Spec-Skaters

World Figure Skating Championships
Vancouver 2001

The Spec-Skaters

Watching skaters in live performances is certainly exciting in itself, but the real thrill of attending a competition is sharing the experience with 17,000 other enthusiasts. I was accustomed to watching -- alone -- on TV, with only my cat to hear my whoops of ecstasy and groans of agony. Imagine my delight in being surrounded by others who share my passion! For a brief time I could chatter nonstop about skating with people who CARED, instead of watching my husband's eyes glaze over.

So a big THANK YOU to all the fine new friends we made in Section 109 of General Motors Place, and a hats-off salute to the entire audience of mostly Canadians and Americans. We gathered together for a week to laugh, cry, cheer and boo as these splendid athletes gave us their best. Sharing it with all of YOU made a good experience GREAT.

Joanne and Gloria, skaters from Orange County California. Joanne is learning an axel!

Ed, a teacher from Philadelphia; Donald and Cherie from San Diego; and the bearded guy is mine.

Carolyn snuggles with Debbie from Grand Prarie, Alberta, and Deb's sister Margo from B.C.

Canadian fans fly their flags when local favorites take the ice.

The Mounties lend pomp and color to the medal ceremonies.

National flags fly high for the pairs medalists.

Judy and Michelle, directly behind us, from -- of all places -- San Jose! Small world!

At five weeks, Alicia was the youngest fan.

Nancy and Janet from Calgary were among the many Canadian fans visiting Vancouver.

The American fans sported plenty of red-white-and-blue, and while their flags were smaller than the Canadians, the waving was vigorous and energetic.

Didn't get her name, but love her jacket!

Cindy and Diana came from San Diego to cheer.

Julie and Lynn from Edmonton, Alberta.

Not everyone found the competition riveting.

During breaks, volunteers patch holes with buckets of ice chips. I called them "The Penguins".

In Vancouver, Zamboni drivers wear suits and ties.

Marilyn and Tammy of Downhill Riders travel.

James drove our shuttle-bus.

An enthusiastic Canadian cheers a favorite.

ABC Sports commentators Peggy Fleming, Peter Carruthers, and Terry Gannon cover the competition. Apparently they only smile when the cameras are on THEM.

Behind the judges, the TV cameras swung gently back and forth in perfect unison, as if the operators heard their own private skater's waltz.

International media took up one entire end of the arena, appropriately draped in black.

Elvis Stojko (in orange) sits with Susie Wynn in the Canadian media booth, scowling after his poor showing.

Our view of the ice!

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