Skating fans perform well, too
Published 10:25 pm Wednesday, October 22, 2008
With Skate America sliding into Comcast Arena this weekend, you may expect to see thousands of frenzied fans. The competition is, after all, the first of six International Skating Union Grand Prix events this year.
Thousands of fans, yes. Frenzied, not so much. The sport tends to attract a well-behaved bunch.
This isn’t hockey, a game that can find loyalists tossing dead octopi onto the ice. No, in figure skating, fans throw stuffed animals.
Seriously.
With practice sessions beginning today, Skate America could bring thousands of people to Everett during the coming days. Fans will see competitors on the ice, but they could also catch skaters off the ice at the Skate America Fan Fest, which runs from today through Sunday in the Edward D. Hansen Conference Center at Comcast Arena.
And there’s always a chance of seeing someone outside Everett, shopping at Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip or checking bags at the event’s official hotel, the Tulalip Resort Casino.
Scottie Bibb, spokeswoman for U.S. Figure Skating, said when fans spot the skaters, she braces herself for a rush of courteous glances.
“Most of the time, they’re not even approached,” Bibb said. “You see that recognition and, ‘Oh yeah, isn’t that so-and-so?’ They’re always very respectful.”
Fans aren’t that tame everywhere. In Asia, skaters get Hollywood-esque receptions. Bibb remembered walking out from an event in South Korea, before male figure skater Daisuke Takahashi emerged. Primed for the Japanese star, the crowd exploded for Bibb.
“There were flashbulbs going off and girls screaming,” she recalled. “It looked like a Brad Pitt movie premiere. They literally had security guards holding the line back.”
But that’s Asia. Here, the highest-ranked figure skaters are practically anonymous. We say, “Evan Lysacek,” and you say, “Come again?”
Lysacek, the reigning U.S. champion, was the man who faced a shower of stuffed animals after a performance. He inspired the adorably named fan community ELFF — the Evan Lysacek Fan Forum.
There, fans analyze the 23-year-old’s skating and his haircut. They also hash out pilgrimages to Everett for Skate America.
“For those ELFFs not able to be there in person, rest assured we will fly the banner on your behalf and tell Evan you’re all there in spirit,” reads a typical post.
Lysacek said fans like that are amazing. After workouts, he may have an encouraging card from one waiting for him at the rink.
“It means a lot,” the Los Angeles resident said. “We’re not like huge, huge celebrities, so I don’t think we take it for granted at all.”
Still, some big names need protection.
Skaters have used personal body guards. And U.S. Figure Skating has been working on Skate America’s security for about a year. Like most sports, figure skating can attract a few nuts. It’s hard to forget when Tonya Harding was implicated in an attack on rival skater Nancy Kerrigan, after all.
Unbalanced reactions are almost as rare as a well-turned quadruple axel, however.
“It’s like everything in life,” Lysacek said. “Positive and occasionally there’s a little glitch.”
Reporter Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455 or arathbun@heraldnet.com.
On the silver screen
Figure skating movies are about as popular as figure skating itself, which is to say, somewhat. We asked current U.S. champion Evan Lysacek about a few of the best known flicks that feature his sport.
Ice Castles, 1978
The plot: After an up-and-coming figure skater (Lynn-Holly Johnson) is blinded, she tries overcoming her handicap with the help of her boyfriend (Robby Benson).
Typical line: “Pretty tough for someone who’s blind and 4-foot-10.”
Evan says: He’s never seen it, but after hearing the synopsis, he said, “I might have to Netflix that one before Skate America and bring it on the trip.”
The Cutting Edge, 1992
The plot: A spoiled female figure skater (Moira Kelly) partners with a brash hockey player (D.B. Sweeney). The two compete for Olympic Gold — and each others hearts.
Typical line: “Relax, Snow White. I’m a hockey player, not a figure skater.”
Evan says: 5 out of 5 stars for cheesiness. “There’s little things that we think are really funny when we see it as skaters. They’re competing with spotlights. We always compete with the lights on.”
Blades of Glory, 2007
The plot: Partially a satire of “The Cutting Edge,” Will Ferrell stars as a sex-addicted figure skater who has to partner with his rival, a prissy male figure skater (Jon Heder).
Typical line: “Was that your routine or a performance of Cirque du So Lame? Besides, you’re too late; they already handed out the girls’ medals this morning.”
Evan says: 5 out of 5 stars. “Will Ferrell is one of the nicest and most genuine people I’ve met. I definitely support his movies. I thought it was great.” (He met Ferrell at the premiere as the date of one of the skaters who appeared in the movie.)
