So you may have heard (Or, news ’round the skating world) April 6, 2012

The Post-Worlds-Syndrom is probably setting in right about now. After the high of Nationals, the build up from Four Continents, to the climax in Nice, all the highest hopes of the 2012 season have reached a near end. A month from now, skating fans will be grasping at the slightest bit of news, hoping for tid bits on new music or costumes, and counting down the days until the season begins again.

A break is nice, so long as it’s not too long.

But, in contrast to other years, the season doesn’t quite end with the World Championships. We still have the World Team Trophy to look forward to!

Fan of this style event or not, it’s skating. And with the announcement of the teams, we can see that it will be star-studded in and of itself.

Based on qualifications from the 2012 World and Junior World Championships, six countries made the cut and will send a team of eight skaters to Tokyo, Japan for the team-style competition to be held April 19-22.

If you’re unfamiliar with the way this game is played, here’s the rundown from U.S. Figure Skating:

Gold's season isn't over yet. She'll have her chance against some of the world's best later this month in Tokyo.

World Team Trophy features the six best figure skating teams of the 2011-12 season, including Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States. Each team consists of two ladies, two men, one pair and one ice dancing couple. The scores of each team’s skaters in the short programs/dance and free skates/dance will be added together and the highest point total will win.

The American team will be made up of National Champs Meryl Davis & Charlie White, Caydee Denney & John Coughlin, Ashley Wagner, and Jeremy Abbott, along with silver medalist Adam Rippon and Junior Champion Gracie Gold (who will be making her Senior-level international debut).

Remember, a version of this event will be present at the 2014 Sochi games. So, it’s important for this competition to go well!

Anyone up for making early predictions on who will win that event? Or on how the adorable and talented Gracie Gold will hold up against elite senior competition?

We’ll find out soon enough!

And, in other, completely unrelated news, Evan Lysacek has earned a prestigious, new position: a Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Sports Envoy.

Sounds fancy, right?

So what exactly will the Olympic Champ be doing? Following in long-time friend Michelle Kwan’s footsteps, it seems!

 On his inaugural trip done in partnership with U.S. Figure Skating, Lysacek will travel to Stockholm, Sweden and Minsk, Belarus April 6 – 13.

While in Sweden, Lysacek will hold ice skating clinics with youth from the Stockholm area, organized in cooperation with the non-governmental organization Sports Without Borders. In Minsk, from April 11 – 13, Lysacek will conduct clinics with the Skating Union of Belarus and speak with students of the University of Physical Culture about the importance of sports in society. He will also attend a competition for wheelchair fencers and wheelchair dancers.

[snip]

Sports Envoys are current and retired professional athletes and coaches from a range of sports that travel overseas to conduct clinics and team building activities, as well as engage youth in a dialogue on the importance of education, positive health practices and respect for diversity. The U.S. Department of State’s sports diplomacy division, SportsUnited, works in close partnership with professional sports leagues, the U.S. Olympic Committee, and respective National Governing Bodies so that American athletes may engage overseas youth in positive dialogue.

Interesting, for someone on a comeback trail of his own to add Envoy trips to his soon-to-be-full training schedule. But, if you’ve followed Lysacek through the years, he does like to be busy! And this is certainly a worth-while addition to his plans.

I don’t know about you, but a lesson or clinic with an Olympic Champion would certainly inspire me!

Congrats to Evan on his new gig!

Nice, Take Two: Ladies Preview March 26, 2012

She had only skated one clean program since the 1998 Olympics. After placing second in qualifying, and third after the short, she was in the “worst case scenario,”meaning she needed the leader — Maria Butyrskya — to finish 3rd or lower, and she needed to win the Free Skate.

Plus, she was skating first.

Then, the haunting vibrations of The Red Violin swept through the Palais des Exposition and Michelle Kwan crafted, perhaps, the most magical moment of the 2000 World Championships.

Every move was assured, from the opening triple loop, to the stunning triple toe-triple toe combination. Her spins were improved, her footwork was quick and sharp, and her presentation was, well, Kwan-esque.

