Timbre Beck-Murphy's Blog
Posted by Timbre Beck-Murphy
I didn’t win gold but I learned well that night
That the journey I’d taken was well worth the fight.
My wife and I came to watch Christmas Eve
Skaters who would remind us to believe
That anything’s possible. I smiled when
A familiar young face glided into a spin.
We knew she was trying to train years before
But her single mom couldn’t provide any more
Rink time or costumes or coaching, so we
Sent her checks like someone long ago had for me.
We watched her develop in skating and age,
And after she surfaced upon the world stage,
She won many medals, money and fame,
Endorsements and then a professional name.
We watched through the evening as she stole the show
Her talent and technique paled to her glow
Of beauty and patience, of strength and of grace
Reflecting in lights up onto every face
Of all the young kids who stared and were sure
They’d one day become a pro skater like her.
Though she’ll never know my name I’m a part
Of a sport that rewards both talent and heart.
After the show, before going to sleep,
I thought about how those gold medals weren’t cheap.
But worth most of all, more than training or hair
Are the talented youngsters who need us to care.
This season, with ice skating costumes agleam,
Remember that all medals start with a dream
That’s supported through funding, encouragement too,
And someday, perhaps, you’ll help more dreams come true.
Posted by Timbre Beck-Murphy
The week before Christmas we sat ‘round the ice
In a Stadium filled with both naughty and nice
Audience members lined up in rows
To watch great performers from ice skating shows.
Music and spotlights adorned the ice while
Cast members took their marks with a smile.
Stockings and leggings protected from cold
The night’s great performers, some young and some old.
My wife sat beside me and I held my cap,
Her purse and the program with care on my lap.
I leaned toward the ice when the music began.
I remembered a time when I was a young man,
A time long ago when my body was strong,
I longed to compete, to perform and belong.
But my parents were poor and the rink in my town
Was damaged by storms and then had to close down.
One day before Christmas we found on our deck
Addressed “For Your Skater” an anonymous check.
It paid for my training and coaching for years.
I worked every day, despite aches and through fears
Until the world finally took notice of me
At the championships where I appeared on T.V.
I’d trained for years so that I’d be my best.
That night I knew I could compete with the rest.
I went to my starting spot near center ice.
My music began and I breathed in deep twice,
Inhaling the cold and the smells in the air
Of excitement and all that was possible there.
I skated my best and I landed each jump
Until my skate blade got caught on a lump.
You see, pond ice is bumpy and we were outside.
The fall hurt my knees, but never my pride.
I stumbled but came back to finish and bowed.
I’d made myself and my sponsorer proud.
Posted by Timbre Beck-Murphy
On Monday, November 19, 2008, 8:00-9:00pm (EST), Stars on Ice Fan Club members get to talk directly online with Jef Billings.
For an annual fee of $25, get the insider scoop on the tour and your favorite skating stars directly from Mr. Billings by joining the Stars on Ice fan club. (Maybe we should ask Jef why there’s only one non-West Coast show this year.)
Mr. Billings made a name for himself by creating unique and beautiful skating costumes for elite competitive skaters. His creative genius is now impacts the skating world both on the ice and behind the scenes.
Experience the impact of his designs first hand during this season’s Stars on Ice tour. It launches next week where it has every year, at the Olympic ice rink in Lake Placid, NY.
This year’s cast members include: Sasha Cohen, Jamie Sale and David Pelletier, Ilia Kulik, Todd Eldridge, Xue Shen and Hongbo Zhao, Yuka Sato, Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon, Michael Weiss, Kyoko Ina and John Zimmerman, and Jennifer Robinson.
Tour Schedule
Saturday, November 24, 2007: Olympic Center in Lake Placid, NY, 8:00pm EST
Thursday, January 31, 2008: Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA
Friday, February 1, 2008: Key Arena at Seattle Center, Seattle, WA
Saturday, February 2, 2008: Rose Garden Arena in Portland, OR
Sunday, February 5, 2008: ARCO Arena in Sacramento, CA
Please double check tickets for accurate dates, times and venues. After you attend an ice show, let us know your thoughts about the experience.
