Johnny Wier gets married

US figure skater, Johnny Wier announces he is getting married on New Year's eve.
News on IceNetwork

Updates on his twitter page @JohnnyGWeir

Bulles de Troyes 2012

In Memory of Carolyn Chetwynd

Carolyn Chetwynd
1959 - 2011

 

Carolyn Chetwynd was not only my coach, but also my friend and mentor. I was deeply saddened by the news of her passing, and I will miss her tremendously. She was always the one I could go to for support and help. She always knew what to do when the going got tough. And she always had a sense of humour to go with all that.

 

In the time she was in Singapore, she worked with many figure skaters, some of whom have gone on to skate at the ISU Junior Grand Prix series in recent years. Her dedication to coaching and commitment to her skaters stood out in her early mornings at the rink - indeed, she would begin work at 6:30am so that skaters could have a lesson and still make it in time to school (work, for me).

 

As my coach, she was always encouraging. She taught me figures (though I never got very far in that). She taught a small synchro team I got together. She helped when my partner and I wanted to try pairs. And most importantly, she worked with me on my double jumps and flying spins without prejudice to adult skaters' abilities.

 

When I became involved with coaching, Carolyn was my inspiration and mentor. She gave me advise on everything from technical (skating) to professionalism. She upheld her principles proudly. She led by example.

 

That was not all. Carolyn was also a driving force behind the early Singapore Ice Skating Association (formerly named Ice Skating Association Singapore). She worked tirelessly to bring the skating community together, to organise events/competitions, to showcase figure skating and to publicise a little-known sport in a tropical country. She had a keen sense of fairness, always making sure to be inclusive of all skaters, regardless of coach or rink.

 

Singapore's figure skating would not be where it is now if not for the hard work of Carolyn Chetwynd. We will always remember you fondly, Carolyn.

 

(skaters - you may post your condolences and tributes in the comments)

 

Our last meet-up with Carolyn in 2006, when she moved away from Singapore.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

TBISC figure skating workshop ~ FREE

Tropical Blades Ice Skating Club

FREE figure skating workshop

Thursday 22 December 2011
between 9:30am to 12 noon
at
IMM rink (Garden Plaza Level 3)

Email tropicalblades@gmail.com to register.

SISA survey for figure skaters

Calling all figure skaters in Singapore... In anticipation of the launch of the new rink at JCube, the Singapore Ice Skating Association (SISA) has put up an online survey to gather feedback from the figure skating community ~ non-SISA members are welcome to give their input too! More information on the SISA Online Survey website.

Michelle Kwan named to US Figure Skating Hall of Fame

Michelle Kwan has been elected to the US Figure Skating Hall of Fame. In her competitive career, she has won 5 World titles (1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003) and 9 US Championships. She has been, and continues to be, an inspiration for young figure skaters.

Slideshow from USFS:

The US Figure Skating Hall of Fame Induction will be held Friday, Jan. 27. For information on the induction and reception or to purchase a ticket, visit www.usfigureskating.org.

Story at USFSA site

Ice Rink at IMM ~ FREE SKATING!

The ice rink is up these 2 weeks at IMM Garden Plaza (3rd floor). As mentioned in an earlier post, anyone can register for free skating! Here's what it looks like:

Mao Asada withdraws from Grand Prix Final

Just one day before the start of the Grand Prix Final, Mao Asada has decided to withdraw from competition to return home to be with her mother, who is critically ill. News sources: "Asada leaves Final to be with ill mum" from AFP "Asada to skip figure skating Grand Prix Final for ill mom" from Xinhua

Riedell Skates among TOP 50 Holiday Gifts

Wall Street Journal put up "The Off Duty 50 Holiday Gifts". In #39 is a pair of Riedell figure skates!

Interested? Purchase a pair for your skater from ChowSkates Store!

Skating Coloring Pages

Came across coloring pages with a skating theme:

(click on image above to view the original site)

My 3-year-old skating

Two years ago, I had a video of my baby on the ice for the first time - see post "My baby skates!".

Last year, she was doing better but still would not let go of me - see post "Skate, baby, skate!".

Since then, she has been ambivalent about skating, until this week when she asked to go skating. I brought her to the rink after school today, with her promising that she will skate on her own. Here is the result:

FREE Ice Skating at IMM