Pair skating legend, Irina Rodnina won almost every figure skating competition she entered. I remember her performances. I was in awe that I was watching the greatest pair skater in figure skating history.
Irina Rodnina and Aleksandr Zaitsev - Photo by Steve Powell/Getty Images
I am a retired skating teacher who was lucky enough to see the Incredible Rodnina compete six times and attended every single practice session as well.
On some the arena would suddenly fill up totally and then you knew that the wonderful pair were about to arrive.
One important fact that is missing is that Rodnina was I believe the only skater in history to win the very first time she skated at a world championship,I was not there but was told that they had to go out the next morning and purchase some music to construct a program for the required exhibition.
I was also lucky enough to make friends with her and one time asked her why she continued to compete after so many wins,he reply was that she felt that she had not yet done her best,she also suffered with serve nerves but that just seemed to make her even better.
one just had to see them live to appreciate the speed and power,I recall one short program that was completed well under the time allowed and one just took a breath after watching it.
now its so great to see her on the committee for the 2012 Olympics,she is a living legend,in fact I dont recall ever seeing a single judge place her in any position but first,quite a unbeatable legacy.
in closing may I say hello Jo Anne you will not remember me but I did meet you as I did teach ice and roller in Colorado Springs around 1975/78
Hi Murray,
Not sure if you remember me David Ward now David Hartnell. Just thought I would try and contact you to say hi as you had such an influence on my skating and life. Would be great to make contact with you again after al these years.
All the very best
David
Just happened to see your comment Murray. You probably don’t remember me but I was one of your students in Colorado Springs. I hated to loose you as a teacher but knew you had places to go! So good to know that you continued to teach. You were great! You and Carolyn taught me so much..
Comments
I am a retired skating teacher who was lucky enough to see the Incredible Rodnina compete six times and attended every single practice session as well.
On some the arena would suddenly fill up totally and then you knew that the wonderful pair were about to arrive.
One important fact that is missing is that Rodnina was I believe the only skater in history to win the very first time she skated at a world championship,I was not there but was told that they had to go out the next morning and purchase some music to construct a program for the required exhibition.
I was also lucky enough to make friends with her and one time asked her why she continued to compete after so many wins,he reply was that she felt that she had not yet done her best,she also suffered with serve nerves but that just seemed to make her even better.
one just had to see them live to appreciate the speed and power,I recall one short program that was completed well under the time allowed and one just took a breath after watching it.
now its so great to see her on the committee for the 2012 Olympics,she is a living legend,in fact I dont recall ever seeing a single judge place her in any position but first,quite a unbeatable legacy.
in closing may I say hello Jo Anne you will not remember me but I did meet you as I did teach ice and roller in Colorado Springs around 1975/78
Hi Murray,
Not sure if you remember me David Ward now David Hartnell. Just thought I would try and contact you to say hi as you had such an influence on my skating and life. Would be great to make contact with you again after al these years.
All the very best
David
Just happened to see your comment Murray. You probably don’t remember me but I was one of your students in Colorado Springs. I hated to loose you as a teacher but knew you had places to go! So good to know that you continued to teach. You were great! You and Carolyn taught me so much..
so great to hear news from past skating buddies my site is acamario2004@gmail.com