|
News
from June 02 - Nov 23, 2004.
See
Main news here..
|
| Nov
14/04 Skaters
roll in to Fresno.. |
 Skatelog.com,
without a doubt is of the most informative skate sites on the net,
for both roller and inline skating. One of the more recent additions
on the site is a page celebrating the
Australian Team competing in Fresno! I was looking forward
to meeting Kathy (site owner) in Fresno, now that isn't to be as I
am no longer attending, however, anyone on this site who recognizes
Kathy (left) be sure to go and say hi.. She has the most amazing
stories to tell and I am sure you will find her an extremely
interesting lady to chat with... Visit
the site here
|
| Nov
11/04 Skaters
roll in to Fresno.. |
 Early
reports from the first arrivals in Fresno indicate everything is up
and running at the championship site - and looking great! The only
downer being, that Fresno is some what of a ghost town, similar to
Springfield, when worlds were held there in 2000! Bring on a world
meet in LA or NYC, even CHICAGO!!! That's what we say!!!. Visit
the site here
|
| Nov
06/04 Rola-revamp... &
raffle! |
 To
celebrate the launch of ROLABOi the book.. the official site has
been re-vamped with details about the book, the people who
contributed, the future... and more.. The
site also includes an area to review the book - the latest reviews
are from JOSH
RHOADS, RACHAEL, BROWYN & ROYSTON... Check it out [here] I'm
also very happy to say that a signed copy of my book was raffled
this week to raise money for Kristen
Slade, towards her expenses to the world meet in Fresno. One
hundred and thirty dollars was raised, which is fantastic.. Kristen
performed her short program today at an elementary competition and
she is in great shape for the event. Our hopes are really with Kris
as she vies for her first medal at a world championship.. Good
luck.. x
|
| Nov
06/04 Ruben heads down
under.. |
 Italian
coaching great, Ruben Genchi, will head to Australia
during the 2005 Oceania Championships to conduct a seminar for the
skaters. Confirmation is still pending as to whether or not his
champion skater, Andrea
Barbieri, will accompany him. Skaters from USA, Asia, NZ,
Canada are invited to compete (and participate in the coaching
seminar) and with the inclusion of Genchi, it promises to be
a fantastic week. More information will be available very soon. Pictured
left: Genchi & Barbieri in 2002 - Barbieri took the Junior world
title for pairs and also the silver medal in the mens freeskating.
|
| Nov
04/04 Rolaboi hits the
stores.. |
|
Thanks
to
all the people who have sent me messages today after having
purchased a copy of my new book. (availability is limited
until the store databases populate with promotion) 'Rolaboi' has officially hit selected stores across Australia
and as the promotion continues, so does
the in store availability. If you wish to order a copy of the book
at a store that is not currently stocking it - just provide the name
ROLABOi, and the publisher Zeus, and you wont have any
problems. They will get it in for you. Thanks to everyone! If
that fails, see above to order online.
|
| Nov
04/04 Nadia's big
trip.. |
 Congratulations
to Nadia Zacharia from W.A who has been selected
to replace Jenny Nisi to compete at the World championships in the
Junior ladies f/skating event. Nadia is also scheduled to compete in
the Inline ladies free skating. Due to sickness, Jenny Nisi, who was
second at the national meet, has had to withdraw. This will be
Nadia's first world meet and now she will be competing in the two free skating
events. Nadia may not know it, but she will in fact be one of only
two skaters (along with Sarah-Jane) to compete in both events at the one championships! Well done
Nadia & SJ.. Pictured left: Australia's two Junior free skaters
competing in Fresno - Caitlyn Botica & Nadia Zacharia
- with coach Linda Noble.
|
| Nov
04/04 Italian...
