Melissa George & Jayson Sutcliffe have been appointed the official ambassadors for the 2007 52nd World Artistic Roller Skating Championships. “I’m honored to be offered the distinguished role and given the opportunity to help promote the pinnacle event, in a sport which I remain passionate about”, said George. “Artistic Skating has achieved widespread popularity across Europe and South America and I’m pleased that we are able to showcase this in Australia” said Sutcliffe. Award winning Australian born actress Melissa George is one of the most versatile actresses of her generation, working in both film and television. 

Melissa is well known for her portrayal of ‘Lauren Reed’ on the highly rated and critically acclaimed television series ‘Alias’. She has also played leading roles in ‘The Amityville Horror’, ‘Derailed’, as well as the soon to be released ’30 Days of Night’, opposite heart-throb Josh Hartnett.   Before moving to Hollywood, Melissa was an Australian Junior representative artistic roller skating champion, a sport which she continues to support and practice in her free time. Read the news in full at the 2007 World Art Champs mySpace [here]. Also visit Melissa's Official site [here] Visit the Official 2007 World Champs site [here]  

There are no big surprises here, Riva and Romano reign supreme. Andrea Barbieri secured a medal in third position while Pierluca Tocco (we've all seen his quad mape) took his first senior Italian championship medal with the silver. Go Tocco! Notably Federico Degli Esposti & Marika Zanforlin were not in the listings and have possibly retired?? Junior champions Matteo Guarise & Sara Venerucci made their debut in Senior at the top. We do however welcome back crowd favorites 'Bornati & Bornati', the former world champions are back together and were only within a fraction from taking top honors behind current world champions Melissa de Candido & Mirko Pontello. Marco Santucci and Debora Sbei will the Junior winners for singles, while Sara Venerucci was third in the ladies, with Christina Trani in second. It will be interesting to see who travels to Australia for worlds! View all Jun/Sen results [here] Or quick access [Mens FS] [Ladies FS] [Ladies Figs] [Mens Figs] [Dance] [Pairs]

Reminder: Live and FREE! US Nationals web cast daily online. Apparently its been fantastic!! [view live]

Not many roller skating athletes get to experience such a buzz like it appears Marcel Sturmer (Brazil) has in the past week after winning gold at the recent Pan American Games. Watch this stunning video here as Marcel rides down a main street with thousands of fans saluting him.. Go Marcel... [view here]  

I don't know much about this article etc. but the picture tells it all and it appears that LAURA SANCHEZ has bared 'all' on wheels for a publication in her home country that is apparently raising a few eyebrows. Check it out [here] Update: Another page with the full interview and more images [HERE]

Brazil's Marcel Sturmer has WON the Pan Am's ahead of Daniel Arriola (ARG) and Josh Rhoads (USA) in 3rd. Leila Vanzulli (ARG) took the ladies event against Abigail Burris (US) in what appeared to be a strong competition. More news in full [here] and the main page for Roller Figure Skating [here]

Live and FREE! What more could our sport ask for? check it out here including daily schedule [view live]

The 15th Pan American Games held in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro are underway. Brazil's Marcel Sturmer storms into the lead of the men's short program ahead of Daniel Arriola (ARG), Duque Quinche (COL) and Josh Rhoads (USA), while Abigail Burris (US) leads Leila Vanzulli (ARG). More news in full [here] and the main page for Roller Figure Skating [here]

While it has NOT been officially confirmed, reports flying out of Italy are that LUCA D'ALISERA has made a last minute decision only one week before the Italian championship in Roccoraso to retire as the current world champion. We can only salute Luca if this is to be his decision - he has given much to our sport over the past decade. His debut at the world championships was spectacular in 1997 where he won and retained the title for two more consecutive years. He was crowned the Senior champion finally in 2003 and again in `04 and `06. Murcia was an amazing finale for the man who will be remembered as being the most charismatic skater of our time. More here as reported on Skatingidea [here] 

It's free and its streaming video - watch the Italian championships in all its glory. Just visit the Italian Federation site and click on the link [here] or try directly [here].

