From Nationals
Hi everyone!!!
The 1999 Nationals were full of so many surprises, and I am so proud of how all of the skaters performed. I want to thank Maria for keeping up with updates and for spending all of the time to put the kids pages together. These web pages could not be as successful as they are without her hard work and support. Greg Corbitt for helping to keep the week humorous and for his support of all of the skaters. Also thanks for holding our seats every morning. Leah Adams for shooting 117 rolls of film, and for her support of the kids. Carolyn Kruse for her kindness. My Boss, John Barry, for giving me the time off to attended. Brian Boitano, Shelby Lyons, Becky Bradley, Mr. Nicks, Ken Cognemi, Cathy Faulkner, Heather Winfield, Tom Z., Dale Wright, Nathan Birch, Mr. and Mrs. Nam, Mr. and Mrs. Bradley, Mr. and Mrs. Stiegler, Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman, Mr. Lee, Mrs. Ng, Mrs. Hollander, Mrs. Kwon, Mrs. Cohen, and Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
Ryan Bradley is always fun to watch because of the way he maintains his humor on the ice. His two programs this year were a perfect fit for him, and his gold medal was well deserved. I enjoyed meeting Nathan Birch his choreographer and Tom his coach.
Sasha Cohen had the best artistry in the Jr. ladies field. She skated well, and her personality shines on the ice. I adore her classical style, and I love how she feels the music.
Shepherd Clark had a very inspired short program, and his artistry unmatched. His extension is like no other male in the sport. If he had not skated first in the short I believe he would of placed higher. I enjoyed the time off the ice I was able to spend with Shepherd as well. His sense of humor is refreshing.
Tim Goebel has such powerful jumps, and it was nice to see him medal. His short program was very good, and his quad attempt in the long was exciting.
Dan Hollander gave us something to cheer about with his final amateur performance equipped with a back flip! I loved this musical choices, and I hope we see him skate as a pro. This was a performance I will never forget.
Elizabeth Kwon had a very good short program. She is so cute on the ice, and her smile is just darling. I think she has real potential, and her jumps are much better this year then last year. She has a very bright future in this sport.
Daniel Lee is recovering from his knee injury well. His jumps are starting to come back and his artistry is still incredible. I enjoyed watching him skate, and it was a pleasure to see his family again.
Brittney McConn's long program was by far the best I have ever seen her skate. It was a performance I have been wanting to see her give for years. She fought for every landing of every jump and it was exciting. Off the ice Brittney is always so full of energy, and she made the trip fun.
Naomi Nari Nam was a great surprise for me. I have not seen her skate since the 1998 Nationals. She has grown so much, and she has become quite an artist. her spins are so fast and the speed she carries across the ice is awesome!!! For her to place her first year in seniors is such an accomplishment. She has a true competitive spirit and it was pleasure to meet her in person.
Susan Ng fought hard to skate at nationals this year. She had not only an injured ankle, but had 103 degree temperature. It was a victory for her to motivate herself to skate. Watching her was inspiring to see her overcome so much to skate. I am so proud of her for not giving up, and for accomplishing a high placement despite the illness.
Ina/Zimmerman are a pair I believe has a bright future. In a short time the have managed to not only place well at nationals, but also have done well in international competitions. Their short program was thrill to watch. They will represent well on the world team.
The Stieglers' drama on the ice I believe was the best in the pairs competition. Tiffany is unlike any other skater I have seen. She just floats on the ice, and the pairs throws have become so solid.
Jamie Silverstein and Justin Pekrek were by far the best in Jr. dance. She is so expressive, and they had the best speed of all the couples. It was very easy to see why they are the reigning Jr. World Champions.
I want to wish all of the skaters going to Worlds good luck. Thanks to all of the skaters for making this season unforgettable.
I am looking forward to the next.
Love, Tracie
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