Posted by Timbre Beck-Murphy
For years now, the Canadian Speed Skating was the only openly speed skating federation in North America with a commendable website to promote community and further interest in the sport. Now, their neighbors to the south have finally posted a website that compliments its team training and development.
www.uspeedskating.org is up and running – and finally updated with current calendars, news briefs, competition information and results, club and program links.
It even sports a photo gallery, the poster child being none other than Apolo Ohno himself. Most of the pictures contain no captions, but it’s great to see the sport promoted in full color from the top down. The training pictures are especially great and give us a glimpse into the off-ice rigors of the sport. (The shirtless gentleman in the dunk tank appears to be national long track sprint team head coach Ryan Shimabukaro.)
Keep up on official news by downloading Ice Chips or IBlade publications, the latter of which is “the electronic version of the U.S. Speedskating magazine Racing
Blade.” Unfortunately, the only issue of IBlade posted to date is from August 2006. Ice Chips, on the other hand, is current. Archived content and publications are also available.
The promise of a webcast broadcast “Coming Soon” should keep you checking back to the US speed skating website. Additional information is quickly being added.
Posted by Timbre Beck-Murphy
Tune in frequently in the coming weeks to cheer on your countrymen as they compete for a number of prize-winning crowns.
For lineup and location details on more ice performances, see the following articles: “2007 Disson Figure Skating Shows” and “More 2007 Figure Skating Shows”.
Airing this weekend is Halloween on Ice, starring Nancy Kerrigan and the Mannheim Steamrollers. NBC will broadcast the performance Saturday, October 27, from 4:00-6:00pm. The Style network shows it on Sunday, October 28, from 10:00am-12:00pm. Instead of viewing violent vampire videos, opt for the aptly-aired third showing on Halloween night. The Style network has scheduled the show from 5:00pm-7:00pm.
Don’t forget to tune in October 28th to watch your favorite Olympic-eligible figure skaters compete for the international Skate America title. Skate America, takes place this weekend in Reading, Pennsylvania, and will show Sunday on NBC from 4:00pm-6:00pm.
Familiar names on the men’s roster include Japan’s Daisuke Takahashi, USA’s Ryan Bradley (my money’s on him), USA’s Evan Lysacek (hopefully san’s Carmen costume). Canada’s Mira Leung, and Japan’s Miki Ando & Mai Asada will probably top the podium ahead of the USA ladies, Emily Hughes, Kimmie Meissner, and Caroline Zhang. The pairs competition includes skaters from Canada, China, Russia and the USA. Several world medalists should make this a very good competitive event.
The ice dancing final standings will probably consist of all USA team members – given their experience on the international circuit. Belbin and Agosto are trying to prove their Olympic worthiness, ahead of a diverse group of skaters from Azerbaijan, China, France, Israel, Japan and Russia.
Short Track speed skaters race in the first two competitions on the World Cup circuit. Harbin, China, and Kobe, Japan host the events. Check your local television listings for broadcast times.
Posted by Timbre Beck-Murphy
It continues this week with a handful off events listed below. These introductory matches give skaters the chance to shake the cobwebs out of their legs and gear up for a profitable year.
Long Track
Friday through Sunday, September 28-30, the Dutch Classic will take place in Nijmegen, Netherlands. That same Saturday and Sunday, the Desert Classic will wrap up with its Finale in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Short Track
Saturday and Sunday, September 15th and 16th, the Trnava Cup welcomes Juniors and Senior-level competitors to Trnava, Slovakia.
The following weekend, Friday through Sunday (September 21-23) will be the first of the Canadian National Team selections. September 22-24, the Romanian Open opens in Miercurea Ciuc, Romania.
The last weekend of the month, on September 29th and 30th, the Hanse Cup and Rostck Junior Challenge will be in Rostock, Germany. In the US in Midland, the American Cup I is to be held then as well.
Others
Certainly there are other clubs and countries with meets happening around the globe. Unfortunately, those dates are quite literally lost in translation. If you would like to have your speed skating event noted on future blogs, please email them with complete location information.
