L E T T E R F R O M T H E E D I T O R
U.S. FIGURE SKATING Sponsors
Excitement for synchronized skating
hits fevered pitch in Boston There is no doubt that synchronized skating is alive and thriving in the United States and
beyond. Case in point: the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships 2013. The event, held at Agganis Arena on the beautiful Boston University campus April 5–6, sold
out in two weeks. The demand was so high that some even joked to be on the lookout for ticket scalpers, which is every sporting event’s dream. With 400 athletes from 15 countries, the World Synchronized Championships was an over-
whelming success, not just for the medalists, but for the discipline as well. The athleticism, preci- sion and dedication to training were obvious to both seasoned and new observers. “The quality of skating has improved so much, even in the past three years,” said Leslie Gra-
ham, U.S. Figure Skating’s manager of synchronized skating. “These girls are athletes, and it’s ob- vious the coaches are getting the best out of them.” Graham, 28, should know. She has been involved in synchronized skating for 20 years as an
athlete, coach and now as an administrator at headquarters. “To see new teams on the podium and a new team [Finland 1, aka Team Unique] win the
World championship says a lot about synchro’s depth across the world.” And that depth continues to build. While the discipline originated in the United States (Ann
Arbor, Mich., claims that honor), Scandinavian countries have long dominated the international scene. Typically, the battle is between Finland and Sweden, but 2013 World silver medalist Cana- da (NEXXICE) and bronze medalist United States (Haydenettes) have made it clear they intend to be future contenders for the podium’s top step. But to simply focus on these powerhouses would be a mistake. In March at the Synchro-
nized Skating World Junior Championships in Helsinki, Russia was a surprise bronze medalist, bringing even more parity to the discipline. Plus, Germany’s program continues to build. In synchro-savvy Boston, just minutes from the home of the U.S. champion Haydenettes,
the discipline was on full display. Heads turned in the jammed hotel lobby and busy city streets as athletes in team jackets from as far away as South Africa navigated their way around places like Newbury Street. At the arena, the predominantly American crowd cheered each country’s eff ort not only in support but also with appreciation. Even the nascent team from Mexico, competing in its fi rst World Synchronized Champion-
ships, was given a thunderous cheer for its personal victory — not fi nishing last. “To be able to host Worlds in Boston was great,” Graham said. “With its rich history and un-
derstanding of the sport, it was the perfect place for this event. With it being in the United States, people made a point to travel here from as far away as California to show their support.” Graham, who played an instrumental role in helping organize and coordinate the World
Championships, admitted being humbled by the opportunity. “For U.S. Figure Skating to be chosen as the host of Worlds for a third time is quite an honor,” Graham said. “We are the only nation to host three Worlds, and I’m proud to be a part of that.”
U.S. FIGURE SKATING Licensees
U.S. FIGURE SKATING Suppliers
4 MAY 2013
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60