‘Canada’s Sweetheart’ Charmed by Nation’s Top Figure Skaters
Manley would be ‘tickled pink’ to pass torch to Rochette
Elizabeth Manley remembers the 1988 Calgary Olympics like they were yesterday. She can recall the buzz around the rink, roaring crowds, cheers of support and lively atmosphere. The native of Belleville, Ontario earned a silver medal at the 1988 Olympic Winter Games after an unforgettable and unexpected free program that stands as one of the most electrifying performances in Canadian sports history. Often referred to as ‘Canada’s Sweetheart’, Manley credits the raucous crowds in Calgary for pushing her all the way to the podium despite incredible odds.
“I was very sick in Calgary. I had a blown ear drum and I was running a high fever. There was a question of whether I was going to be able to compete. I truly believe what got me through Calgary was the support of the people. If I had been in another country, I might not have had the inspiration. The crowd motivated me to stay on my feet.”
Manley will return to the Olympic Games when they are again held on home soil as a figure skating analyst for Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium at Vancouver 2010.
Manley believes history will repeat itself as Canadian crowds cheer for home-grown athletes at the 2010 Winter Games and predicts the combination of unwavering support from fans and the incredible talent of Canada’s figure skating team will lead the nation’s Olympians straight to the top of the podium in Vancouver.
“The crowd [at Vancouver 2010] is going to be even better than Calgary and we have a team heading there that’s set to win medals. The crowds are going to be insane. From Patrick Chan to Joannie Rochette, we have some serious medal threats and possibly the most talented team since ‘88.”
Medal success on figure skating’s biggest stage is a matter of executing a well-rehearsed game plan, according to Manley. From family and friends to Facebook, the Olympic Games present plenty of opportunities for distraction and the 1988 World silver medalist speaks from experience when she says Canadian athletes will need to demonstrate superior focus and concentration with the Games on home soil.
“Don’t make more of skating at home than it has to be. It’s not like your normal event, because it’s the Olympic Games, but everyone’s going to want to enjoy the Games with their family. The team needs to remember that they are there to do their job and everyone else can wait. They need to be a little bit selfish and take care of themselves. But it’s easier said than done.”
Having followed the performances of Canada’s figure skating stars over the years, Manley believes last season was a breakthrough showing for the Canadian team – one that will serve as a catalyst for podium success at Vancouver 2010.
“Joannie put out an Olympic-style performance at Skate Canada in October. That was a really great motivator for her. Tessa [Virtue] and Scott [Moir] returned from injury and have had some amazing skates and have proven their fortitude. And Patrick, you never want to peak too early but he’s skated outstanding. He has said that there’s some room for improvement. Where? I don’t know. But he laid the groundwork for Vancouver and that’s the focus of the entire team.”
Manley appreciates the diverse combination of skills, talent and personality that the group of skaters bound for Vancouver brings to the Games. This includes a particular fondness for 2009 World silver medalist Joannie Rochette, who Manley predicts will be the first Canadian ladies figure skater to win an Olympic medal since Manley herself did more than 20 years ago.
“I’ve watched her at Skate Canada and the World Championships and she’s not afraid of Vancouver. She’s not afraid of the pressure and she’s using it to her advantage and it’s making her better. She’ll take advantage of being at home and won’t let it get to her. She’s got some tough competition, but she’s got everything you need.”
On the men’s side, Manley sees Patrick Chan as a legitimate gold-medal threat.
“Patrick is so far ahead of the game in the freestyle program. He may not have the quads down, but you can win on spins alone. He didn’t win the World Championship, but that’s only going to motivate him. I always worked harder when I experienced failure and I see that in him. When I watch Patrick Chan skate, I don’t even clap. He’s breathtaking, a true artist.”
As Canada’s Sweetheart prepares for her role in the broadcast booth at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Manley says that she welcomes this next generation of Canadian figure skating stars and is not the least bit worried that her moment in the Olympic spotlight will become an afterthought.
“I still held a lot of competitiveness 10 or 15 years ago, but I respect our sport so much and I’ve come to peace with the fact that I won’t be forgotten by Canadians. Canada has never let me forget that moment. Joannie is so deserving. I’d be more than tickled to pass on that torch.”
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‘Canada’s Sweetheart’ Charmed by Nation’s Top Figure Skaters
Manley would be ‘tickled pink’ to pass torch to Rochette
A skating family!