Posted by Timbre Beck-Murphy
The Salt Lake City Sports Complex needs ice sweepers for the US Junior Figure Skating Championships. Skaters to remove anything else thrown on the ice while competitors bow after performances.
Potential sweepers will be judged on how well they skate will carrying and maneuvering around objects. Forward and backward crossovers will be executed, as well as t-stops or hockey stops from full speed. Skaters must be 8-12 years old and have passed Pre-Pre Moves. Skaters having tested higher than Pre-Juvie Freestyle are not eligible to try out.
Forty children are needed, so if you miss the deadline, try calling anyway because they may still have some positions open. You can drop off the application at the SLFS Club office box.
Parents must also be available during tryouts, September 8th, from 10:00am-11:00am, for a meeting. Skaters whose parents are not present will not be allowed to try out. Skaters will "sweep" during Junior Nationals, November 28-December 1, 2007. Two practices are mandatory for all skaters chosen as sweepers. Sweepers must be presently registered as USFSA Utah club members, pay a $25 participation fee, and buy specific skating tights.
Visit www.saltlakefigureskating.com for more information, or contact coach and coordinator, Christi Sturgeon, at (801) 556-0721.
Posted by Timbre Beck-Murphy
Kristi Yamaguchi headlines her annual holiday ice show this fall, along side an exciting roster of skaters and other entertainers.
NBC plans to air the show on Sunday, November 25, 2007, from 4:00 to 6:00pm EST, but the actual tape date is September 29th.
The US Airways Center in Phoenix, AZ will host the event that showcases not only the talents of its Olympic gold medalist namesake, but also will feature The Cheetah Girls and other musical guests.
Kristi’s skating “family” will also perform, such as Nancy Kerrigan, Ekaterina Gordeeva and her hubby Ilia Kulik, Victor Petrenko, Michael Weiss, Jeni Meno and Todd Sand, and Rocky Marvel with Isabelle Brasseur and their daughter.
During the performance, of course, no flash photography is allowed – according to Kristi’s “Always Dream” website. You should note, however, that the Ticketmaster website states that no cameras or recording devices of any kind are allowed.
Adult ticket prices for the live show are $45, $65, and $150. A $3.75 facility fee is added to each ticket, as is a convenience charge of $5.50 per ticket purchased through TicketMaster.
This event is known for creating a warm nostalgia amongst figure skating fans. It brings together talent from yesteryear’s Olympic Winter Games and today's ice shows. These skaters, while past their competitive prime, continue contributing to the sport with brilliant performances and pleasant choreography. These stars are secure enough in their profession to be innovative and artistic. Visitors to Kristi’s Friends and Family should expect nothing less.
Posted by Timbre Beck-Murphy
Several ISI, USFSA, and speed skating competitions should keep you cool through the hot summer months.
The International Skating Institute’s World Recreational Team Championships are set to rock Bensenville, IL, July 23rd through July 28th, 2007.
Evan Lysacek, two-time world bronze medalist and US champion, will headline the ISIA Education Foundation’s benefit show in his home state. Tickets range from $20-$25 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advanced until July 13th. Performances begin at 7:00pm on Friday, July 27, 2007. The event will be held at the Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville, IL.
Other ISI competitions and shows span the states and the summer. For more information, visit their website at www.skateisi.com.
Mature skaters from around the globe will showcase their talent and athleticism at the ISU’s International Adult Figure Skating Championships in Oberstdorf, Germany. The competition, held May 24-27, 2007, includes events for men, ladies, pairs, ice dancers and synchronized skaters. Age group classes encourage participation of skaters who are 28 (25 for synchro.) to 71 years of age. The Ice Dome will host the competition.
Check out the United States Figure Skating’s or the International Skating Union’s website for more events in numerous locations throughout the summer months.
Speed skating enthusiasts will enjoy the Summer Classic in Calgary, August 10-12, 2007, but they don’t have to wait until then to get their fill of summer ice racing. Speed Skating Canada’s website has a tentative provincial calendar that runs through summer into fall. It includes local races and camps.
Don’t forget to check your local club’s website or posting board for cool ice excitement to get you through the hot “off season.” Check back here frequently for more information on camps, clinics and competitions.