In a bold move the 2007 World Artistic Roller Skating Championships have gotten all cool and joined MySpace! You can now add them add your friends and keep up to date with all the action. There'll be videos and more loaded there so at least we know there will be viewing and more in store! Add them [here]

You can keep up to date with the 15th Pan American Games held in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro from 13 July to 29 July with estimated 5,500 athletes from 42 countries in 38 sports (roller skating is one of them and has been since 1979). Daniel Arriola (ARG) will take on Josh Rhoads (US) in the men's amongst a tough field, while Abigail Burris (US) will replace Jennifer Orcutt (US) following her injury (below news) with stiff competition from Leila Vanzulli (ARG). All the athletes can be viewed in full [here] and the main page for Roller Figure Skating [here]

With only four days until the 2007 US Nationals, the skating dream is sadly over for women's singles favorite Jennifer Orcutt. Reportedly, Orcutt broke her ankle last night at a training session and will be out of action for the rest of year no doubt. Jennifer returned to the international arena in Murcia 2006 as strong as ever and will be missed this year in Australia. Our best wishes are being sent your way Jen .. get well soon and be sure that there are many who will be thinking of you..   (12 July) Update: Jen's final competition was to be the Pan American Games representing the US in ladies singles. 

Recently I mentioned I would be donating books to the fundraising efforts at the Nationals, and I'm pleased to advise all the books were sold and ALL proceeds, yes every cent goes directly to the Australian Team, so if you paid $25 - that's $25 to a great cause! Thank you to all of those people who purchased the books during the championships at the stall. For those who were still wanting to purchase the book and missed out last week, sorry!! But you can still buy them via the publisher directly [here] or by ordering them through your local book store.. Direct from the publisher is much quicker and cheaper! 

All Nationals and Oceania results can be found on the Skate Australia site [here] 

All Nationals and Oceania results can be found on the Skate Australia site [here] 

There will be a section on Coxy's Big Break aired tonight on Channel 7 at 5.30pm featuring speed skating. 

The National Roller Sports Championships are well and truly underway and results can be found on the official Skate Australia site [here].  Several awards were presented on opening night including; Kristen Slade (left) - Senior Athlete of the Year, Stephanie Campbell - Junior Athlete of the Year, Debbie Mestrinho - Coach of the Year. Congratulations to all. Kristen and Stephanie both went on to win their respective events in spectacular style. Meanwhile recording to all reports, Amanda Bryant skated her butt off last night in the women's short program leaving the crowd gasping for breath! Go Amanda and welcome back, she leads the competition followed closely by Kylie Russell and Natasha Gundlach. 
More results and news [here] Image right by Bryan Lloyd Jones

During the National Roller Sports Championships on the Gold Coast this coming week I will be filming various aspects of the sport (each skating discipline) to include in the 9 episodes of the upcoming community TV show - Inline Plus (launched in December). Two episodes have already been shot and they were SO MUCH FUN! That is the aim of the artistic inclusion of this show - to enjoy! So if YOU would like to be a part of the filming, please do not hesitate to approach me during the time that I am at the championships (4 days only) or email me [here]. Filming will be daily and spontaneously! So put on your lippy and shooosh up your hair coz the camera will be rolling!!  

BLADES OF GLORY - Kick Some Ice - In cinemas now (Australia) 

Don't forget to check out BLADES OF GLORY this week (out NOW in Australia) - if you haven't already - the brand new comedy starring Will Ferrell and Jon Heder, where two rival Olympic ice skaters are stripped of their gold medals and permanently banned from men's single competition. Get ready to 'Kick some Ice'.. [view trailer here] [iMDB.com]

New Zealand's Sarah Jane Jones, current world inline no.3 will NOT be competing at the Australian Roller Sports championships on the Gold Coast next week after being involved in a horrific accident on skates. Sarah Jane competes in several events including singles, figures, dance, inline & precision. TODAY during a precision session she took a fall that resulted in a skate smashing into her face and fracturing the rim of her eye. Nasty yes! She will undergo surgery as soon as the severe bruising and swelling does down. Our best wishes go out to Sarah Jane who is New Zealand's top artistic athlete, coached by Jacqui Innes who will be at the championships with other participating athletes in the Australian/Oceania event.  