There was nothing she needed to do in that program that she left undone. No extra turnout on a jump, no slippery edge in a transitional step. Not even a finger misplaced. She skated both the most technically difficult program of the night, and the most emotionally complex program of the night to win her third World title.

Michelle Kwan became the first American woman to reach that mark since Peggy Flemming. Michelle had officially reached legend status.

And, as usual, coach Frank Carroll said it best when he said of Kwan’s forward progress: “That’s the way of sport. You have to continue to make progress, or you’ll get left in the dust.”

Now, some 12 years later, a pair of American girls hope to follow in the path the Flemmings and Kwans of the world made. But, it won’t be easy.

The number of ladies who could win this title is a little ridiculous. Between Carolina Kostner, Mao Asada, Ashley Wagner, Akiko Suzuki, Alissa Czisny, and Alena Leonova, things could get a little crazy. But then you throw in Kanako Murakami, Valentina Marchei, Elene Gedevanishvilli, or Viktoria Helgesson, and it gets even more dicey.

Carolina Kostner is, perhaps, the closest thing to a “favorite.” She presents an interesting situation, though. She doesn’t have a triple lutz, and has only recently added a triple flip back into her programs. Some find that terribly unjust, when there are other girls (including Ashley Wagner) using all of the different triple jumps. But, what Carolina has is win-induced confidence. She’s had a stellar season, and she knows it. That could play very nicely into her hands, as she’s the only lady to take the top of the podium consistently all season.

Ma Asada is a former champ. She’s struggled the last few years, dedicating herself to reworking her jump technique. And it shows. She’s back to smiling when she skates, and floating across the ice, and making triple jumps look easy. At least most of the time. She still has a tendency to underrotate jumps, and she gets a little off and pops a jump or two here and there. Asada is talented to the max, but far from consistent.

Alissa Czisny has all the qualities you want in a great champion. All except consistency (yes, I sound like a broken record. There’s an obvious pattern developing here.). To get on the podium, she needs to skate two clean programs. Clean Programs. She can’t miss her jumps, because she doesn’t have the complexity in the choreography to make up for it. As much as her spins wow us, they can’t do all the work. She seems motivated, though, and this could be her time to shine.

Suzuki and Leonova tend to be hit or miss. Akiko has effortlace elegance on the ice. But she can crash and burn on occasion. As can Leonova (who doesn’t share the same elegance in the least).

Despite all of the possibilities, all eyes may be looking towards American champ Ashley Wagner. Not because she’s been there, done that, but because she hasn’t, and yet she notched a score at Four Continents that put the rest of the world notice — she has arrived. And with even more planned difficulty in Nice, could she take her third title in a row?

There is a part of me that wants to go all in, to believe in the improbable. She’s charming me more and more with each competition, and it would do my heart good to see her win. But, there’s too much unpredictability in this event to call it her way just yet.

In fact, calling it at all is almost pointless but, here’s my attempt.

Gold – Carolina Kostner
Silver – Ashley Wagner
Bronze — Mao Asada
Fourth –Alissa Czisny

*And yes, America regains the third team spot

Who will take the challenge head-on and who will get left in the dust? However it unfolds, I hope we’re graced with at least one program that sticks in our minds the way Michelle’s The Red Violin has.

What’s the magic word? January 26, 2012

The Senior events kick off later today with the Pairs and Ladies Short Programs. If you need a refresher on the contenders and potential surprises, look back here for Pairs and here for Ladies.

What magic words would YOU tell Mirai?

Meanwhile, we’ve all been sounding off on Twitter for weeks about who needs what to win. So, here’s your chance — channel your inner Frank Carroll, and offer up some last minute advice for your favorites, your Fantasy picks, or just someone you think might need a little word of encouragement!

Speaking of Frank Carroll, how ’bout I start with Mirai Nagasu?

She’s the kind of skater you dream of coaching (or at least, I would dream of coaching someone with her natural talent, if I was a coach). And yet, she can’t seem to make everything “click” in competition. The nerves do her in. She panics. Focuses on how bad it is to be nervous. Or now bad she skated last time out. Or how desperately she wants to win.

My advice to her: Don’t think, just do.