Inline |
|
Former
World Inline Champ Sylvia
Marangoni, and 2003 bronze medal winner, Lorenzo
Ronci, have both been confirmed as participants to compete
for Italy at the world meet in the Inline event. While 'other sites'
have posted rather long and interesting lists of competitors who
will be competing, we can assure you, the total number of
competitors will not exceed last years numbers.. High hopes are now on Australia's Kristen Slade for a medal win... Good
luck..
|
| Oct
30/04 Skate Australia Team
take on Melbourne.. |
|
The
team representing Australia named, 'Skate Australia' (coached by Jodie
Johnson from QLD) hit Melbourne this weekend for a training
session in the lead up to the world meet. Skaters from all over
Australia make up this team, making it very difficult to practice as
a unit on a regular basis. Training sessions have been held in QLD
and NSW before and this stint in Melb. marks their first session
'down under'. I dropped in to the venue at the Dandenong show
grounds, where the team will put in no less than 15hours training in
two days, and got to say hello to everyone and take a few snaps. Below
- skaters take 'time out' during their training session.
|
|
|
| The
Victorian members of the Skate Aust. team will be holding a fund
raising 'Cocktail Party' on Monday night Nov.1st A night not
to be missed! For details please contact me [here]
and I will forward you the information. |
| Oct
28/04 Competitor World
athlete listing updates.. |
 I
have received dozens of emails regarding the published competitor
listings for the WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIPS on the official site and as to the whereabouts of
the South American & Australian competitors - fear not! Skaters
from both areas are participating and will appear on the lists prior
to the championship opening. Most recently at the South American
championships Daniel Arriola (ARG) stamped his mark on the
Gold and Jordan Sergovia (ARG) in second - Diego Dores
from Brazil moved up from fourth in the short program to take the
bronze in the final. They will all be in Fresno, along with
many other great skaters, vying for
the world no.1. Look for updates on the athlete listings at
the official site... [here]
|
| Oct
26/04 Spanish success at
the Europeans.. |
 At
the recent European championships held in Zurich, Spanish skaters
got to enjoy some of the local attractions during the event. Here we
see, (from left) Nuria Lopez 6th, Javier Cuesta 8th, Laura
Sanchez 3rd, Albert Trilla 3rd, Tamara Valderrama
4th, and Oscar Molins 11th. Only three Spanish skaters
will make up the National team going to the world championships - Tamara,
Albert and hot favorite - Laura Sachez. [Click
on the image to enlarge].
|
| Oct
21/04 Competitor
listings.. |
|
Competitor
listings for the WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIPS in Fresno, USA have been added to the official
championship site. Keep in mind, that this is prior to registration,
in which many skaters register that have not had details posted
earlier. [here]
|
| Oct
19/04 The countdown is
on.. |
|
It's
that time again - less than one month until the WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIPS in Fresno, USA. Keep up to date [here]
|
| Oct
17/04 In-Line... but out of
action!! |
|
This
year is definitely going to prove interesting for the Inline events
at the world meet. Current Inline champions, Tammy Bryant (AUS)
and Walter Iglesias (ARG), will not be competing - nor
attending the event. A huge loss for the discipline. Both
competitors were approached by their Federations to compete again,
however - Bryant was suffering injuries. I, myself, haven't skated
since January b/c of continued surgery on my arm and a planned
launch of my book at the world meet has now been cancelled due to
the publishing in the US not being completed until Feb 2005. The fun
doesn't stop there. Only in the last week in Argentina, both Inline
skaters Daniela Rodas and Adrian Baturin, vowing for
titles in Fresno, have come in to their own problems. Daniela,
unfortunately, has
just broken her arm in the days only leading up to the National
championships in ARG and Adrian had his skates stolen when he was
mugged by four men in his own town. Very sad indeed. Let's hope
things continue only to improve. On a positive note, Australia will
send two female In-liners, Kristen Slade & Nadia
Zacharia. USA will send 4 skaters to compete (inline).. We
are still awaiting news on who Italy will send...
|
| Oct
17/04 Team Mexico set for
the world meet.. |
  The
National championships in Mexico were held recently, and the team
selected for the world meet in Fresno has a number of new skaters
who are very excited to be attending the championships. Team coach, Tamara
Campos says she is extremely happy to be attending the
competition. The skaters named in the team are: Celia Rubi
Sansores (13yrs) & Guillermo Sansores (17yrs) for
pairs, Yazmin Caamal Acosta (14yrs) for free skating, and
also, Ximena Garcia Acosta (13yrs) to compete in the combined
event. Ximena lives and skates in Texas, with coach Kerri
Hefner from Spring, Texas, alongside champions - Kyle Turley and
Kathy Kimura. She has lived there since she was 11 years old.