Posted by Timbre Beck-Murphy
The need for originality in skating costumes was never more apparent than during the men’s short program at US Nationals this year.
It was the day of striped pants, dress shirts and suspenders, with nearly half of all the men dressing in similar style. Lucky for them, a fresh presentation is only partially based on appearance.
Costumes are undeniably important to figure skaters. Looking cheesy or home-made will distract from the performance, as will looking too flashy or unappealing. So how do you put together a great outfit on a fixed budget?
First, choose a costume style that reflects the theme and emotion of your music. Theme is usually easy to identify. If your music is Asian, your costume should be too. If your music is the theme song from a war video, perhaps a soldier-type costume would be appropriate. If the music is an instrumental from a famous ballet, classical attire is best.
Music theme is not always so apparent to those who are new to performance sports. Ask yourself what emotion the music is trying to evoke from the audience. What is the message? If it is deep, youthful, yet romantically about unrequited love, you are probably going to portray Romeo and Juliet with flowing, period pieces of attire. Powerful, techno music might require strong, sleek, rockin’ outfits with sharp or geometric décor.
Colors are equally important. Ryan Bradley*, 2007 US Men’s bronze medalist, told the media he went to a designer and asked for the brightest, ugliest, most contrasting colors for his ensemble. His style (you guessed it: slacks, shirt and suspenders) was theme-on, but his colors were delightfully atrocious. Interestingly, he didn’t give a reason as to why he wanted to make such a statement. His incredible free skate did that for him.
Simple, elegant statements often have the most impact. Michelle Kwan and Kimmie Meissner often choose monotone dresses with minimal rhinestones. On that note, there is a cardinal sin often seen at Regionals on first-time competitors. Here is how to avoid committing it: Never (and I mean it in the absolute) attach lines of pre-strung sequins. The epitome of tacky is a shirt with a swirl of sequins glued on from straight off the ream. It screams: “Unprofessional!” and will detract from your presentation.
You can use inexpensive dresses from the pro shop as a base for a very nice costume. The same applies to men’s skate shirts with appropriate slacks. Trim, such as beads and single sequins pieces, can be applied individually in a pattern that reflects the message of the music.
The last, but ever important costuming consideration is your hair. Emily Hughes is a wonderful skater, but her perma-pony tail is reminiscent of Michelle Kwan before her sixteenth and champion year. This doesn’t necessarily mean a bun is compulsory. A French twist or barrette for girls can be very nice. While guys don’t necessarily have the variety of options for their hair as girls do, I do have a complaint about what seems to have become an obligatory long-hair trend for the men of ice dancing. Perhaps the lure of added drama entices extended tresses, but long hair does not always compliment the gentleman or what the team is trying to accomplish.
Figure skating outfits should add the “it” factor, the “je ne sais quoi” to a routine that makes athletes stand out. Inappropriate costumes can reflect a lack of musical understanding or portray, perhaps, an unfounded lack of funds for proper training. You want to give the judges the impression that your opportunities for all aspects of training are world class. A great costume will make the judges want to stand up and join the audience in enthusiastically applauding your complete performance.
Posted by Timbre Beck-Murphy
New United States Figure Skating Men’s Champion, Evan Lysacek, earned 248.88 total points to finally beat out his rival, Johnny Weir!
Evan's technically incredible program could not be matched by Johnny who, as he arrived at the Spokane Arena tonight, said he felt like he needed to throw up. After seeing his final score of 213.20, he probably did.
Evan slightly "cheated" his quad, but it was so slight that even the judges didn't catch the mistake. Johnny's jumps were a little unsteady at first and got worse. As his music changed, everything went downhill from there. He fell and popped, but remained intensely competitive as a testament to sportsmanship.
Another commendable performance of the night came from the last skater, Ryan Bradley. At the conclusion of his skate, Ryan played to the audience and garnered a standing ovation from about 17,000 people. His 219.21 score (and sexy, elated personality) knocked Weir out of second. This was Ryan's first silver. He surprised fans and officials by skating on the ice after his scores were announced. A back flip with a kick-out in the air was his gift back to the crowd that spurred him on tonight.