At the Australian championships on the Gold Coast (in two weeks from now) I thought it would be a perfect time to sell copies of my book 'Rolaboi', and for what better cause - to help RAISE FUNDS for the Australian team to go to WORLDS!! So if you are in the market for a copy then hold out til Nationals and grab one there! Proceeds from every sale will go to the National team and believe me, I know every dollar counts.. In the past there has been a lot of support for us, especially in 2005, so this is the least I can do.. if you have a copy already - bring it along and I'll be happy to sign it.. See you there! More info on the book [here]

Here are some great pics from the Holiday Memorial weekend New Jersey Open in the US. [pics] [results]

The new and updated FIRS website (rollersports.org) is actually rather fantastic! With regular updates, videos, all disciplines and regulation changes etc. there is something for everyone - and about time! The artistic section is very informative and includes an interesting article for PAIRS skaters at the moment in regards to the new set element rulings. [Official site] [artistic area]

Download the May issue of the Skate Australia e-newsletter and keep up to date with the latest. The free monthly newsletter for Skate Australia’s clubs, skaters, coaches, officials, volunteers, suppliers, partners & sponsors. Read [here]

For 8 years now I've been writing my 'world news' on this site promoting our beloved sport and the opportunity has presented itself to take the news to a new level in the form of TV!! With the launch of a new skate specific show heading our way in December 2007 - INLINE PLUS TV on community TV, I'm very excited to be involved as the 'presenter' for the ARTISTIC side of things for ROLLER and INLINE.. so I'll be ready to talk up skating stories/events of any kind.. That's where you come in.. If you feel you have a story of interest keep it in mind as I will be aiming to shoot as many as I can to be included on the show over the coming months. Submit your story idea or event [here] Just when you thought I'd put my camera down too!! 

Updated May 29: A schedule of events listing has been circulated for Australian Nationals on the Gold Coast, This is a revised copy of the program I posted a few days ago. It is great to see the numbers in the Inline events so high. There are TEN ladies competing in the International inline Ladies event, which is fantastic. There are 14 in the roller equivalent, proving to be a highlight will be Amanda Bryant vs Sarah Jane Jones. Awesome [NEW FILE UPDATED & MORE DETAILED]

An ABC casting director from the US is on the hunt for a SKATING FAMILY to feature in an upcoming episode of their hit show WIFE SWAP. Families featured on the show will receive a $20,000 honorarium. They are looking for families anywhere in the United States, but we ask that families applying for the show consist of two parents and have at least one child, between the ages of 7 and 17, living at home. For more information regarding submissions, please contact here and I will forward you all details [here]

The competition continues in Freiburg at the prestigious German Cup and Andrea Barbieri (left) has clearly put the world result from Murcia `06 behind him and faught back by taking the lead in the short program of the men's singles. Australia's Stephanie Campbell is holding 8th in the strong field of 11 in the Junior ladies short program, lead by the amazing Deborah Sbei (current Junior world champion). Full results from Day 2 are online at driv-rollkunstlauf.de by clicking on the PDF link. 

Young skater Tyler from South Australia has won an award and $1000.00 in round 2 of the Mc Donald's 'Be Active' youth program. Coached by Tammy Bryant, Tyler will compete at the 2007 National championships on the Gold Coast. You can catch Tyler on the 'Simply Footy' TV show today (Saturday) at 4.30pm. See slide show above for more images from the presentation from Ronald McDonald in person! Congrats Tyler. 

