The lowdown on Skate Canada (Part II)
Tuesday, November 6, 2007 | 11:18 PM ET
The long programs were full of potential.
With world champion Brian Joubert out in front it seemed as though we were sure about who would win this thing already, but that left the rest of the pack to fight it out for the other medals. The next five or six skaters, I can't remember, were within two points of each other leaving it wide open going into the long.
Vaughn started out the whole competition by skating first in the short. This meant he was the lowest-ranked skater in the event but he skated so well that he jumped up into the final flight for the long. This was good news for him, but great news for us at CBC because it meant we could start the live show with Vaughn in the final flight of skaters. He did not dissapoint either. Even though he had a turn after his second triple Axel, I think we can give it to him because it was his goal this season to land two triple Axels in his long. Good for you, Vaughn. During the show I went on about how Sandra Bezic did great work for him allowing him to skate open and relaxed.
Kevin van der Perren then jumped his way up to the top ... jump, jump, jump, jump, and then some more. Again, he seemed slow at the end of his program and we not sure he would not be on the podium with such a poor performance and footwork. But the experts were wrong and he not only made the podium but was second in the long. So, if he can improve in those other areas then watch out ... could be dangerous.
Christopher Mabee had a few small mistakes but should be happy, however it was Jeffrey Buttle who will be wondering what went on this week. I know for a fact that sometimes you just don't feel right at an event and that is a difficult thing to fight against.
Like I said (in my last post), I think we are putting tons of pressure on Jeff asking about quads and triple Axel combos and I am hoping this was just one of those weeks. Go for it Jeff and learn from this week, but please
put it behind you so that you can have a good season.
Yannick Ponsero of France gave up a chance to be a bit of a hero back home by letting the program get away from him - too bad, actually.
Then Joubert surprised me so much by falling on his quad that I actually really did not know what to say. The fall surprised him as well and he said it threw him off. He certainly pulled it together quickly and the gold was never in peril but when I talked to him after he smiled that great smile and said, " I have work to do". I was very happy with
how he moved across the ice and it looks like he will have a good base to work with to improve towards a defence of his world title.
With Jeff, Yannick and Brian not having their best skates, the event ended on a little bit of a low point. That said, what I think we can all look forward to is a great showdown at the Canadian championships as this year's worlds teams is just NOT set at all. Vaughn and Patrick Chan and others are going to make this very exciting. Emanuel Sandhu ... come out, come out, wherever you are and join the party, or not?
See you at Nationals.
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About the Author
Kurt Browning joins the Championship Figure Skating on CBC broadcast team as an analyst, bringing more than 30 years of experience to his new role.
A four-time Canadian champion and four-time world champion, Browning has been honoured for his achievements both domestically and abroad. In 1990, Browning was the recipient of the Lou Marsh Trophy as the top athlete in Canada. He was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, Canada's Walk of Fame and the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame. Browning has starred in five television specials and won five Gemini Awards for the 1995 production, You Must Remember This, and continues to perform professionally around the world.
Browning, a former analyst with ABC and ESPN, resides in Toronto with his wife National Ballet Principal Dancer, Sonia Rodriguez and their two sons.
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Comments
Colleen Decker
Wow!!
I have to admit that after you turned pro, I really didn't pay too much attention to the amateur scene. I continued to watch Elvis and Alexei for a short time, but it wasn't long before I was strictly watching the pros. After reading this article, I am ready to give the amateurs another shot. I am almost certain that your commentary is part of the persuasion, which leaves me wondering what in the world I will watch when you retire??
Keep up the good work - you are incredible at everything that you do!!
Posted November 9, 2007 09:28 PM
klam
Great to see the blogs this year!
I noticed the skating broadcast schedule is quite sparse for the rest of the season - how disappointing. I hope CBC will offer more coverage of figure skating next year, especially with the Olympics going to Vancouver, one would hope that CBC would be interested in promoting a sport in which Canadian athletes have an excellent chance of being on the podium.
Kurt, as always, you rock!
Posted November 13, 2007 02:05 AM
Kathy
I felt badly for Jeff Buttle that he didn't do bewtter at the Canadian National but I agree with Kurt Browning's comment that we, the public, put far too much pressure on Jeff re quads and triple Axel combos. He's done very well in the past without the quad. He's such a beautiful skater to watch. Good luck & we're all cheering for you, Jeff! Chris Mabee is a delight and fun to watch - he really entertained at the Canadian Nat'l - loved his program.
Posted November 15, 2007 11:39 PM