Blog

The men’s event in Russia was always about Evgeny Plushenko. His spot was virtually conceded at the beginning of the season by top brass in Russia: If he is well, he will go, they said. Then Maxim Kovtun gave him a run. A real run. He’s an 18-year-old Russian born into the new judging system […]

In the midst of all of the drama of the pairs skating event at the Sochi Olympics, some stars were born: Ksenia Stolbova and Fedor Klimov. They were dark horses, it seemed, but not really. Only a month ago, they had defeated the current Olympic champs Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov in the free skate […]

Be still my heart. Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov were at it again today, leaving me to marvel at every step. Firstly, they skated to the Masquerade Waltz, with its compelling rhythms. And I know that everybody notices (or at least I hope they do) all of those elements that they do to the max, […]

How do I explain thee, Carolina Kostner? Let me count the ways. This, after watching her Ave Marie, as she delivered her team short program performance on Feb. 8. Are there words? We’ll try. The Olympics has never been her friend. Until now. She was spellbinding, saintly, glorious, beauteous. When Kostner skated, you forgot everything […]

The dust has finally settled on the first part of the first Olympic team event, featuring the short programs of men and pairs. And these are the things you don’t necessarily see on TV: Evgeny Plushenko came out with his usual magnificence, looking as if he was at the top of his game, and outfooting […]

What a journey Jason Brown has taken, since the first time I laid eyes on him at the Junior Grand Prix Final in Quebec City three years ago. I remember him not because he won the gold medal, but because of the way he did it. He had flair, this young man with the hippie-dippie […]