Congratulations to Australian figure skater Tamera Russell who placed 3rd in Senior ladies figures at the German Cup in Freiburg - sensational news!! For more results and day to day news check out driv-rollkunstlauf.de

Italy's Pierluca Tocco is creating waves across the world with his attempt at the Quad toe loop, and boy is it close.. Check out the clip featured in the brief interview I have done with him and watch the jump over and over - and love that landing noise! GO PIER... awesome work... Good luck.. Read the interview and watch his QUAD and also TRIPLE AXEL [here] Pier also has a website, which always isn't online, but bookmark it [here]

The 2007 World Inline Cup (speed) will be broadcast live to air on the net in a world 'first' on May 13. [view here]

Someone has posted a clip of us performing on skates for Sneaky Sound System at the MTV awards that was recorded on their mobile phone - and unlike the live coverage on TV, you get to see more of the skating.. mind you, we got our fare share believe me and it was great exposure for our sport. Check it out here, just be aware - the quality isn't that great but you gotta love YouTube!.. [Sneaky]

Yet again, skating made an appearance on National television this week, this time at the 49th TV Week Logie Awards (Australian equivalent to the Emmy Awards). Kristen Slade  and I made a brief appearance on the show as a part of a small gag, hinted at the 'Dancin On Ice' star Lara Bingle. It was fun, and a great night out. Kristen was more excited about meeting her all time idol, champion swimmer - Brooke Hanson, backstage in the green room where all the stars gathered. Brooke won a Logie for work on her lifestyle show - What's Good For You. See pics above. 

Check out the new show group videos loaded on skatingidea.worldpress.com They are fantastic, especially the CPA Olot - Muy Fragil [here] 

Skating was in da house at the 2007 MTV Australia Video Music Awards last night before I write a full report I thought I'd leave you with a new slide show (above) to give you a glimpse at all the fun and frivolity of the night!! 

Four skaters will feature at the 2007 MTV Australia Video Music Awards on Sunday April 29 in Sydney during a performance by one of Australia's hottest bands. Clearly this goes to show that roller skating is truly making its comeback, as press continues to snowball with skaters included. Be sure to tune in to MTV to check it out. International artists performing and appearing include PiNK, JARED LETO's 30 SECONDS to MARS, TEDDY GEIGER, FERGIE and members of GOOD CHARLOTTE. Hot Australian acts include SILVERCHAIR, EVERMORE, ESKIMOE JOE, SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM, TV ROCK, STEPHANIE MACINTOSH and loads more... News, pics and more soon. Perez Hilton and Sophie Monk will catch all the goss on the red carpet. Visit the official home of the MTV awards [here] And the slide show [here]

Roller skating has lost another dear member of our community. Fran Bracegirdle was a great ambassador for volunteer work in roller sports, devoting much of her time and efforts to assisting with competitions, calculating and many of the fund raising events when her son Dale Bracegirldle was a member of the Australian team from 1992 to 1995. Fran passed away on April 25. Deepest sympathies to her family and friends.  

It came, it went, it came back again.. it died, it climbed.. and now its BACK! Roller skating is officially funky and making waves across the nation, if not - the world. Contrary to the article posted in our April 20 news regarding rinks closing, promotion for roller skating in this country has been amazing over the past year, more recently with the roller disco craze and skaters appearing on national television, in print and street campaigns and news articles all over the net. More so today, in the Herald Sun, Australia's leading newspaper - Linda Drummond reports how 'roller skating is a top workout'. Across two pages with a gorgeous picture of Mary Donovan, and also quotes from our very own Karen Clough (multiple national figure champion and Australian team member) and speed skating coach Andrew Roberts from 'the rink' in Bunbury. And the promo isn't about to stop there... while I'm sworn to secrecy, roller skating will feature in two massive television programs in the coming fortnight - stay tuned for more! Read the Herald Sun article in full [here]

A very interesting article from the Sydney Morning Herald about how the sky high land values have forced many roller rinks in Sydney to sell up and move out.. Gawaine Davis (Skate NSW) added, "We've actually started some plans to try and find a venue ourselves and are looking for support from the State Government. We figure it's the way to survive." Let's hope this aint the case the world over, although reports from the US are equally as glum. [here] Thanks to Andrew English for sending me the link. 

