SKATING: During the 2011 Governing Council, a live broadcast allowed delegates to watch Meryl Davis and Charlie White win the country’s fi rst World ice dance title. T e room erupted in applause and even tears. What were your feelings?
ST. PETER: “It was one of those memories that I will have forever. I can still vividly see the ho- tel ballroom in Lombard, Ill. It was an histor- ic occasion when Meryl and Charlie won the fi rst World Championship in ice dance for the United States — in Russia. It was also historic that hundreds of the Governing Council dele- gates could be there together and watch it live on icenetwork. Another graphic visual I’ll always have is the entire Governing Council standing and giving a video shout-out using one of the athlete delegates’ cell phone cameras. T e video shout-out was then immediately sent to the U.S. World Team. Everyone was waving pompoms, including Ben Wright, Chuck DeMore and Ron Hershberger. I will always carry that vision of three past presidents standing in the front row, waving their red, white and blue pompoms in our shout-out to Meryl and Charlie.”
SKATING: What advice can you off er to the next U.S. Figure Skating president?
St. Peter presents the gold medal to U.S. ice dance champions Meryl Davis and Charlie White.
and we continue to look at ways to expand upon them and also to create new programs.”
SKATING: Your presidency coincided with the 50th anniversary of the 1961 crash of Sa- bena Flight 548, which claimed the lives of the entire U.S. World Team. To commemorate the anniversary, U.S. Figure Skating made the fi lm RISE that included a nationwide premiere. What will be the legacy of this fi lm?
ST. PETER: “RISE is a timeless tribute to the men and women who perished on that fateful day in Belgium. T e title of the movie, RISE, is truly fi tting, as this tragedy led to the birth of the Memorial Fund, which has helped and continues to aid countless skaters in reaching their skating
goals. It also brought the skating community to- gether to share in an extraordinary experience at the same time in movie theaters across the coun- try.”
SKATING: What are your thoughts regard- ing Team USA’s chances at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games?
ST. PETER: “We have a lot of depth and I’m confi dent that the U.S. will send a strong team to Sochi. I believe we have several medal opportu- nities, both individually and with the new team event. T e team event should be exciting and is a great way to commence the Olympic Games.”
ST. PETER: “Every presidency has its own unique challenges and opportunities. T e key is to provide clear leadership. With so many talented, experienced and dedicated volunteers, it’s important to listen, but it’s also important to clearly defi ne goals and put forth an eff ective course of action. T en it’s important to let peo- ple do their jobs. Be there to provide oversight, guidance and support, but don’t micromanage. T e new president will be fortunate to lead an organization that is on solid fi nancial ground and has great momentum, especially right after the Olympic Games. Build on the momentum that we have going right now. It’s a privilege to lead such a time-honored and re- spected organization.”
GC delegates cheer the historic accomplishment of ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White. 14 DECEMBER 2013
Meryl Davis and Charlie
White after winning their fi rst World gold medal
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