Good luck to the skaters and team coach Tamara. Images:
skaters competing at the outdoor event
|
| Oct
08/04 Sporting Images.. |
|
Sadly,
due to a number of complaints, all images from the Sporting
Images site have been removed.. The note on the site from the
highly respected photographer, Duane Huart, will explain
everything. Anyone wanting to obtain info or photos, please contact
Duane via the Sporting Images site. [here]
|
| Oct
05/04 Hope for Barbieri... |
 Italian
skater Andrea
Barbieri, (former world pairs champion) has a dark cloud
hovering at the moment.. Unfortunately, the current world number two
male free skater is out of action, due to a leg injury, leaving
doubt on whether or not he will be well enough to compete at the
world meet. How or what happened I don't know. We all hope Barbieri
(a favorite of many) is back on skates soon and on his way to
Fresno. One skater, who is the next reserve on the Italian
team for the men's event, Andrea Aracau, is also out of
action for ten day with an injury sustained only on the
weekend. Fingers crossed for good health all round. It
is rumored that Barbieri is being considered for a trip to
Australia, for a seminar with coach Ruben
Genchi,
in the New Year.. wont that make a lot of the girls happy! (update
Nov 2 - Barbieri appears now to have the all clear)
|
| Oct
05/04 Olympic voting a huge
success.. |
|
The
link on the Fox Sports site, for the Poll to choose the sport
you believe should be in the 2012 Olympics, has now been
removed. Roller Sports started off with a 10% stakes in the poll and
increased to as high as 74% at the time of removal. The second sport
of the five, was Golf, with 23% of the vote. Whether or not this
will have any influence on the IOC decision is another thing. One
thing is for sure though - we were out in force! Thanks to anyone
who voted in the poll.
|
| Oct
05/04 The countdown is
on... yet again |
|
The
championship of the year is only weeks away... Don't
forget the Official site for the 2004 Worlds is up and
running with all details required to make your trip to the
championships easier, especially if you are booking independently. Visit
the site here
|
| Oct
02/04 October is Skating
Month at 123 Greetings.. |
 The
team at '123
Greetings' has made October, 'SKATING MONTH'.. So if
you have a greeting to send to anyone, and you want to celebrate
'roller sports', go to 123 and send one... There's no gimmicks here
or any spam rubbish... just simply a nod to skating and something
fun. [View
here]
|
| Oct
02/04 Final results.. |
|
2004
Aust. Championships - FINAL results - [View
here]
|
| Oct
01/04 Kristen Slade on a
roll.. |
|
Kristen
Slade has returned in fine form, convincingly taken the gold in
the International Inline Ladies free skating last night, ahead of
Sarah-Jane from NZ. Slade is Australia's hope for a medal at this
year's world meet, the gold a likely prospect, given the form she
has been in over the recent weeks. Overcoming a mountain of personal
issues, that plagued her over the last year, Kristen is certainly
proving she is back enjoying what she loves, and doing it well..
Good luck to her too...
|
| Sep
29/04 Results.. |
|
2004
Aust. Championships - results up until session no.9 - [View
here]
|
| Sep
29/04 Senior Ladies.. |
|
In
what was, one hell of a close call tonight in the Senior Ladies
free, Lisa Curtis from WA snatched the bronze medal in a
three way tie. Kylie Russell from Vic just missed out in 4th,
while Lauren Backrack and Purdy Rawlison took top honors.
|
| Sep
29/04 Junior Girls battle
it out.. |
 The
battle was really on tonight, (thanks to optus free time I had the
chance to experience the event via a mobile phone chat for free!!) and
boy, did Caitlyn Botica (left - 6th in the short) pull out all stops
and head straight to the top of the field in the long program. The scores
haven't been confirmed, but it looks like (out of the Australians) Jenny
Nisi is 2nd and Natasha Gundlach 3rd, two great
performances. Sarah-Jane Jones had a few problems with three
triple salchow attempts that may have cost her the gold to Botica.
Only seconds before Nisi was to skate, the entire stadium went
black, for as long as ten minutes, due to a power failure. Jenny
skated last and had to wait almost 40mins before she performed,
nonetheless - a good effort. Eugene Tirados skated amongst
the girls event and put on a real show with his new long program..