Some great photos from the North West invitational at Skate Connection in Auburn, WA (USA) [here]

For many this evening at the 2007 Victorian titles, Amanda Bryant's return performance to international competition was a sheer moment of pleasure. Her flawless short program was spectacular and showed that she is still a contender on the big stage. For me, it struck a more of a personal chord knowing that after seven years of retirement, Amanda felt a stirring deep down inside of her after attending the premiere of 'Jesus Cant Skate'.. A stirring so deep that it meant she would once again relive the exhilaration of competition, "After I saw your film Jayson, that was it - I knew I had to just get out there and do it for myself", says Bryant. I have to admit it was a little difficult filming her tonight and holding back the tears, just knowing that only minutes before she was feeling 'green' and questioned her ability to get out there and do it, but she stayed true to herself and shone. It takes a lot of guts to get out there as it is, but after seven years to come out there and just blow them away, I salute you darling... We love you Amanda.. truly amazing... 

If you had thought it was just a rumor, think again - Skatingidea.com have posted images of LUCA D'ASLISERA at the ICE rink with longtime coach Gabriele Quirini sidelined, as he is instructed by Barbara Fusarpoli. This will be one amazing journey for Luca, and we cant wait to see more... View the story in full [here]

Roller disco is well and truly alive in the US and UK, and the RollerGroove.co.uk website is proof of that. Just last week I caught up with Vin from roller groove and spoke about the film, skating and all things roller skating.. Check out the forum and read the interview in full [here] 

A CEPA meeting held in Misano Italy (Mar 29-Apr 01) produced some interesting 'notes' as a result, especially in regards to the freeskating - notably the 'toe-loop' (mape) and awarding a B mark higher than the A mark. A priority of course was the inclusion/addition of the set elements for both the Jun/Sen short & long programs, clarifying the finer points. I will add a link to the document for reference to avoid any confusion. It is in English which is great, considering the meeting was in Europe. My point of interest was the 'General notes for Judges/Trainers' of the Freeskating paper - it reads: 

ARTISTIC IMPRESSION - sometime not rewarded enough - a great deal of time and money is spent by many skaters in achieving the correct music, having their programme choreographed professionally, their costumes made to fit the music. Bear in mind that the artistic impression mark can be higher than the technical merit mark but often this does not happen and is very frustrating to the skater/trainer. CIPA regulations FR 6.06/6.07/6.08/6.09 give more information on performance values, technical merit and artistic impression.       Pictured: Daniel Arriola - one of the many 'artists' in action.  

This extremely important acknowledgement does in fact reflect the frustration so many of us as skaters/trainers have experienced for years and years and to see it acknowledged in black and white is a huge step forward. Too often skaters who do go to all the effort (as above) to complete 'the package' are not rewarded and the B mark should in fact be used accordingly. With the quality of programs coming out of Europe via professional choreographers, notably Sandro Guerra, this will be a blessing in disguise. 

A link to the document and others for Dance and Pairs also can be found at Driv-rollkunstlauf.de/ under the 06.04.07 | CEPA Seminar 2007 in Misano heading [here]

Recently interviewed by Kate Liversidge for both the, Melbourne Times & City Weekly, the promotion continues for our sport and the yet to be released film Jesus Cant Skate. Read City Weekly [here] & Melbourne Times [here]

Tanja Romano and Roberto Riva have taken out gold at the championships in Noain. Highlights in the articles include: Riva's program was amazing both technically and from a choreography perspective, with a standing ovation from the audience and 10's for artistic impression. Héctor Arco was next with choreography by Pedro Moreno and then Manel Pérez who did triple flip, loop and double axel well finishing in 3rd. Javier Cabeza did an awesome long (was coming 7th after the short), technically very difficult and good choreography and pulled up to 2nd with all his scores in the 9's while Oscar Molins, who recently won another championships, placed 4th. In the ladies, Carla Gómez Pey skated the long first, opening with triple salchow (almost clean) combo. Tanja opened her long program with a very high triple lutz, loop triple loop combination followed by triple mape and double axel with barely any error to win the gold. Mónica Gimeno was second last to skate, her choreography and technical were amazing and she was placed first in the long program. Laura skated last, did good double axel and lot of triples to come into second. Scored in the 9's. Read both articles in full exclusively at the fantastic FEP site (Spanish official) [here]

