2009 World Champion Evan Lysacek may be US figure skating's best hope at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. At the US men's figure skating championships earlier this year, Lysacek placed second to Jeremy Abbot after a small error on his triple axel in the short program. He is, however, an athletic jumper and a consistent skater, which is what the US needs alongside an unpredictable Abbot and Johnny Weir.
Consistency in Previous Figure Skating Championships May Give Lysacek the Edge
Since the 2006 Olympics, where Lysacek and Weir placed 4th and 5th respectively, these two US skaters have been battling it out in major competition. Weir, however, has been inconsistent in past few years, staying out of the top spot, while Lysacek appears to be gaining momentum.
Lysacek has placed top three at almost every major competition since the last Olympics—a 5th place finish at the 2007 World Championships being the major exception—and is the reigning World Champion. While Weir may be the flamboyant face of US figure skating, Lysacek is comfortable under pressure, often the most important factor going into an Olympic Games.
An Athletic Style Brings a Familiar US Flair to Men's Figure Skating at the 2010 Olympics
Though there is always debate over what is the best approach to wooing figure skating judges—an emphasis on athleticism or artistry—strong jumping and masculine flair is what fans have come to expect from US men's figure skaters. Lysacek can deliver those traits and is not at all clumsy on the ice, working with renowned choreographer Lori Nichol to develop routines that can please international judges. His music for the 2009-2010 season also has a traditional appeal to the judges—he will be skating to Stravinsky's "Firebird" Suite and Rimsky-Korsakov's "Scheherezade."
Lysacek also puts emphasis on his training, working with coach Frank Carroll, who is perhaps best known for coaching US figure skating darling Michelle Kwan. In fact, fans may recognize another Kwan connection in the choice of "Scheherezade" for the free skate, the same piece Kwan used for her long program when she earned the bronze medal at the 2002 Olympics. Lysacek's time on the rink shows in the consistency of his jumping—not only do his quadruple jumps put him in line with the international competition, but he is able to land those jumps consistently, unlike the other two US competitors.
Figure skating fans can catch Evan Lysacek in the Olympic short program in Vancouver on February 16. The men will skate for the medals in the free skate on February 18. Check local listings for televised broadcast.
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Judith Faucette - Education Judith graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 2006 with an honors Bachelor of Arts degree in History ...
