We usually only ever hear about the two-time Olympic silver medalist and 1987 World Champ in the context of the famous "Battle of the Brians," as the losing Brian in his red and gold body suit, with his popped flip jump.
It is usually forgotten that the Canadian skater won the short program (then, the "original program") in Calgary in '88, with a fan-freaking-tastic performance. Dick Button called him a "dapper stepper," and for once, I completely agree with Dick's estimation. Orser's footwork pass was as good and as intricate as any today, and his jumps and spins were fantastic.
He really was a dynamic skater, truly a match for Boitano and more than capable of beating him. In fact, I believe if the Brian Orser of 1988 were to compete in today's men's field, he'd still be a formidable competitor.
Now he's in his 50's, but dontcha know, he's the coach of not one, but TWO Olympic gold medalists: Japan's Yuzuru Hanyu and South Korea's Yuna Kim (although he and the latter ended up splitting quite bitterly after Vancouver).
So in honor of #tbt, here's Brian Orser's short program at the Calgary Olympics. What a great skate.
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