1988 Calgary Olympics
These were the first Olympics I ever watched! I have a few vague memories of that time (since I was just 9). I went to YouTube recently to look back at some programs.
Brian Orser’s Short Program (SP)
A VERY well choreographed/fast/fun program revealing Orser’s personality, as well as skill. He was ahead of Boitano after the SP w/ this program.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8lQGAxH4VY&feature=related
Brian Boitano’s SP
Who knew a SP could ALSO be this artistic!?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=me0RvshG1pY
Boitano’s Long Program (LP)
This was the gold medal-winning performance choreographed by Sandra Bezic (now a NBC commentator). As you will see, it was ALMOST flawless. Boitano was the total package, and then some IMHO. He created the ‘Tano lutz: a triple lutz with the left hand poised above the head. Besides his jumps (he’s the first American to land the triple axel) and spins, Boitano had a GORGEOUS spread eagle (another one of his signature moves) and TRULY felt the music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEYNskBniw0&feature=related
Orser’s LP
It was “too close,” as Orser says after he gets silver. He was the first man to do 2 triple axels at a major competition (1987 Worlds). Before the Brians in ’88, it wasn’t common to see 2 triple axels in one program. They BOTH set new standards for excellence, technically and artistically.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ4BLCff93M&feature=related
Viktor Petrenko’s LP
An 18 y.o. Ukranian (skating for the then USSR) burst onto the world stage w/ his elegant/mature program. Look at the height on his jumps, his beautiful lay-back spin, and posture! GREAT things were up ahead for Petrenko…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKj0E4U4zrY&feature=related
An interview looking back at the “Battle of the Brians”