She honestly has it all. She has to forget about what that means, forget about how much she hates to lose, and forget the idea that nerves are a bad thing. Change those nerves into energy and the adrenaline into focus, and just do it (Nike was really onto something with that one way back when…)

How ’bout reigning champ Alissa Czisny?

Her focus has been pretty clear. Her reconstruction of a career — and, really, a skater as a whole — is inspiration in and of itself. And yet, she’s struggled to feel “on” this season. Now, she’s set to begin her title defense.

My words of the day for her: Calm and courageous

“Calm” is often how I’d describe her skating style. Sometimes, though, her competition style is anything but calm. She, too, needs to close her eyes, take a deep breath, listen for the first note of her music, then just let it flow. All the while, channeling the courage it takes to put yourself on the line for the sake of a dream. Courage into each jump, calm flowing out of it. That’s a winning combination.

Moments that made memories — 2011 Year In Review December 31, 2011

Most years on December 31 I sit and wonder, “How is the year over already?!” This year, however, when I started to look back, I found myself thinking, “That was really all this year?”

Maybe I kept myself busy enough that the accomplishments seem too great for one year. Or, maybe, I just have a terrible memory and forgot half the things that really happened! (The latter is not entirely unlikely, I assure you…)

Regardless, I was looking back. And in looking back, I tried to come up with the top 10 skating stories or moments of the year. Again, there were a lot to choose from. Narrowing it down seemed daunting. But, I’ve come up with a lists that, to me, defines this year in skating.

From technical wonders to emotional triumphs and all the little moments in between, 2011 was quite the year for the world of figure skating.

Here’s my list.

10. Brandon Mroz  and the first ever ratified quad lutz.
I know many US skating fans want to see guys focusing on consistency and artistry before adding new elements, but that move is impressive. I have to give the kid props for even trying the trick!

9. Meagan Duhamel’s “Is it enough?!” moment at TEB ’11 & Rudi Swiegers saves Mark Ladwig at 4CC.
Every season has its off-ice moments that melt your heart. These two stand out for me, although there are plenty of others I could pull up and recall. These are the moments you see the person, not just the competitor. I love those moments.

8. Exciting rivalries
This year has had its share of exciting rivalries, and that’s what makes competitions so much fun. This year featured three big ones, starting with the obvious: Meryl Davis and Charlie White vs. Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. Training mates make the fiercest competitors. Then there is the former champ chasing the current champ, Daisuke Takahashi vs. Patrick Chan. (I know, I know. Everyone thinks it won’t matter what Dai does because of Patrick’s “two-fall cushion.” I happen to think it’s made Takahashi better, and the rivalry fascinating to watch.) Last but not least, the dynamic pack of pairs who have battled through this year’s Grand Prix Series — Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy vs. Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov vs. Yuko Kavaguti and Alexander Smirnov.

Can I just say, I can’t wait for Worlds?!

Kwan, her legend, and the Hall of Fame November 30, 2011

We interrupt your regular GP season program for a special announcement…

Michelle Kwan will likely take her rightful spot in the US Figure Skating Hall of Fame this January in San Jose.

Kwan fans like myself knew this was coming, but to see her name officially on the ballot does two things.

1. It reaffirms all those moments in which she redefined both herself and her sport, becoming one of the rare living legends we ever see. Michelle Kwan in the HOF just feels right. It is right. Her national title mark (9) won’t be touched for a long time … if ever. Her five World titles will likely hold up just fine as well. Her Olympic medals only add to her already impressive resume. And we’re not even going to get into her other medal counts. Michelle Kwan was figure skating for plenty of years, and that is more than enough to deserve this honor.
2. It closes one final door. Call me an eternal optimist, a hopeless dreamer, or anything else that defines blissful unwillingness to accept the end of a good thing. It’s all true. Yes, somewhere beneath the death-grip of reality, there was a tiny sliver of hope left that we’d get to see Michelle make it an even 10 national titles. Improbable? Um, yes. Unlikely? The most. But have stranger things happened? Does my heart still ache thinking of how close she was to a life-long dream — twice if not three times — without attaining it? Yes and yes. I’ll admit, I haven’t been too haunted by the lack of nomination before now because of the reality the award brought with it. Reality and finality. The legend that is Michelle Kwan and the illustrious career she gifted to us all is over.