3-time US Champ. Johnny Weir will still go to Worlds this season. New National Champion Lysacek and silver medalist Bradley, however, are on top of the world tonight.
Posted by Timbre Beck-Murphy
US National Championship Figure Skating, which crowns novice, junior and senior champions, will be watched by even more people this year. The governing body for the sport in the US, the USFSA is offering skating fans a free preview of their future news coverage through www.icenetwork.com.
Video clips of the competition will be available and include practice sessions and interviews. This is also the first time ever that press conferences will be aired in their entirety. Webcasts of regionals and sectionals have been available for an $30 monthly fee – renewable in June of this year. The USFSA is obviously looking to capitalize on web-based possibilities, but we don’t care. We’re just thrilled to be able to get an ice skating fix from the comfort of an office cubical (on our lunch breaks, of course.) Try icenetwork.com out for free.
Press Conference Schedule
(Times are PST, approximate and subject to technical quirks. Actual airings tend to run wwaayy behind.)
Tuesday, January 23rd
Junior Ladies Free Skate, 8:15 pm (really aired at 10:30 pm)
Senior Original Dance, 11:00 pm
Wednesday, January 24th
Johnny Weir Event Preview, 12:30 pm
Evan Lysacek Event Preview, 1:00 pm
Junior Free Dance, 6:30 pm
Senior Pairs Short Program, 11:15 pm
Thursday, January 25th
Junior Pairs Free Skate, 2:00 pm
Senior Men’s Short Program, 5:00 pm
Senior Ladies’ Short Program, 9:15 pm
Friday, January 26th
Junior Men’s Free Skate, 12:30 pm
Senior Pairs Free Skate, 5:00 pm
Senior Free Dance, 11:30 pm
Saturday, January 27
Senior Ladies’ Free Skate, 3:15 pm
Senior Men’s Free Skate, 10:15 pm
Posted by Timbre Beck-Murphy
Men's & Ladies' Short Programs 1/25 9:00pm-12:00pm ESPN
Pairs & Dance Frees 1/26 11:30pm-2:00am ESPN2
Ladies' Long Program Live 1/27 4:00pm-6:00pm ABC
Men's Freeskate Live 1/27 11:00pm-1:00am ESPN2
Championships Recap 2/4 12:30pm-2:30pm ABC
Ladies' Rebroadcast 2/4 8:00pm-10:00pm ESPN
Exhibition 2/18 4:00pm-6:00pm ABC
Rebroadcast 3/15 10:30pm-12:00am ESPN
Singles' Short Rebroadcast 3/16 7:30pm-10:30pm ESPN
Ladies' Free Rebroadcast 3/16 10:30pm-12:00am ESPN
Posted by Timbre Beck-Murphy
The USFSA confirmed its roster, and US Champion Sasha Cohen is not on the list of competitors. She announced that she is taking a break from competition.
Sasha, the reigning 2006 National Champion medaled in every competition she entered last season. As much as she likes competing, she admits that the rigor is tough to sustain. She has recently skated for the pure enjoyment of it and delved into many other artistic venues, including acting.
Cohen emphasizes she is not retiring. She has her sights set on the 2009 Word Championships. Sasha earned a silver medal at the last Olympics and hopes to compete in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
For appearance schedules and news, go to www.sashacohen.com. The United States Figure Skating Championships begins January 21, 2007.
Posted by Timbre Beck-Murphy
Visit the USFSA homepage. Go to Athletes, then Athlete Programs. On the left-hand side column, you’ll see a link for Training Tips. There you’ll find Boot Comparisons and Selection Information, Training Resources, Training Information, Traveling Tips, Nutrition Advice.
These are thorough files that will help you focus on important elements of training for competitive figure skating. Moreover, recreational skaters should take advantage of these resources. Find specific physical fitness downloads, like training logs and schedules.
Professionals at the USFSA have graciously put this information together from years of experience. Many of the people involved are coaches whose status generally earns them a lot of money per hour for their services. They offer it for free to www.usfsa.com visitors, and we appreciate their generosity.
Read a complete review of their competitive figure skating training program.