I'll be updating this section as soon as the results come in.. The
senior ladies are now taking the floor for their final. Image
by: Sporting Images
|
| Sep
29/04 Australian
Nationals.. |
|
Info
on the 2004 Aust. Championships is hard to find on the net at the
moment, however.. I can confirm in the Senior International
ladies short program that the top 6 were, 1. Lauren Backrack,
who skated a brilliant short program to finish in front, followed by
Purdy Rawlison in 2nd, and 3. Anna C. Cook (NZ), 4. Kylie
Russell, 5. Lisa Curtis, 6. Justine Portelli. In
the Juvenile girls division, Aleesha
Hanczakowski WA 1st, Nicole Newhill WA 2nd and Tiffany
Mestrinho VIC 3rd.... more soon.
|
| Sep
27/04 Big turn up on
opening night.. |
 Opening
night at the 2004 Aust. Championships proved to be a BIG night,
especially for old school skaters and officials. Former President Con
Galtos, judges - The Jessops, skaters, Anita Santa
(to name very few) were all there supporting the sport, not to
mention a capacity crowd. In the highlight event of opening night,
the Junior World Class ladies free skating, New Zealander (and
former world no.3 junior) Sarah-Jane Jones, took the lead, Jenny
Nisi 2nd (left), surprise break out performance from Natasha
Gundlach saw her in 3rd.. sadly, odds on favorite Caitlyn
Botica had a few problems in the short with a result outside of
the top 6 with fierce competition from the New Zealand competitors
looming. In the Inline Senior event, Sarah-Jane is also
leading that event with Kristen Slade in 2nd and Nadia
Zacharia in 3rd. Loads more to come.. Image
by: Sporting Images
|
| Sep
25/04 Luca... the
'Greek' |
|
Luca
D'Alisera wowed audiences at the recent European
championships with his fantastic new short program, performed to
the music of 'Zorba The Greek'. Videos, of a number of the skaters
programs, can be viewed at the Artistic World Cup site.. Simply
scroll down the heading 'Zurigo, 19 Settembre 2004 Europei: Video
della gara Senior di Zurigo' [view
here]
|
| Sep
25/04 2004 Australian
Roller Sports Championships.. |
|
The
Australian championships get underway this weekend for a full five
days of skating madness. This championships marks the first National
meet, in our country, in 22yrs that I have not been to. Good luck to
all the skaters... more news soon.
|
| Sep
24/04 how we've made a huge
difference.. |
Wow..
Yesterday when I added the news about the Olympics, Roller Sports
was 4th in the Poll. Now, overnight - Roller Sports is leading the
pack with 53% of the vote. AN AMAZING effort in just 24hrs. Let's
keep the traffic flowing and keep voting...
[VOTE
HERE]
|
| Sep
20/04 2004
Europeans... |
|
The
European championships are now over. For all results and info - be sure to visit the official
site. [here]
|
| Sep
16/04 2004
Europeans... |
 The
European Championships are up and running. It's great to see they
also have a site up, with regular updates with current results. It
even has an English version of the site, just click on the image to
view and explore. It seems only the figure and Pairs short
events have been contested at this stage for both Senior and
Juniors. Roberto
Riva and Katharina Steinkamp took out the Junior
figure divisions while, Nathalie Heinz and Frank
Albiez took the gold in Senior. In the pairs, Ivana Nardo &
Marco Viotto are out in front in Junior, and Michela Ermeti &
Enrico Fabbri are leading in Senior. For
more info and to keep up to date. Be sure to visit the official
site. [here]
|
| Sep
11/04 Auditions in London.. |
 There
is an audition coming up, in the UK and they are calling out for 10
skaters.. Here's the info guys... Looking for 10 professional roller
skaters for a paid job in October. Audition to be held in London on
September 19th. Please register interest by calling 01273 671010 or
emailing here. Or
you can visit their
UK home here..
|
| Sep
07/04 2004 European Cadet
& Youth Championships.. |
|
The
first round of the European championships were staged between
Aug 30 - Sep 04. Skaters in the Cadet/Youth grades from across
Europe trekked to Hanau, Germany, to compete at what looks to
have been, a great event. Visit
the official site here. Thanks to Elly from the UK for the
link.