I suppose that’s the definition of bittersweet, eh?

Nevertheless, congratulations to Ms. Kwan. She was and will always be the heart and soul of my figure skating obsession. She has moved on to become a sparkling success, just as we knew she would. Her impact on generations of children will be huge. And the memories she left me with will always be some of my most favorite. My only regret is that I never saw her compete live (why, oh why did she have to be injured in 2006?!).

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again — I’ve never been so proud of someone I’ve not met. Her legend is more than her titles and medals. It is the way she won, the way she lost, the way she taught us all to love what we do and do what we love, no matter the consequences of the risks we take in pursuing the dream.

She bore her heart through her skating. If we could only be so lucky to find that passion and display it with the grace and integrity she did — and does still.

I could go on and on (and on … and on…) about this woman, what her career meant to the sport, to her successors, to me. But, once you begin, where do you really stop?

Yes, I’m gushing. No, I’m not maintaining my journalistic neutrality. But sometimes, even we have to step back and remember why we’re fans in the first place.

For me, that reason is Michelle Kwan.

Congratulations, Michelle. The Hall of Fame, just as skating as a whole, is a better place having had you in it.

Summer Spotlight: Christina Gao June 11, 2011

It’s always fun to play a game of “Spot the Future Champion” as the Junior Grand Prix season goes along. Many people remember the early days of Michelle Kwan. More recently, there were the junior battles between Mao Asada and Caroline Zhang. This past Nationals, we got an even younger look at the future in Utah’s Nathan Chen.

But it was another skater traveling through the junior ranks that caught the attention of US Ladies skating’s most dedicated fans — Christina Gao.

Now, Gao isn’t exactly new on the international scene. She had a strong run on the Junior Grand Prix Circuit last year, finishing third in both events (Turkey and Poland) as well as the Final.

A fifth-place finish in her Senior debut at Nationals didn’t go unnoticed, either.

By the time her first Junior Grand Prix event in Austria came around this season, the Twitterverse was buzzing with interest in Brian Orser’s protégé. And with two strong programs, she once again found herself on the podium — this time, with the silver.

“I’m really happy with both my programs that I did in Austria,” Gao said as she thought back about the event. “I put a pretty high score up there — 167 — so I’m really proud of how I did at Austria.”

She then jetted off to Germany for her second event, hoping for one more move up the medal stand.

Christina with coach, Brian Orser at the JGP Final in China (Photo courtesy of David W. Carmichael)

But, as goes this unpredictable sport, Gao hit a few speed bumps on her way to another 2nd place finish qualifying for the Final.

Summer Spotlight – Sarah Hughes May 26, 2011

“Olympic Gold Medalist” is a title few people can ever attach to their email signature line. Not that most of them who canwould do that, but they could, nonetheless. But it’s a title that, once earned, can’t be taken away.

So is “College Graduate.”

Sarah Hughes owns both. And even now, she’s quick to remember the value of both accomplishments.

“It was unbelievable just to be a part of the Olympic team,” Hughes said when I caught up with her via email earlier this month. “And then for what happened after I made the team, well, as you can imagine, the 2002 Games was everything I ever dreamed of and more.”

But she never intended to stop there, even with such a significant dream fulfilled.

“Getting a college education was very important to me since I was in grade school,” she added. “I always knew I wanted to go to college and be there at the same time as other kids my age.”

Sarah Hughes poses with Dick Button at the RISE premiere in New York

Since graduating from Yale University in 2009, Hughes has stayed plenty busy utilizing both hard-earned titles. No, her love for the sport was certainly not lost in the shuffle of term papers and take-home finals. In fact, she’s almost more involved than ever, using her Olympic glory as a launching pad for enough activities to make your head spin.

She’s working with Figure Skating in Harlem, speaking at US Figure Skating dinners, being inducted into yet another Hall of Fame (this time it’s Nassau County’s Sports Hall of Fame), dropping in on the Kentucky Derby, attending charity dinners, and traveling to schools to share the values of being fit…to name a few.

