Tai Speaks Out:
What can be done to improve pair skating in the United States?:
I believe that the "powers that be" (those who care about US pair skating at US Figure Skating) need to reach out to those of us who did well at pairs in the past.
I believe US Figure Skating should bring together Randy & I, Kitty & Peter Carruthers, Ron Ludington, the Kauffmans, Melissa & Mark Militano, Johnny Johns, Peter Oppegard, Jenni Meno & Todd Sand, Mr. Nicks, and JoJo Starbuck & Kenny Shelley.
Those who did it before can help revive what we once had that made U.S. pair skaters great. We can help. We can advise. It is stupid on the part of the "powers that be" not to use us!
Why do you believe it is so important that pair skaters stay together?:
Randy Gardner and I had no idea when we were matched together as young children that we would do what we did, but we wouldn't have done what we did, that is, win a world title and win the US title five times in a row, without being committed to one another through thick and thin. There will be tough times. There will be bad seasons. There will be bad days. I want those who do pairs today to not give up!
What are your thoughts on ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White's success?:
What do you think about all the pair skaters that quit?:
What I see on the ice these days is NOT true pair skating. The unison is missing. The perfection is missing. All I see is two skaters doing moves. If skaters can persevere and stick it out through the good and bad times, a beautiful pair will emerge.
Should pairs think about the financial rewards related to staying together?:
What can you offer to the pair skaters of today?:
I know how to interact with fans and I know how to keep fans excited about pair skating. I can give advice on getting through the tough times. I can just "be there" if a pair skater needs encouragement or a shoulder to cry on. I really care!
