 Michelle looks back at the 2007 State Farm U.S. Championships as only she can.
Notes from Tuesday, Jan 30
I’m sitting at the airport waiting for my flight home. I arrived two hours early just in case my flights were cancelled. Now I have some time to reflect on the last 10 days.
The medical staff was everywhere, ready with stitches and ice and anything else we needed. Only one skater – Michael Villareal – out of the hundreds who arrived in Spokane was forced to withdraw from the competition. That’s pretty impressive.
The Spokane police were everywhere. Not only did they keep us safe, they cheered along with the crowd and asked questions and began to love skating. Some of the officers I met over at the Convention Center early in the week would stop by the pressroom to check in. Now that’s dedication.
All the volunteers at both venues were cheerful and helpful and added so much to the week. They seemed to anticipate every need and were always sporting smiles.
The ground transportation was probably the most convenient and well run than I’ve ever experienced. I never waited more than a few minutes for a bus. The drivers were so friendly and accommodating, willing to make a quick stop that wasn’t on the route so that someone didn’t have to walk far in the slushy weather. They acted as tour guides when asked and made sure visitors in wheelchairs were safely and easily transported around the city. Buses were lined up during peak periods. I don’t remember hearing a single complaint all week. That’s a first for me.
Although I never made it to FanFest, it looked like a blast from the crowds I would pass through on the way to the rink. I wish I had been able to check everything out. Seeing broadcasts at the arena of the interviews that were done there was a great way to pass the time before competitions began.
The Spokesman-Review staff was nothing short of amazing. Again, the best coverage I have ever seen of any event. They had so many reporters and photographers covering everything. Most of them knew little about skating, but always asked questions and took suggestions. By the end of the event, I heard them tossing out skater names and moves like old pros. What a top-notch group of journalists. I will miss them at my next event.
IceNetwork.com added so much to the coverage of the week. Having the press conferences available online was a wonderful way of letting fans see the behind the scenes interactions of the skaters with the media. I can’t wait to get home and really take in everything available.
And, oh, the crowds! Standing room only for novice compulsory dance? Wow! Every event was packed with enthusiastic crowds ready to cheer for everyone. I can’t remember ever seeing as many standing ovations, especially at the exhibition gala Sunday afternoon.
Of course, the skaters made the week one of the most exciting and memorable competitions ever. Most events were very close, with no more than a few points separating the skaters. A few of my highlights are:
Evan Lysacek’s free program. I was literally shaking at the end of it. I never thought I would be in the middle of an uproar that came close to the chaos that was Marina Anissina and Gwendal Peizerat’s free dance at the World Championships in Nice in 2000. Evan rocked “Carmen” in a way I didn’t think possible.
Ryan Bradley’s free program. What a way to end the week’s competition! A personal best that made people laugh and cheer and stand up. Magnificent.
Meryl Davis and Charlie White’s Golden Waltz compulsory dance. Got to love an upset in ice dance (although I called this months ago). Excellent skating from superb dancers. I feel fortunate to have been able to watch them compete this week.
Alissa Czisny’s free program. Gorgeous and spellbinding. I hope this is the beginning of nothing but success for her.
Both of Emily Hughes’ programs. Never, ever count out a Hughes.
Emily Samuelson and Evan Bates, and Madison and Keiffer Hubbell; they did not disappoint. It was anticipated to be the closest competition of all, and both teams lived up to the billing.
Johnny Weir’s free program. No, it wasn’t the skate of his life. However, I know how I was feeling after Evan’s skate. My mind was spinning and I was shaking from the crowd and the noise and the score and the whole thing. And I didn’t have to skate next. I don’t know if I could have. It was completely overwhelming. Johnny showed that he is one gutsy athlete, going for broke with his quad attempt and his best long program of the season. Champions aren’t only measured in gold.
I know the Professional Skaters Association gives out awards for the best programs at the U.S. Championships. Here are my picks for best mixed zone/press conferences of 2007.
Pairs: Minna Lee and Taylor Toth
Dance: Kim Navarro and Brent Bommentre
Men: Johnny Weir (Just say, “His press conference is starting” and watch a room full of media bolt to get the best seat.)
Ladies: Angela Maxwell (because not everyone could rock Hello Kitty pajama bottoms and gold sneakers in a mixed zone)
Thank you to everyone who made this week probably the best I’ve ever had. I had a rough go of it at times, and the number of people who were willing to help gives me the warm fuzzies. You all rock.
What I’ll remember most from the 2007 U.S. Championships is the city of Spokane and the wide, welcoming arms that embraced the skating community. In all my events over the years, I have never seen such enthusiasm and warmth from a host city.
I think Tanith summed it up best: “It feels like a little Olympic village, because the whole city is so involved. I got that impression right away. Even the bars have figure skating on their marquee. It’s so cool to be in a town like this where everyone is so involved and knows what’s going on. It’s everywhere; it’s all around you. It really makes you feel like you’re part of something really special. It’s great for all of us. We work so hard and this is such a big deal to us. It means a lot to see it’s a big deal to other people, too.”
An addendum: it’s after midnight and I just got home, and Huckleberry is already curled up on my feet.
I had three U.S. champions on my flight from Spokane to Minneapolis/St. Paul: Ben Agosto, Eliot Halverson and Armin Mahbanoozadeh.
My luggage? Still in Minneapolis/St. Paul. It didn’t make the connection to Newark.
I guess it wants to get a jump start on the 2008 State Farm U.S. Figure Skating Championships. to top |