Skating for Gold – Nationals 2011, the Ladies January 12, 2011

January 12, 2006.

7:30 p.m.

Section 102.

Row U.

Seat 8.

Never was there a more bittersweet moment than sitting Plaza Level at the Savvis Center for the Olympic Qualifying Ladies Short Program, knowing that the person I was there for – the person who is to blame (or praise!)  for my figure skating fascination – was in the program, but not on the ice. I figured that was my one and only last chance to see the legendary Michelle Kwan compete live, and it was over before it ever began.

The loud speakers started booming, ‘Let’s get it started…in here…”

The emcee called the first group of ladies to the ice, and I cried a little inside.

Then, I was witness to a beautiful night of skating, fueled by the same Olympic spirit that inspired so many of my own dreams. Despite the less-than-happy Michelle Kwan fan in me, I made memories that will last a lifetime, and I got to share those memories with my dad. I couldn’t really complain.

This year, January 12 just another day in the journey to Greensboro…thanks to an unusually late start to the 2011 edition of the event. Still, 10 days out, I can only imagine what the attendees will be able to admire for this year’s short programs.

So, without further ado, the ladies.

Here are my contenders.

• Alissa Czisny
• Mirai Nagasu
• Rachael Flatt
• Ashley Wagner
• Agnes Zawadzki
• Caroline Zhang

If you’ve read my other preview blogs, you may have noticed that this is my longest “Contender list.” You also may have seen in my last post that I think this season’s ladies event may be the most exciting since 2005. As promised, here’s why.

This field has it all – the maturity and elegance of a renewed Alissa Czisny, the youthful exuberance and potential brilliance of Mirai Nagasu, the consistency and personal expectations of Rachael Flatt, the determination and improved technique of Ashley Wagner, the technical abilities and the untapped artistic potential of Agnes Zawadzki, and finally the emotional roller coaster and hopeful return of Caroline Zhang.

See? Everything, I tell you.

Alissa Czisny is, in my opinion, the class of the field this season, thanks in part to her valiant return to the international scene. Now, I know there are many out there who continue to say, “I want to root for her, but she’s just too inconsistent.” And you may be right. But there’s just something about her that I believe in, now more than ever. Maybe it’s the fact that I feel like she believes in herself more than ever before. Maybe it’s because she believes in her training and her coaches. Maybe it’s because she really is a natural competitor after all, and the criticism after last season gave her the fire she needed to succeed. And maybe she won’t reclaim her title. But I believe she can. And if she can complete the jumps, the rest of her skating is by far the best of the American girls. She’s got all the pieces. It’s just a matter of putting it all together at the same time. I believe she can do it.

Mirai Nagasu has been an emotional favorite of mine since 2008 (when, I’d like to point out, I accurately predicted her Nationals win…just sayin’). I was crushed by her breakdown the following year, and thrilled with her brilliance at the Olympics last February. I’m afraid her programs this season aren’t as special as last year’s, but she still has the technical content in her footwork and spins, and the emotional connection to her music to bring the audience in…she, like Alissa, has all the pieces. If both skate perfectly, I feel Alissa’s programs give her the edge. But if one or the other falters, it’s anyone’s game.

Speaking of anyone’s game, it would be simply ignorant to exclude Rachael Flatt from the list of potential winners. She has been the most technically consistent of the American girls for the past few seasons, but this year she’s battled. Before you jump me for calling her out, I know she was fighting an injury in the Final. But even before that, things just looked a bit off for her this year. With Alissa, Mirai and the others stepping it up, she’s going to have to pull it all together in Greensboro if she wants to repeat as National Champ.

Ashley Wagner is a skater that has been dealt a few hard blows in her Nationals career. She’s more than once been the girl just outside the spotlight, just off the podium, just off the World/Olympic team. She’s made herself known for coming back in the long program with strength and determination, but she will need a spectacular short program to not fall too far behind. She doesn’t seem to get the levels on some of the footwork and spins, and her program components can’t compare to Alissa’s, but if she brings her A-game, she’s certainly got a shot. And let me tell you, she wants it.

