I don't know how many die-hard figure skating fans there are out there, but the arrival of the World Championships (taking place in the next couple of days) has brought back memories of when I fell in love with the sport.
It was six years ago, towards the end of a weary week in March of 2003, when I'd been struck down by one of the many illnesses I managed to contract in my teens (yes, I was one of those kids). I had an ear infection and was thoroughly miserable, holed up in the lounge watching crappy daytime TV. Had it not been for my predicament on that rainy afternoon in March I surely wouldn't have turned on British Eurosport and watched the entirety of the women's short programme.
Ice skating is thoroughly phenomenal. The fact that most of the competitors in a World Championship fall at least once during their routine emphasises how incredibly difficult the profession is, and so I've got total admiration for anyone connected with the sport. It also consists of colourful dresses, sequins, classical music, and judging, and so is alright by me. I try to keep in touch with the major events, like the Olympics etc. but it isn't always so easy. Nevertheless, this week's action has rekindled some of the fonder memories, and particularly one of the reasons I love the sport: Michelle Kwan's stunning, gold medal-winning Short Programme from the 2003 event. Enjoy!
It was six years ago, towards the end of a weary week in March of 2003, when I'd been struck down by one of the many illnesses I managed to contract in my teens (yes, I was one of those kids). I had an ear infection and was thoroughly miserable, holed up in the lounge watching crappy daytime TV. Had it not been for my predicament on that rainy afternoon in March I surely wouldn't have turned on British Eurosport and watched the entirety of the women's short programme.
Ice skating is thoroughly phenomenal. The fact that most of the competitors in a World Championship fall at least once during their routine emphasises how incredibly difficult the profession is, and so I've got total admiration for anyone connected with the sport. It also consists of colourful dresses, sequins, classical music, and judging, and so is alright by me. I try to keep in touch with the major events, like the Olympics etc. but it isn't always so easy. Nevertheless, this week's action has rekindled some of the fonder memories, and particularly one of the reasons I love the sport: Michelle Kwan's stunning, gold medal-winning Short Programme from the 2003 event. Enjoy!