The 2007 World Roller Figure Skating championships site is NOW officially OPEN - here

Demeryst Upshaw (U.S roller dancer) has completed several appearances around Australia in what has been a whirlwind promotion for roller skating and the Cadbury 'Boost' bar, featuring on major news networks, morning talk shows and in various print media including the Sydney Morning Herald, Melbourne Weekly, Herald Sun and massive billboards around town. Bianca Burrow (Australian dance champion) says of her experience with Upshaw, "We had a blast learning new moves, it really was fun in the sun. Demeryst was great with so much energy and a love for skating."

Two members of the Australian ice skating community were among three killed in last night's Sydney harbour ferry disaster, while 14yr old skater Morgan Innes is still missing. Read the story in full [here] 

REMINDER: Bookmark this site as it will be launched on March 30th, 2007 in relation to the 2007 World Roller Figure Skating championships to be held on the Gold Coast... Opening SOON - Worlds 2007   

Check out the great prices for Artistic skate equipment and even better - IN AUSTRALIA!!! Store located [here]  

It is with great sadness I share the news of the passing of US coach Ron Jellse. He taught many of the fine skaters to come out of the US over the years, including Rick Monturo. Deepest sympathies to family and friends. 

Check out highlights of the most recent show groups event. Skatingidea has posted a video online to view. The file is large but worth a look [here]

Demeryst Upshaw will appear on, and open the Kerri-Anne show on Friday 23 March, with six funky skaters from NSW! The skaters appearing will learn disco grooves from Demeryst & have gone way out with their costumes and its going to be fantastic!! Watch this space for pics from the recording and a low down on the session by the skaters themselves. For viewing details see the Kerri-Anne show website [here] Click on the image of Demeryst with Ally Mulvey (NSW) for an exclusive sneak peak of the skaters in their outfits with Demeryst.. more pics soon!

Demeryst Upshaw (US roller dancin champ) made his first appearance this morning on Flinders St Station in Melbourne and it is already online via news.com.au to check out. Please lets push some traffic to this site and make it the most viewed item for the week!! Show them that skating is here and here to stay!! Watch for more appearances in Sydney, and Brisbane. View the fun interview here.. (we wont talk about Demeryst losing his skates on the flight and not getting them until the final moments before show time!!) The book in this interview appears courtesy of Rex. 

While the translation isn't clear, the 'SkatingIdea' site is reporting that both D'Alisera (men's single world champ) and Marika Zanforlin e Federico Degli Esposti (world pairs champions) will be taking to the world of ICE FIGURE SKATING working under the guidance of Rosanna Murante, coach of the champion team Laura Magitteri & Ondrej Hotarek. While this is FANTASTIC news for the champion roller skaters, its sad for their supporters.. However, like inline speed skater who make the transition to ice and become Olympic champions, we can only wish them well if this is actually true. D'Alisera could become a household name if he successfully makes the transition and GOOD ON HIM, we can no longer offer him anything above and beyond what he has already achieved..  Good luck... Read more [here] 
Image by Raniero Corbelletti

Bookmark this site as it will be launched on March 30th, 2007 in relation to the 2007 World Roller Figure Skating championships to be held on the Gold Coast... Opening SOON - Worlds 2007   

...and the promo campaign continues: In the lead up to Demeryst' arrival, the promotion of rollerskating continues. Be on the look out for skaters you might know in morning shows on TV over the coming weeks alongside many print articles, including Melbourne Weekly, Herald Sun, Sydney Morning Herald. Details of dates and times will be made available alongside other street promo's too... Thanks to all the skaters involved.. Our sport would be lost without the many who contribute their time and efforts... all in the name of promotion! Thanks...   