|
| Sep
06/04 2004 World
Championship.. |
|
Don't
forget the Official site for the 2004 World championships is up and
running with all details required to make your trip to the
championships easier, especially if you are booking independently. Visit
the site here
|
| Sep
06/04 Promo... |
 Taken
at the premiere of the new MTC production of 'Take Me Out'. Article
- Herald Sun, Melbourne [View
here]
|
| Sep
02/04 2004 Australian
Roller Sports Championships.. |
|
The
National championships are upon us and skaters will head to Surfers
Paradise for the event at Runaway Bay. I've attached a copy of the
program for those who have not been able to access it via your local
club at this stage. A formal program will be distributed at the
event.
View here:
Nationals
2004
*Note:
subject to change
|
| Aug
18/04 RollerGirls - get
your dancing shoes on.. |
|
Universal
Studios Japan will be conducting auditions in Australia from 18
September – 26 September 2004. So get your skates on and check it
out, if you dare! They will be looking for applicants to meet the
following criteria: Must attend the 'Dancers Who Sing Well' audition
- Must have the ability to dance while wearing skates - bring own
skates and be prepared to perform a short routine to showcase
ability - not required to sing. If this sounds like you - the
following links will give you all the details. View here: Audition
Flyer / Audition
notice Good luck!! & don't miss out on this
opportunity girls!!
|
| Aug
11/04 German Cup picture
gallery.. |
|
Thanks
to Elise Hadgraft in the UK for sending me a link to Carina's
skating page.. There is a massive gallery of images from the 2004
German Cup - and the pictures are spectacular. To view click
here.. (Just
click on any of the side images to enter the event)
|
| Aug
06/04 USA Nationals round
up.. |
|
The
final results from the 2004 USA Roller sports
National Championships - are now online with some interesting
results in the Senior World Class divisions, notably with Aubrey
Orcutt taking the gold in the ladies singles. To view the top 3
of all the events - click
here.
|
| July
30/04 USA National
championships up and running.. |
|
To
keep up to date with all the results from the 2004 USA Roller sports
National Championships - be sure to visit the official home of the Federation.
Updates appear to be added daily and there will be images and
reports as the event progresses... To view the first round of
results - click
here. More soon
|
| July
21/04 Italian National
championships videos nline... |
|
To
view some of the most spectacular skaters in the world, in action at
the recent Italian championships - go straight to the Artisticworldcup.org
site and view them there! Advice: for better viewing - right click
on the skaters names and 'save target as' this way, you will keep
the file on your pc and then you can open it and watch it flow
uninterrupted. The clips are fantastic. Otherwise, just click on the
names and wait for the clips to buffer.. ENJOY. You can also find
full results there..
|
| July
19/04 Italian & Spanish
Nationals... |
 It's
that time again and the results are slowly making their way in.. In
Italy, world champ, Luca
D'Alisera took the silver medal in the men's freeskating
behind Andrea Barbieri. Luca has been suffering with severe
problems in his leg, much of which I dont know about. Piettro
Mazzetti was third, and Andrea Aracau (pictured) was
fourth. He has been in fine form all year and will certainly be one
to watch next year. Roberto
Riva took out the Junior mens in spectacular style, leading
by a massive 90 points. Tanja
Romano took out the ladies event with two new outstanding
programs, Sonia Traversa in second and Francesca Ciani
Paseeri in third. In Spain, favorites Oscar Molins (first
in the short prog & pictured right) and Albert Trilla
took to the podium, while Javier Cuesta held first. Laura Sanchez proved she was still champion in the ladies event. More
results soon..
|
|
Italian
Nationals - Mens & Ladies FS
|
Spanish
Nationals - Mens & Ladies FS
|
1.
Andrea Barbieri
2. Luca D'Alisera
3. Piettro Mazzetti
4. Andrea Aracau
5. Bruno Rivaroli
6. Davide Profita
7. Mauro Mazzoni
|
1.
Tanja Romano
2. Sonia Traversa
3. Francesca Paseeri
Men's
Combined:
1. Piettro Mazzetti
2. Davide Profita
3. Luca D'Alisera
|
1.
