I've been a huge fan of skating since 1979 when my folks took me up to Lake Placid to see the Norton Skate before the 1980 Olympics. Since then my mom has gone to Nationals every year and many Worlds as well, and for several years she took me along. I've had the good fortune to meet great skaters and watch them grow as athletes and performers over the years. It's amazing to think I saw Scotty Hamilton (the guardian angel of the sport) skate as the young up-and-comer behind champion Charlie Tickner in the late 70's, then become the Olympic and World champion himself, then become the driving force behind the growth of professional skating and a beloved commentator. He's the prime example of what the sport can be at its best, and an all-around great guy.
I was also lucky enough to meet the wonderful Canadian champion Brian Pockar before he died (he was a true gentleman.)
Brag: I have Katarina Witt's, Scotty's, David Santee's, Paul
Wylie's, and Carol Heiss Jenkin's autographs.
I like everyone in the sport, whether they're from the U.S. or not, except Nancy Kerrigan and Pasha Grishuk. They don't exhibit the class and grace off the ice that I admire in most skaters.
