Paul Wylie Suffers "Heart Abnormality"

The 1992 Olympic Silver Medalist was hospitalized Tuesday after what being reported as a "heart abnormality" occurred while exercising. His wife says he's resting comfortably, and it seems like there's no reason to worry.

Rumors say differently - I heard from some sources that it was a heart attack, a condition that runs in his family, unfortunately.

Either way, I hope he's ok. He is one of my favorite skaters of all time!

Here's one of the great Paul Wylie performances - his long program in Albertville.

Tossies FTW

wikimedia commons

The concept of a "tossie" is both old and new to me.

A tossie, for those who aren't familiar, is a small gift thrown on the ice following a skater's performance. Usually it is a stuffed animal of some sort, or flowers. I've seen it happen scores of times on television, at Worlds, Nationals and the Olympics. But until I was an adult, I'd never had anything thrown on the ice for me following a competition performance.

I think it may have been outlawed for most amateur events. It requires employing someone to "sweep" up the ice after performances, and holds the possibility of creating dangerous skating conditions if anything is left behind on the ice. But I think the generous spirit of adult competition precludes any of those concerns.

One time during my childhood skating days, I had the honor of volunteering to be a sweeper for a professional competition that came to the civic center my hometown. It was one of Dick Button's productions, if I remember correctly, back in the days when people actually watched those types of events on TV. I got to wear a special dress and pick up teddy bears for Dorothy Hamill, Ekaterina Gordeeva, Paul Wylie, Kristi Yamaguchi and Rudy Galindo. It may seem silly to admit, but I can honestly say it remains, to this day, one of the highlights of my life. (I got to meet my heroes!)

It feels really good to be showered with accolades--it's such a simple gesture, but when a stranger throws a bag of candy with a sweet note of support of your skating, it is pretty empowering. Next year, I promise to come to adult competition prepared this time, and return the kind favor to other skaters!

The reason I am pontificating about tossies is that I read an article on NBCOlympic Talk about elite skaters' confessions about the weirdest things they ever received as tossies. Some of them are hilarious. And it is unsurprising to me that Elvis Stokjo received lingerie as a tossie once.

Yuzuru Hanyu's Quad Loop

Holy schnikes! Consider the ante for next year officially upped!

Yuzuru Hanyu 4Loop+3Axel
Yuzuru Hanyu 4Loop+3Axel at 2015 WTT closing galahttp://skating-ritmica.forumfree.it/?t=52672497&st=1275#entry572849237
Posted by IceSkating&Ritmica on Sunday, April 19, 2015

Team USA Takes Team Trophy

Beating Russia by a mere point, Team USA took the World Team Trophy last weekend in Tokyo. Woohoo!

The win wasn't by a landslide, but it has to feel good at the end of an exhausting competitive year. Gracie Gold won the short, Jason Brown came in second in the long, Ashley Wagner came in 4th in both, Alexa Scimeca and Chris Knerim came in third in the pairs long, and Madison Chock and Evan Bates hit second in the short dance (third in the long).

Russian skater Elizaveta Tuktamysheva banged out another flawless 3axel, this time in her free program (she fell on the one she tried in the short). She. Is. Awesome.

Here's a more comprehensive breakdown of the event and scores.

10th Annual FSH Gala

Figure Skating in Harlem held its annual gala about two weeks ago, a star-studded affair that raises money for an excellent and worthy cause. It was the tenth gala, and it brought out the likes of Kristi Yamaguchi, Sarah Hughes, Michelle Kwan, Meryl Davis (and Maxim!) and Evan Lysacek, who was honored for his work with the program (along with Gloria Steinem!).

Skating has a bit of a diversity problem. Much of it stems from lack of access to skating programs, whether financially or geographically. FSH serves to counteract that, offering educational enrichment programs in figure skating and beyond to young girls in New York—kids who wouldn't otherwise have a chance to try it. It's a fantastic program, and I've known many skaters who have worked with the kids there.

Justin Timberlake's 'Alpha Dog' Loves Figure Skating

I'm a big fan of the "listicles" on Cracked.com, and a friend forwarded me one today that I couldn't resist sharing here.

Have you ever wondered what cryptic fake movie tattoos actually say?

Well, apparently, Alpha Dog (Justin Timberlake) has a thing for figure skating.

The translation of the Chinese lettering on his left bicep is literally "ice skating." Who knew?

From Cracked:

Yes, the one activity it is impossible to look badass doing, unless it's in the context of a hockey game. If you're ever running from a murderous street gang, by far the best way to escape is to strap on some skates and cross a frozen pond; they won't pursue for fear someone is watching them (try it!).

I disagree with this statement, of course. I'm pretty sure this scene from Blades of Glory proves that it is indeed badass to give chase on skates.

5-Day Performance Photo Challenge

In honor of Adult Nationals last week, I saw many adult skaters doing a five-day photo challenge on Facebook, each day posting a throwback photo to their younger skating days. Many of the ones I saw brought back memories for myself, having known them at the time.

It's important for a skater to look back on his or her career now and again. The reminder of how far you have come is a powerful motivator. I wanted to participate, but no one nominated me! Though if someone had, I'd have have trouble keeping up. All my skating photos are scattered on hard drives and in photo albums!

Skating as adult and skating as a child were two different experiences for me though, so I'm looking forward to building up photographic memories of the latter.