Athlete’s Corner
New National Team Photos!
Get to know! Kathryn Kang
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2009 HomeSense Skate Canada International comes to Kitchener!
2010 BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships in London
Skate Canada News
Skate Canada staff raises money for Heart & Stroke
Skate Canada says goodbye to Laurie Malizia
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Artistry helps out at the 2009 pre-season camp
BMO MasterCard Win the Worlds Contest
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A skating family!Whether you’ve just started skating, you’re going for gold at the BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships, you’re travelling across the country to volunteer at an event or skating to keep active, the sport of figure skating can bring so many benefits to your life. Skate Canada believes that skating is for life, and this statement definitely holds true for the Moir family from Ilderton, Ontario. If you have ever been involved at a Skate Canada event chances are you’ve run into a Moir! The Moir family is part of the Skate Canada Western Ontario Section where Carol Moir works as a Skating Programs Coordinator; she is also a skating coach who once coached nephew Scott Moir and partner Tessa Virtue. Carol’s husband Paul Moir is an avid skating volunteer who has travelled many miles to donate his time and skills. Paul is a favourite with Skate Canada staff for his enormous wealth of knowledge and his willing attitude to help no matter the task. Carol and Paul have three daughters. Oldest daughter Leanne is active in the adult skating scene where she competes with the Ilderton Classic Jets on the adult synchronized skating team. A former competitive skater in singles, she competed at the 1999 Canadian Figure Skating Championships. This year she picked up two gold medals at the 2009 Skate Canada Adult Skating Championships in competitive women’s free skate and open couples interpretive. She is also a certified Skate Canada coach. Younger sisters Sheri and Cara are both members of the synchronized skating team NEXXICE. They are three-time Canadian Synchronized Skating Champions (2007, 2008 and 2009), 2007 and 2008 bronze medalists at the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships and in 2009 they were crowned the ISU World Synchronized Skating Champions. Cara is also a former competitive skater and has taken the first steps to become a primary evaluator. In 1999 Sheri was crowned the Canadian Novice Ice Dance Champion and in 2001 and 2002 she won the Canadian Junior silver medal in ice dance, and placed 15th at the 2001 World Junior Figure Skating Championships, all with partner and cousin Danny Moir. She also coaches part-time and is a technical specialist for synchronized skating. Alma and Joseph Moir have three boys: Danny, Charlie and Scott. All three brothers have been involved in skating. Oldest brother Danny competed in ice dance with cousin Sheri and now coaches; middle brother Charlie is a former competitive singles and pair skater and volunteer at the Ilderton Skating Club; and Scott is a two-time Canadian Champion, 2009 ISU World Ice Dance Bronze Medalist and 2008 ISU World Ice Dance Silver Medalist. Alma and Carol are twin sisters who married brothers Paul and Joseph Moir. Alma and Carol have an older sister, Marg Carey who has been a Skate Canada coach for almost 30 years. She also volunteers at her home club. Skate Canada is proud to have a family that has invested so much time and effort into helping develop figure skating in Canada!
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The Skate Canada Senior National Team profiles webpage has been updated on the Skate Canada website with a new team photo as well as new individual photos.
Get to know! Kathryn Kang
This is Kathryn’s first year on the Skate Canada National Team and only her second year competing at the senior level. In 2009 she jumped eight spots in the Canadian rankings from 13th at the 2008 BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships to fifth at the 2009 BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships. Her outstanding placement earned her a spot on the 2009 World Junior Team. She travelled to Ostrava, Czech Republic to compete at the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships where she placed 21st.
Kathryn, who will turn 20 in October, is setting her Olympic dreams on 2014 where she hopes to represent Canada in Russia.
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Discipline: Women’s singles Born: October 20, 1989, Vancouver, B.C. Hometown: North Vancouver, B.C. Age: 19 Height: 5’6” Occupation or Education: Student at Capilano University and works part-time at Cactus Club Café in Vancouver Club: North Shore WC Training site: BC Centre of Excellence Coach: Joanne McLeod / Jill Marie Harvey Choreographer: Tracey Wainman Began skating at age: 4 |
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Did you know?
Get to know, new to the summer editions of Above the Crowd, will feature athlete/athletes that have made the 2009/2010 Skate Canada National Team in order to familiarize skating fans with new and old faces! |
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Skate Canada News
Skate Canada staff raises money for Heart & Stroke
For the second year in a row Skate Canada staff participated in the Heart & Stroke Foundation’s Big Bike. An enthusiastic group of Skate Canada employees headed to the Rideau Carleton Raceway in Ottawa on June 16, 2009 to ride the 30-seater Big Bike.
