Day three at Skate Canada and so many wonderful things have already happened.
Men's Practice
Traffic was GOOD TO GO this afternoon, and we managed to make it right on time for the men's practice. I decided to sit near where Fedor and his coach were located, to get a better view :)
It seemed that everyone was having difficulties jumping in the first fight. Everywhere I turned, someone's butt was on the ice *no joke* Things really looked up for Canadian Ben Ferreira thought. He is definitely looking great and clearly has a lot of confidence going into the long program. Sitting in 4th after the short program, we could possibly see another Canadian step on top of the podium here at Skate Canada. Jeff Langdon had a rough practice, but from what I can see he is really pushing hard. Fedor, was getting really frustrated as well during his practice. Honda tried landing the quad during his run through, and had a fall. Todd seemed to be struggling a bit throughout his practice. I had yet another Victor Kraatz sighting again today. He was watching the men's practice near the judging panel. But that definitely wasn't the last time we would meet *continue to read to find out - hehe*
Ladies Short Program
Michelle Kwan was first to skate. I really enjoyed her short program. I find it really refresh and different than what we normally see from Michelle. Skating to music from Eric Clapton, the music chosen was funky. Her technical marks were not so high, but that is to be expected having skating 1st. Artistic marks were all 5.8's so there was quite a bit of room. Irina her main competitor here, was next to skate. To much of MY surprised I really enjoyed Irina's short program. It was fresh and really flowed nicely. Jennifer Robinson had a lovely dress on. Wearing a peachy/orange color. Her short program was beautifully skated, very soft. I'm honestly not surprised that Irina is in 1st place. But I am plugging for Michelle to win this thing. It will definitely be tough that for sure.
Ice Dancing Original Dance
One interesting note I must mention about the Russian team of Kulikova and Markov. During a section in their OD, they had did a move that MANY Canadian's are familiar with - something we would see coming from Canada's own B&K - it was a hydroblading move that of course B&K invented/started and right infront of our very own eyes we had this team do the exact same move. I'm not saying that they CAN'T do a specific move a skater creates or is known as their trademark. Look how many people do the Bieleman Spin. What surprised me was the crowds reaction to this move. I'm not sure if they were oooohhh or BOO's that I heard. Just it was really quite bizarre. Speaking of B&K though, they were in the house tonight. Sadly NOT on the ice, but in the stand watching the OD. They actually were sitting two sections down from me, with their coach. During the intermission Shae and Vic were spotted outside of hall way in the arena, signing autographs for fans that were asking. My online buddy who is a HUGE B&K fan, hasn't YET ever actually had the chance to get her photo taken with her idles - B&K. So with my help, her dream came true tonight. At first it was just a quick picture with Victor *see this is where my NEXT encounter with Victor comes in*
He is such a cuttie. My friend was thrilled however she REALLY wanted a picture with Shae-Lynn. Well it turned out that after the OD was finished and the final results were announced, Shae-Lynn was leaving her seat. So this is where we wait, my friend the B&K Fan, was VERY nervous, as soon as Shae-Lynn came walking out I stopped and asked her nicely if I can take a picture of her and my friend. Shae-Lynn of course was very kind and said sure thing. Once I had both my friend who probably at this point was going to FREAK, standing next to each other, I was ready to snap away then all of a sudden I have some guy beside me, with his ARMS around me, telling me he'd be able to take the photo. I turn to my right wondering WHO in the world has their arm around me, to quickly find out it was VICTOR KRAATZ. I was so surprised, and quickly said, well why don't you get in the photo as well. SOOOOOO he quickly scooted over and I SNAPPED what will be the nicest photo. I was so happy that finally I had made my friends dream come true.
Now back to the competition. It was very interesting to see that our two Canadian Dance Teams had both drawn in the same flight along side World Champions A&P. Wing and Lowe of course as you all know are my favorites !!!! I really enjoyed their OD, full of energy, expression etc.. It's really sad to see that a great ice dancing team such as W&L, just aren't recognized MORE than others around them. W&L are such a strong team, who have been together for such a long time within their skating career. I've enjoyed them ever since they came on to the Senior Team. They have such potential.
Chantal Lefebve & Justin Lanning - was really impressed by them tonight. I actually enjoyed their OD and having read a little bit more about them. He coming from Great Britain apparently. Since this team has been together for only a short time, there is still lots of time to improve and possibly move up.
A&P I'm not 100% sure if I really enjoyed their OD personally. It definitely wasn't perfect. It was obvious that during the foot sequence, Marina was off a tad and it took her a second or two to get back into line with Gwendal. I had seem them skate better in the past. I'm not surprised by the final standings in this event, having A&P 1st ~ HOWEVER I would have definitely put the ISR team of Chait & Sakhnovski in 1st after A&P. They did a superfastic job, and was more energetic,fast, quick that A&P's OD. Of course this is just my opinion and probably a lot of other people would agree with me. I highly doubt anything will change in the standings too much after the free skate on Sun.
Pair's Free Skate - Final
During the 2nd flight of skaters, I wasn't at my seat watching. Instead myself and my friend decided to go and walk around the venue to scope out a few skaters. We only managed to find Gwendal, and he was so sweet to stop to sign autographs and pose for a few photos. Even if it was only Gwendal, it will be a memory forever!
The FINAL FLIGHT of skaters was the ones to watch out for. I was soooo nervous for S&P because I really wanted them to do really well and come out on top. I knew that B&S had a great program as well, but anything can happen as they say. S&P were 1st to skate and did a GREAT JOB. I LOVE their free skate, so much emotion is given into this program. I was definitely drawn into their performance. The only slip during their free was by Jamie who did kinda of a flutz. S&P had of course a GREAT response receiving a standing ovation. I thought it was adorable when David gave Jamie a sweet kiss on her forehead after their performance. S&P 1st ... now they must wait. When B&S hit the ice, I just didn't know how this would all turn out in the end. So I had my fingers crossed. Their Charlie Chaplin number is a great program. Elena struggled which left the door open for S&P. WHAT A MOMENT!!! S&P win Skate Canada 2000 :) :) :)
I also ended my night on one last LUCKY note - I managed to get both Jamie and David's autograph before they had to quickly leave the arena for media conference. SOOOOO it ended on a high high note!!!
Highlights for me today was:
Jamie and David's WIN
Meeting Gwendal
Having yet another encounter with B&K
Tomorrow is yet another day. It's already going to be Day Four. Time flies when you are having fun :) Until next time!!
Friday, November 3, 2000