally, in Canada, they are selling Vancouver 2010 Tickets like crazy up there! And what tickets were among the first to go? That would be Opening Ceremonies, speed skating and of course, figure skating.

Pic of the Week

Now that Sasha has ended our suspense and indeed will attempt to make the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team, we turn now to the only other U.S. Skater keeping us in "Olympic Limbo," Michelle Kwan.

She commentates, she golfs, she travels around the world as a Government Diplomat, but will she skate?

Phil Hersh, amongst others, doesn't seem to thank so and I'm starting to agree. With Sasha in the field, not to mention the talented group already out there, it seems a big leap.

If she wants to compete in the Grand Prix next season, she'll have to tell U.S. Figure Skating as much by May 30th. If she doesn't do that, I think we can all but rule out the comeback. Her limited experience (and by limited I mean 1 competition, 2005 Worlds) under the current judging system would almost necessitate her competing at least one event to get two programs worked out to allow any chance of making the Olympic Team.

Who knows though, she may yet surprise us...

What are you searching for?

I have a blog tracking system that does a nice job of keep track of the traffic flowing into my blog.

It doesn't tell me precisely who you are...but it does tell me what country you are coming in from, where on my website you are clicking, etc. You may have noticed I have added some Canadian, Korean, and Japanese content to my side bar (television sites, broadcasters, etc.) because I can see a lot of people surfing in from those places. Axels, Loops, and Spins has gone global and I love it!

Another interesting feature that my blog tracker gives me is the referrer function. It tells me if another website has referred you to my site. If it's a Search Engine such as Google or AOL, it tells me what you were searching for that brought me to my site. This week there have been some interesting searches...

From multiple searches (and countries?) people are wanting to know if Ryan Bradley is gay? I don't think he is, but should I learn any info to the contrary, I'll let you know.

Large number of searches coming in looking for Yu-Na Kim in Concert. I just recently learned that Yu-Na is quite the singer and apparently people are looking for a performance of her singing live. I don't know exactly what performance people are searching for, but I was able to find the video below from this past Christmas, enjoy.

And the two biggest search items have been and continue to be Michelle Kwan and Sasha Cohen and if they will be competing next season. When I know...you'll know.



UPDATE: Yuna Kim Fan posted two more videos of Yu-Na showing off her singing talent.

On the topic of comebacks...

While we're discussing possible comebacks, a fellow blogger (E.M. Swift at Swift Takes...wonder if that's the same E.M. Swift that co-authored My Sergei?)posted an interesting story about Michelle Kwan and the rumored comeback.

I'm staying out of this fight! But if you care to put in your two cents worth...you can check it out here. Heated discussion indeed.

Memorable quote from the article..."Compared to the lithe, butterfly-like Kim, Kwan would look like George Foreman did at the end of his career. Kwan may be old in figure skating years, but she's not a punch-drunk numbskull. The only place you'll see her in Vancouver is in the television booth."

BREAKING NEWS: Michelle Kwan...NBC Commentator?

Yep!

NBC has confirmed that Michelle Kwan will join the broadcast team for their live telecast of the ladies free skate on March 28th at the World Figure Skating Championships in Los Angeles.

Michelle Kwan will be joining Bob Costas and Dick Button on giving overview, reflections, etc. on skaters performances. Other members of the NBC Team include Scott Hamilton, Sandra Bezic, Tracy Wilson, Andrea Joyce, and Tom Hammond.

The L.A. Times Olympic Blog (also Phil Hersh!) reports that if Michelle chooses not to return to competitive skating next season, she will most likely be apart of the 2010 Vancouver Telecast as well.

I'm kind of excited about this...I've been hoping she would do this for a long time now!

Pic of the Week

She's one of the biggest talks around town even though she's slid slighlty under the radar in Beijing!

Michelle Kwan is of course in Beijing officialy as a member of the U.S. Diplomatic Delagation, but unofficially as a plain ol' spectator!

She's made the rounds and has been spotted at the National Indoor Stadium (Gymnastics), Water Cube (Swimming), Basketball Gymnasium, and Chaoyang Park (Beach Volleyball).

She'll also join Labor Secretary Chao at the closing ceremonies on Sunday.

What better ambassador could we possibly have in Beijing than Michelle Kwan?

Also...the Vancouver 2010 question just won't dissapear...hmmm?