Cadbury have just launched a multi million dollar campaign to promote 'ROLLER DANCIN', the latest sensation to sweep across the world. Demeryst Upshaw is a champion 'roller dancer' from the US and he will be arriving in Australia on March 19 to perform a series of shows with his 'angel' dancer girls in various cities across the country. Cadbury aims to promote roller skating as a healthy life alternative, and of course 'roller dancin'. The promotion will kick off in the next two weeks and you can already catch Demeryst on TV with the 'Boost' bar campaign on skates. For more details regarding the tour, check out the Cadbury site [here] Left: Hmmm, lets just say the outfit I got to wear in a promo down on St Kilda beach yesterday for 'Melbourne Weekly' was one I'll have to wear to the premiere of JCS!! Get on down!!

Logan Boggs & Julie Locke are officially 'no longer' a couple, in the dancing sense of course. Julie is also getting married - congratulations. On that note, more recently Julie and Logan were named 'Skaters of the Year' in the US, undoubtedly very well deserved. This couple are of the best teams to come from the US and while they were not rewarded with world gold, they certainly are loved the world over. They ranked No.2 in the world at the last two championships held in Spain and Italy. The last blow was in 2005 when their rink closed, you can now join the 'save Roller King' on myspace [here]. The big question is now, will Logan be on the hunt for a new partner! I think there should be a nation wide search to find Logan's new gal.. 

In an effort to raise funds and promote the US team, a calendar has been put together and is now available. To order simply click on the pop up and email Gloria Manning. The calendar is a full-sized 10” x 20” when opened. 12-month 2007 Calendars featuring autographed action photos of all of the 2006 Junior & Senior World Team members every month is now on sale. The calendar includes World Team Staff bios, Junior and Senior Team Official Group photos, action photos, behind the scenes photos, scenic locations in Murcia, Spain and event dates [here]

Skaters are finding old friends and reuniting after decades in some cases, that's what you can expect over at the Skatelogforum.com forum run by Kathie Fry. Yep, there is a post 'Where are these skaters now'.. it's had more than 3,400 views and 132 replies to date with some of the biggest names in skating appearing out of nowhere in search of old friends ... and boy has there been some big names from the past like Tim McGuire, David Golub, and Rick Monturo to name a few. Aside from that, if you are up for a good read check out this post and forum [here] 

It's been more than six years since Australia's hottest female skater has graced the skating floor, but today marked the return in no less than spectacular style. Amanda Bryant competed at a competition in South Australia cementing that she is undoubtedly bringin sexy back! About time I say, man - its 2007 and we are still seeing people frump around in costumes circa 1955.. Look out ladies, the vamp is on the run. Competition in Australia just got hot again, so look out ladies.. here she comes!

The Filippini memorial trophy held in Misano is continuing to grow stronger and stronger with increased numbers participating every year. Kristen Slade and I went in 2005 and it was amazing, and the standard of the skaters was great in every division - especially cadet and youth (see here). This year I imagine will be no different, check out all the info here courtesy of US Rollersports.org [here] 

The US Federation has made instructional vides/dvd's since the late 80's, and have been used the world over.. They have updated their catalogue and many more are now available. All the info here via US Rollersports.org [here] .. I say bring on the instructional DVD's from Italy!! 

Tipped to be possibly the biggest event at the 2007 world championship - SOLO DANCE! Yep, throw out your partners guys and gals, the swingin singles are taking over! Solo dance has been hotly contested in Australia for years and years, keeping the sport alive alongside precision. Next to show groups, solo dance will generate huge numbers for the sport at competition level, especially amongst skaters who simply cannot find a partner and still love to skate. On the down side, it means either the world meet will be longer, or training time will be shorter??!! To keep up to date with all the pros n cons of Solo Dance, go to the FIRS site for all international requirements [here] 

Today was a big day for Edan & Tenielle Jury who were signed to Melbourne's top children's talent agent, BubbleGum Casting. The two young skaters burst on to the skating scene only two years ago and shot straight in to the limelight by the way of their own site i-sk8r.com that documented their first year of skating lessons, attracting more than 200,000 visitors.. E & T also feature in the new film Jesus Cant Skate and look forward to persuing a career in modeling and acting.. Good luck guys and we look forward to seeing more of you on the rink, and the big screen!! ...  View their site & image gallery [here]