Agnes Zawadski is the new fascination with skating fans this season. She came into her Grand Prix assignments as the ultimate unknown, then skated brilliant short programs that made the world sit up and pay attention. She lacks consistency in the long, and that could be a problem for her if she puts herself in contention with the short. But she’s definitely one to watch, especially if the favorites falter.

The question mark in this event could be Caroline Zhang. This girl was touted as the second coming of Michelle Kwan, combined with the flexibility of Sasha Cohen…and then she collapsed. She struggled more than anyone would have ever predicted. She came back this season hoping to reclaim some of that glory (and more importantly that joy), but she’s still struggled. She has just recently changed coaches yet again, and is now training along side Yuna Kim under the guidance of Peter Oppegard. This could be interesting, but I fear it’s a bit too late. She ran into some serious technique problems that she just hasn’t been able to correct while continuing to compete. And yet, she’s the story that tugs at your heartstrings because you hate to see someone with so much potential so sad about her career at such a young age. My head is telling me she’s out of the running for this season, but my heart would love to see her come out and skate two programs she can be proud of, no matter the result.

Now, those are my “contenders” for the ladies. However, there are plenty of other girls more than willing to break up the party: Christina Gao, Alexi Gilles, Amanda Dobbs, Melissa Bulanhagui, Kiri Baga…the battle will be tight all the way down the list, which will make for some spectacular moments for those lucky enough to be in attendance!

With so many girls with the potential to win it all, who are your choices for the podium? And, since the US only has two World spots, who do you think finishes top two?

There are still 10 days before anything gets started, but that’s the perfect amount of time to get all set to go. Looking forward to hearing what you think!

Thanks, as always, for reading. Follow me on twitter for more (@FromTheBoards).

Until then…

Moments that take your breath away December 31, 2010

Being just hours away from 2011 here in the American midwest, my mind is automatically drawn to what this last year will be remembered for. Of course, here at FromTheBoards, it’s all about the skating world. And while there have been dozens of memorable moments, there are bound to be some that stand out more than others. As I looked back on what’s happened in the skating world in 2010, I compiled a list of the moments that stand out most to me. This is certainly not a comprehensive list of the great moments of 2010, but it’s a list of the moments that made me remember why I love this wonderful sport and the glorious memories it can create.

So, without further ado, my “Top 10 Skating Moments of 2010″

10. Salt Lake City’s Nathan Chen wins the Novice National Title
Having shared the ice with Nathan when he was only 4, watching him find such success was a thrill. He’s got a bright future.

9. The Shibutani’s 2010-2011 Free Dance.
These two light up the arena as it is, but the pure joy in this season’s FD, combined with their elegance and polish, makes this one of my favorite programs of the year.

8. Meryl Davis and Charlie White’s “Bollywood” Original Dance.
The widespread YouTube fame of this program speaks for itself, but this is one of the most brilliantly crafted programs I’ve ever seen, and certainly one of the best of the year. Their Olympic performance was equally brilliant.

7. Adam Rippon’s “Romeo and Juliet” Short Program
First of all, it’s hard not to love Adam Rippon. But this program takes him to a whole new level – one I’m a big fan of!

6. Mirai Nagasu’s Olympic FS/World SP
I know these are really two separate moments, but they were the culmination of a roller coaster season, in which she found herself. In these programs, Mirai proved to herself what we already knew – she could skate with the best in the world!

5. Yu-Na Kim’s Olympic Tears
Yes, her victory was sweet. Truly, it was one for the record books. But what touched me more than her flawless performance, was the emotion she shared with the world. After all the pressure she was under, she did it. And we were all so proud!

4. Alissa Cizny’s Grand Prix Final Victory
Really, I could just say Alissa’s entire season thus far. However, the GP win was also a culmination of a lifetime of dreams, and an off-season of hard work and focus. Few people expected her to come back after missing the Olympic team with this kind of passion, but she’s done it. And her excitement and joy is contagious.

3. Joannie Rochette’s Olympic Short Program
I still can’t watch this performance without tears running down my face. The emotion with which she skated, and the courage she showed, endeared her to the entire world – skating fans or not. That moment will forever be remembered as a great moment in sports, and in the power of the human spirit.

