Did you know... (some skating related tidbits & blasts from the past)

[Elizabeth]

... that it was 92 years ago today that Montgomery Wilson became the first Canadaian figure skater to win a medal at the Olympics?



This is just one example of all the skating history you can find on Ryan Steven's Skate Guard Blog: https://skateguard1.blogspot.com/ or by following the Skate Guard Blog on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

[Elizabeth]

We are coming up on the 40th anniversary of Torvill & Dean's incredible win on February 14th at the 1984 Olympics in Sarajevo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8obUdxnTlc

They have travelled to Sarajevo for a special "Bolero Day" event/performance.


As proof that they are still skating (and innovating) - see this recent performance during the "Dancing on Ice" competition taking place on ITV in England currently: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kdo-KqKN0O8

[happyheini]

Timeless elegance and beauty and all without drama and - twizzles. Thank you Elizabeth

[Elizabeth]

Another 40th anniversary celebration - the 1984 Olympic men’s podium Scott Hamilton, Brian Orser, and Jozef Sabovcik this Friday 8pm at Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park! The event benefits the CARES Foundation and cancer research and they have a goal of $84,000.



Emceed by Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton, with appearances by 1984 Olympic Medalists Brian Orser and Jozef Sabovcik, 2022 Olympic Gold Medalist Nathan Chen, 2006 Olympian Emily Hughes, plus performances by 2022 Olympian Mariah Bell, Ice Theatre of New York, more special guests to be announced.

[Elizabeth]

Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have announced a final tour in 2025, in the UK only, marking their 50th anniversary of skating together.
https://torvillanddean.com/



The dates & locations:

12 & 13 April - London - OVO Arena Wembley
SATURDAY 2:30PM & 7:30PM
SUNDAY 1:30PM

15 & 16 APRIL - BELFAST - SSE Arena
TUESDAY 7:30PM
WEDNESDAY 2PM & 7:30PM

19 & 20 APRIL - SHEFFIELD - Utilita Arena
SATURDAY 2:30PM & 7:30PM
SUNDAY 1:30PM

23 & 24 APRIL - NOTTINGHAM - Motorpoint Arena
WEDNESDAY 7:30PM
THURSDAY 2:30PM & 7:30PM

25, 26 & 27 APRIL - BIRMINGHAM - Resorts World Arena
FRIDAY 7:30PM
SATURDAY 2:30PM & 7:30PM
SUNDAY 1:30PM

30 APRIL & 1 MAY - NEWCASTLE - Utilita Arena
WEDNESDAY 7:30PM
THURSDAY 2:30PM & 7:30PM

2, 3 & 4 MAY - MANCHESTER - AO Arena
FRIDAY 7:30PM
SATURDAY 2:30PM & 7:30PM
SUNDAY 1:30PM

8 & 9 MAY - LIVERPOOL - M&S Bank Arena
THURSDAY 7:30PM
FRIDAY 2:30PM

10 & 11 MAY - GLASGOW - OVO Hydro Glasgow
SATURDAY 7:30PM
SUNDAY 1:30PM & 6:30PM

[Elizabeth]

You know her name but ...



... did you know that on February 15, 1936, Sonja Henie of Norway made history as the first woman to win three Olympic gold medals in figure skating?

[happyheini]

What a pretty picture and lovely memory.

[Elizabeth]

From SkateGuard Blog on X (formerly Twitter):

On this day in 1984, Katarina Witt won her first of two consecutive Olympic gold medals in women's figure skating.

[Elizabeth]

From SkateGuard blog via X (formerly Twitter):

On this day in 1960, Barbara Wagner and Bob Paul made history as the first Canadians to win an Olympic gold medal in pairs figure skating.

[Elizabeth]

Another historical throwback from SkateGuard blog on X (via Twitter)

36 years ago on this day, The Battle of The Brians took place at the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary.

[Elizabeth]

From SkateGuard Blog on X (formerly Twitter):

On this day in 1980, Robin Cousins won the Olympic gold medal in men's figure skating.

[Elizabeth]

From SkateGuard Blog on X (formerly Twitter):

On this day 30 years ago, Oksana Baiul made history as the first Ukrainian skater to win an Olympic gold medal in women's figure skating.

Sadly, today Ukraine is facing the start of a 3rd year of Russia's war on them

[Elizabeth]

I'm sure many of us remember this

From SkateGuard blog on X (formerly Twitter)

36 years ago on this day, Elizabeth Manley had the skate of her life and won the free skate and silver medal at the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary.

[happyheini]

I do!

[Elizabeth]

I do!

I was sure you would

[Elizabeth]

Torvill & Dean made an appearance on the ice during the final show of the most recent series of "Dancing on Ice" which just finished - their last appearance in this series. It is not yet clear if the series will continue without their participation.


A couple of videos from this appearance have been posted on YouTube - the 2nd one includes the winners

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-qTtNuR-R8
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuiXmWmG6r4

This series also marked the final professional skating appearance by Mark Hanretty - he and his partner placed 2nd.

Mark has become familiar to us as a skating commentator for the ISU YouTube channel and he is the Ambassador for the 2026 Europeans to be held in Sheffield, England.

[Elizabeth]

Update - after appearing on Dancing on Ice for 12 or more seasons, Mark Hanretty is "hanging up his skates" but has been voted "Pro skater of the series".

[Elizabeth]

Rehearsals are underway for the Torvill & Dean final tour - several of the skaters who were involved in Dancing on Ice are part of the show, including Mark Hanretty, Eric Radford & Vanessa James.



Because of his commitment to the tour, Mark won't be available for commentary during Worlds in Boston.