Olympic women’s figure skating: A memorable opening night
Olympic women’s figure skating is often thought of as the signature event from the Winter Olympics, and Tuesday night’s short program certainly did little to let that reputation down.
The games began with a lot of hype, with Yu-Na Kim of Korea pegged like a gold medal favorite and Canadian skater Joannie Rochette fighting over the emotion after her mother’s deathseven days ago. Rarely do events live as much that types of hype.
Not on Tuesday. First on the ice from the favorite was Kim, whose performance was preceded with a video highlighting her celebrity in her home country, where she makes as much as $9 million a year through endorsements along with other ventures.
But she lived up to the hype. Kim skated a near-perfect routine, recording a brand new world record for any short program under the present scoring system.
Also creating a splash was Mao Asada of China, who scored a 73.78, normally all but assured to become top score.
However the most emotional effort from the night came from Rochette, who battled through tears to wow the home crowd, which gave her a stirring ovation at the conclusion of her routine. Rochette skated in front of her teary-eyed father and turned in order to remember for the liftime, willing herself into the top three.
If the remainder of the Olympic women’s figure skating events are anything like Tuesday night’s, the most common large audience need to have plenty to dicuss about.
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Clay Marzo Airs Today on ESPN E:60
Quiksilver team-rider Clay Marzo will be on ESPN today in a special ten minute feature on E:60. The segment will tell the story of Clay’s Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosis and will feature footage from the award-winning film Clay Marzo: Just Add Water along with new footage shot on location in Maui and Tahiti.
The show airs at 4:00PM (PST) and 7:00PM (EST). Check ESPN.com for additional times.
About Clay Marzo: Just Add Water
“It feels so much different in the water. I feel like I’m at home.” – Clay Marzo
Have you ever loved something to the point that it becomes what you live for? Meet Clay Marzo, whose passion for surfing is so pure it defies description. Take a visually stunning and emotionally powerful journey through his life. See Clay literally come alive in the ocean as he destroys the waves of Tahiti, Fiji, Hawaii, France, Spain and Australia with his wildly creative surfing. You’ll also experience inspiring testimonials about his incredible talent from the most legendary surfers in the world. The story also showcases an awareness-raising glimpse into his life and mind as he comes to understand both the gifts and challenges of living with Asperger’s.
About Quiksilver
Quiksilver, trailblazing guide to boardriding* culture, is committed to providing tools for uncovering, expressing and expanding your personal style. Our mission is to foster the sense of individual expression and excitement – the stoke that is the essence of boardriding. We’re also here to spread the word because the only thing better than finding stoke is sharing it.
*Boardriding is about timing and style. It’s youthful, active, casual, and free flowing. There is no wrong way to ride a board. The goal is simply to learn, progress, improve, and give it your own interpretation.
US Open Surfing 2009 Huntington Beach
2009 US Open of Surfing and Beach Games
This annual surfing event includes extreme sports action with skateboarding, FMX shows, and all sorts of fun on the sand. Free give-aways, free entertainment, and top athletes in the water and in the bowls make for one fantastic day. Time: Daily schedule available soon.
Location:
South side of Huntington Beach Pier, 317 Pacific Coast Highway (approx.), Huntington Beach, CA. Call: (310) 473-0411. usopenofsurfing.com
Read the complete schedule HERE