2. Evan Lysacek/Frank Carroll’s Olympic Victories
I combined these two because as thrilled as I was for Evan (and as significant as his win was to American skating), I was just as thrilled for his coach, Frank Carroll. For the lifetime he’s spent and the world-class champions he has coached,  he deserved his Olympic moment, too.

1. Michelle Kwan’s Return to American Ice, thanks to Kim’s “All That Skate LA”
It’s no secret that I’m a Kwan fan. And while some may say this choice is biased, well, it is my list! I love skating for many reasons, but one reason is the emotion it elicits from those who share in its moments. The moment Michelle stepped on to the ice at the Staples Center, I felt more emotion than I could have ever imagined. It wasn’t about the competition. It wasn’t about winning or losing. It was about the magic of pouring your heart out on the ice. And it was beautiful. Thank you, Yu-Na, for bringing Michelle home.

And there you have it!

What are your favorite moments from the past year?

Be on the look out for a new blog about the state of Figure Skating heading into 2011…what’s changed, what should change again, and what can’t be changed.

Happy New Year, and thanks for your support!

Until then…

Dear NBC… October 11, 2010

Yesterday, October 10, 2010, NBC sports aired “All that Skate LA” – a figure skating show from the Staples Center that featured three current Olympic Champions, and the return of the most decorated skater in US history – Michelle Kwan – to American ice. This show, according to all who saw it live, set new standards for how a skating show can (and should) be done. Thankfully, they aren’t the only people who had the chance to see that for themselves.

First of all, thank you, NBC, for recognizing the significance of this show and choosing to make it enough of a priority that you had a crew there in the first place. Skating on television is almost an anomaly for US skating fans these days, and I can’t tell you how important this show was to us, and, therefore, how important your broadcast of the show was as well.

Secondly, thank you for not only having a crew there, but one that was knowledgeable enough to direct the broadcast based on what viewers would want to see. All too often, skating is broadcast by people who obviously don’t know the sport, and we get an array of wide angle, “establishing”-type shots that don’t show the skater at all. Or, we’ll get close ups of faces during a footwork sequence, or close ups of feet during  a spin or a spiral sequence – none of which make viewers happy! This show, however, captured perfectly everything that I wanted to see, in great quality, and with great care and understanding. I was impressed.

Also, thank you for doing something that may seem strange to the casual viewer/listener – not having commentators to take away from the show itself! Now, coming from a broadcast background, I fully understand and appreciate the announcers for most events. Especially for a sport like figure skating, the competitive aspects may need to be explained to the viewer who isn’t a fanatic. But something like this speaks for itself, and the lack of chatter made it feel like the TV audience was a part of the live audience, as much as is possible, at least. It was wonderful.

Unfortunately, a good portion of the actual event was cut out due to time constraints. Perhaps next time (after sponsors have seen how successful this show was) they will “splurge” for the extra time to show the rest of the skaters.

Also unfortunate is the fact that this show – yes, the very one that I’ve raved about thus far – wasn’t even aired in my area. What I’ve seen has been thanks to other sources and friends. What I’ve heard, however, is that this broadcast was all I’ve expressed and more. So, NBC, as wonderful a job as you did with this show, it would have been even more wonderful if many die-hard fans, as well as some casual fans who would have tuned in for this particular event, had actually been able to catch your broadcast. That, in turn, would have led to a larger audience that could help the ratings for skating in the long run. It’s tough, you know, when the complaint against airing skating is that it isn’t popular enough, yet the little bit that does make the cut isn’t even shown everywhere or in its entirety. What’s not available to be seen isn’t likely to gain popularity. Just food for thought…

Ultimately, this was a stellar show that was handled with great care. Those who saw it as it was aired were impressed, and even those who had to find other ways to see the NBC broadcast, such as myself, were still impressed! So, thank you, NBC, for recognizing the value of Yu-Na Kim, Michelle Kwan and company, and for displaying it in a way that matched the magnificence of the show itself.

I hope to see more NBC skating broadcasts handled the same way.

Sincerely,

Tara Wellman