With a team of only 10 people, Skate Canada managed to raise $1,225.50! The Big Bike travels to over 200 communities in Canada and raised over $7 million in 2008.
Congratulations to everyone that participated!
From left to right: Sarah Smith, Andrika Melnyk, Taylor Miatello, Michelle Lester, Meredith Warner,
Shannon Youmelle, Cassie Hodgins, Emma Bowie and Mitch Cook. (Missing: Kate McNeil)
Skate Canada says goodbye to Laurie Malizia
After over 20 years of service with Skate Canada in the national office, Laurie Malizia has left her position as Communications Division Administrator. Laurie, who recently began to work part-time with Skate Canada, has decided to start a new chapter in her life.
On June 25, 2009 Skate Canada threw a going away party for Laurie to celebrate her many years of service.
Laurie will be missed by not only Skate Canada staff but also by the many journalists and photographers with whom she had formed relationships over the years. Laurie was committed to making work fun while also remaining committed to Skate Canada’s vision and will be greatly missed by all.
We wish Laurie good luck on all her future endeavours!
Upcoming Canadian Figure Skating Events
2009 HomeSense Skate Canada International comes to Kitchener!
Don’t miss out on the excitement as Skate Canada hosts the last ISU Grand Prix before the ISU Grand Prix Final. Get a chance to see top Canadian skaters as well as elite international skaters. The event will take place from November 19-22, 2009 at The Aud.
Ticket Information
All-event ticket packages for the 2009 HomeSense Skate Canada International are on sale now! Tickets are available online at www.centre-square.com, by phone at 519.578.1570 or 1.800.265.8977, or in person at The Aud or at the Centre Square box office.
2010 BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships in London
Join the best skaters in Canada as they compete for spots on the Olympic and Worlds teams at the 2010 BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships. The event will take place from January 11-17, 2010 at the John Labatt Centre and Western Fair Sports Centre.
Ticket Information
Skate Canada has announced a trial format in 2010 where the BMO Skate Canada Junior Nationals will be combined with the BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships. 2010 will be the first year since 1997 that novice skaters will participate in the event along with the senior and junior levels. The junior and novice events (BMO Skate Canada Junior Nationals) are scheduled from January 11-14, 2010, at the Western Fair Sports Centre in London, Ontario. The senior events (BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships) will be held January 14-17, 2010, at the John Labatt Centre, also in London.
Both ticket packages are on sale now! Canadians tickets will be sold for $125-$150 plus applicable surcharges. Junior Nationals general admission ticket packages will sell for $20 plus applicable surcharges. Fans can purchase tickets for both events in person at the John Labatt Centre, online at www.johnlabattcentre.com or by phone at 1.866.455.2849.
Inquiries: 2010canadians@skatecanada.ca
Sponsors News
Artistry helps out at the 2009 pre-season camp
Earlier this year, the senior national team headed to Toronto’s BMO Institute for Learning for its annual pre-season camp, and ARTISTRY was there to help all the skaters look their best.
As the official skin care and cosmetics sponsor of Skate Canada, ARTISTRY was there to provide cosmetic application for the national team photo shoot. Ice dance champion Scott Moir turned volunteer photographer for the day, getting behind the scenes and capturing the backstage magic with candid photos of the shoot.
Check out a preview here:
More photos are available on the ARTISTRY Facebook official page. Sign up today to be a fan of the site and get updates on the latest news in skin care, cosmetics, and – of course – the Skate Canada sponsorship!
BMO MasterCard Win the Worlds Contest
They won just by applying for a BMO MasterCard!
Imagine getting a phone call congratulating you – you’re the lucky winner of the trip for two to Los Angeles to see the 2009 ISU World Figure Skating Championships!!
The lucky winner of last years contest was Chui Kuen Lee of St. Laurent, Quebec.
He won a trip for two to Los Angeles for eight nights, including airfare, two all-event passes to the ISU World Figure Skating Championships, $1000 credit to their BMO MasterCard and two local city tour passes. Chui Kuen Lee and his wife had a great time and loved the skating!
It could be you next year! Check www.bmoskating.com for the 2010 BMO Win the Worlds contest. Details coming soon!
