Those in the "ice skating world" may not know that 1975 and 1976 U.S. National Pairs Bronze Medalist, Jack Courtney, was a champion roller skater before he switched to ice. What is remarkable about Courtney's record is, that in 1968, he won roller worlds in BOTH singles and pairs! He also won the U.S. Senior men's title in singles in roller skating five times and the national senior pair title was won by Jack and his partner Sheryl Trueman Courtney four times.

This week, the 2008 Roller Figure Skating National Championships is taking place in Lincoln, Nebraska. During the event, one of the greatest names in the "roller figure skating world," Warren Danner, was inducted into the USARS Competitive Coaches Roller Skating Hall Of Fame. During the ceremony, Danny Danner, Warren's son, a champion roller skater that switched to ice, had several "greats" from the roller skating world call Jack on the phone. That surprise call was very exciting!

Courtney was at work sharpening ice skates in the Colorado Springs World Arena Pro Shop (which he operates) when the surprise conference call came. He spoke with several other "greats" in roller figure skating. He spoke with Ronnie Fitzgerald, Jack and Nancy Becker, Charlie Lowe, Jane Perocchio, and David Tassenari.

_{Jack Courtney, Ice and Roller Figure Skating Champion - Photo by JO ANN Schneider Farris}

Today, I had the thrill of meeting figure skating legend, Janet Lynn, in person! She gave a seminar in my city, and my children and I were invited to attend. I had a chance to see her teach some of today's most gifted figure skaters about the joy of figure skating. The smile she had as she shared her love of skating was the same smile I saw on her face when she skated as a young girl.

When I was a child, I decided to work hard at my own skating after I saw Janet Lynn perform an exhibition to the music "When You Wish Upon a Star" at the U.S. National Figure Skating Championships. I was not the only young figure skater to be motivated by her skating. Little girls everywhere tried hard to be like her.

• U.S. legend Janet Lynn hosts seminar - By Jo Ann Schneider Farris on IceNetwork.com

_{About.com's Figure Skating Guide, Jo Ann Schneider Farris, Figure Skating Legend Janet Lynn, and Rebekah and Joel Schneider-Farris - Photo Copyright © Jo Ann Schneider Farris}