Javier Cuesta
2. Albert Trilla
3. Oscar Molins
|
1.
Laura Sanchez
2. Nuria Lopez
3. Tamara Valderrama
|
| July
19/04 Rink demolished for
new bus way... |
|
The
$540 million transitway, the second in the NSW State Government's
T-way network, will link Blacktown to Castle Hill, and Parramatta to
Rouse Hill with frequent bus services. But in October, rink
management will have to abandon their rollerskating dream when their
rink is demolished and the Briens Street, Northmead business
disappears to make way for the State Government's north-west busway...
[Read
full story here]
|
| July
15/04 From
Xanadu to Zanadu.... girls on film |
 Sydney
skaters, Esther Ambrus and Justine Portelli, will soon
feature on a yet to be shown episode of Burke's Backyard (for
non Australian visitors - its a top rating home style show on prime
time). The girls headed out to Epping in North Sydney to
shoot part of the episode in which they were to mimick the role Olivia
Newton John made famous in Xanadu... the reason for this being,
that Don Burke (the show host) was road testing a plant, Zanadu, and
obviously thats where the girls came in to place.. Apparently it was
a lot of fun, even though it was wet! In all its great promotion for
the sport... Look out for it soon.. Dates to be advised. Pictured
left: Justine, Don & Esthur. Right: Xanadu
|
| July
04/04 State
meets great success.. |
|
Overall,
the standard of the Victorian championships was definitely better than in 2003 I
felt. The atmosphere in the smaller venue was much better and there seemed
to be more people at the events watching, which is great for the
skaters. The combination of the two states is a great way to
boost numbers, not so good for SA having to travel.. however, it was
great having the six from WA also. Tammy Bryant and Kristen
Slade both skated brilliant long programs today, with Slade
including the double axel and triple toe loop jumps, equally matched
by some good spins. Due to injury, Tammy was unable to include
the big items and performed a flawless program consisting of all
the double jumps and combinations. Bryant's fluidity on the InLines
and speed in the spins was just enough to edge her in front of Slade
who will pose a threat to those currently on the podium at
worlds! Purdy Rawlison took out the Senior Ladies event
ahead of Lisa Curtis and Kylie Russell, not any of the
three skated brilliantly but they showed strength. Stephanie
Campbell (Cadet) wowed everyone with her equally matched spins
and jumps and a very difficult program including a seven jump
combination. She is the obvious future hopeful for Australia. More
news soon..
|
| July
04/04 Caitlyn
captivates crowd... |
|
 |
 The
final of the Junior International ladies freeskating event was won
this morning by Caitlyn Botica of WA.
Caitlyn, after a fall on an
element in the short was holding 3rd position behind South Aust. Natasha
Gundlach and fellow skater from WA, Nadia Zacharia in
first. Botica, at her first major event in just under two
years proved that she's back and in spectacular form with a
performance that left everybody cheering for more. The judges also
rewarded the program with scores reaching 8.9. A welcome return to
the spotlight for Caitlyn and to the sport.
Unfortunately, the Victorian competitor in the event, Jenny Nisi
(worlds 2002/03) had to withdraw due to a fracture of her right wrist
(only last week).. More news
from the State meet soon..
|
|
Above: Coach Linda Noble with Caitlyn &
Nadia - Caitlyn looking spectacular! Janelle Payne the stylist!! |
| July
03/04 State
meets across Australia.. |
|
Skaters
hoping to qualify for the National championships in October will
contest their rounds of State meets across the country over the
coming weeks. This weekend in Melbourne, South Australia and
Victoria contest a 'combined' meet with current world Inline
champion, Tammy Bryant, competing. Seven skaters from Perth,
WA, have traveled across to compete and they are in fantastic form,
including Caitlyn Botica and Lisa Curtis - both
international skaters, all coached by former HP coach, Linda
Noble. The W.A championships get under way next weekend in
Perth and there'll be updates and results here over the weekend for
the Vic meet.
|
| June
18/04 The
long and winding road.... |
|
How
time can fly.. Two months has just flown and now I'm here in Hong
Kong enjoying a few days off.. India was extremely happy on the last
days of competition when Natasha Shah took a silver in the
combined event and Anup Kumar took the bronze. They also got
a bronze in the pairs. Helen from Taipei took the Gold in the ladies
figures, free and combined... Next year the even will be held in
Korea. More news and info soon.. Right now, I'm too engrossed in the
view from this 57th floor apartment.. just spectacular.. and must
fly.. Adios
Above:
1. Me with my Indian friends & team members. 2. Natasha Shah
signs a tshirt. 3. Laides figures 4. Hockey venue 5. Spectacular
view of the Hong Kong
|
| June
14/04 Asian
Games update.... |
|
There
isn't a single skater at this championships who isn't upset about
the conditions of the skating surface.. and you only have to stand
ten meters from the sideline to know - you can hear it! The floor is
comparable to gravel almost and like ice to makes things worse.
Surrounding the inner arena is a 500mtr speed track, which was used
for the figures. That also proved to be a nightmare, for speed also
- again like ice. Naturally, this has caused for some very
interesting competition and spills 'n' thrills.. The short programs
for both the ladies and men's last night was very disappointing
(exception of 1st place position in Mens short),
there were many missed items, mainly due to the surface (spins
missed completely before even entering the positions, jump take off
missed).. so its very sad for the skaters and no matter how hard
they try, the situation doesn't improve. However, we can only work
with what we have here and they are doing their best. There was a
good performance from the Chinese pairs team who have improved out
of sight. The judging has also been 'very interesting' to say the
least, with the raising of many eyebrows and jeers from
the audience. One of the girls from Taipei did a good short program
with difficult elements and ended up with scores like 6.4, everyone
was completely baffled, when easily she should have been in the lead
or top 2.. stranger things have happened though and we are seeing
difference in scores of up to 1.8, in which 'the judge' has been
asked a number of times to alter his score by one whole mark...
Anyway.. the life n times of skater continue with every bump n grind
in the road.. more soon...
|
| June
10/04 Turning
Japanese.... |
|
I
was surprised to learn today that the Australian entrant for the
ladies figures has withdrawn and not travelled to Japan, sadly.. but
Nigel Foster has made his way here.. so have the other countries
participating in the Asian games.. from looking at today's training
sessions, it looks like it will be a good little comp. The girls
figures will be extremely tight, as will the men's.. sadly, its
being skated on the banked track on the outside of the main floor...
due to the stadium floor being so rough, its barely skate-able...
you can hear the vibrations of the wheels from 20ft away, terrible..
all the kids are very distressed, which is a shame for them, but
they will manage - 2 days before competition starts. The free events
should also be good, there are skaters doing triple jumps, a few of
them, which is a good sign for the standard of skaters improving.
Anyway, we're all here in Japan and its not bad.. Im slowly
adjusting to the cold weather. Sorry for the lack of updates on
other worldly events but I will get back in to the swing of things
shortly. Cheers. Jayson
|
| June
02/04 Final
Indian Update.. |
 Well,
I have to say... I can't believe I made it! Tomorrow is my last day
of work here in India before we head out to Japan. Its just on two
months by the time we leave on the 7th - what an experience. All the
skaters going to Asian's are in great spirits and they've been
training their butts off.. I'm sure all will go extremely well in
the competition judging by the looks of things.. Tomorrow will be
fun with the junior skaters as we have some fun events planned and
mock competitions for challenge figures we have made up and some
choreography, a good note to finish off seven long weeks of work
(kicking off at 5.30am every day). Anup (Indian champ) was giving me
a lift home on the back of his motor bike the other day and as we
were racing around the town a BUFFALO came out from behind a truck.
If only you could have seen the look on my face and heard the
scream!! Who would ever expect to HIT A BUFFALO (like the one
pictured right!) on a main street? In
India, its not uncommon as they roam freely on the streets. My god,
you had to be there to believe it... I was like, "not the cow,
not the now"... (until I learnt it was in fact a Buffalo!!)....
More soon!!
|
| May
25/04 German
Cup Image Gallery... |
|
Thanks
to
Raniero
Corbelletti, I am pleased to bring you an exclusive photo
gallery direct from the recent German Cup (see previous news).. Once
again, the images are spectacular.. [..here]
|
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