- Joined
- Jun 18, 2011
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janet_Lynn
Here's a "wiki" write-up on five-time US champion Janet Lynn, and 1972 Olympic bronze medalist. Janet was probably the best figure skater to never win a World or Olympic title, thanks to the fact that she competed in the era where compulsory school figures, which were not her strong point, were part of the competition.
I'm sure many of you remember seeing Janet compete, either on television or live, and/or watched her professional and exhibition performances.
I had the privilege to attend one of the World Professional Championships in which Janet won the title. She was amazing! Her skating just seemed to flow, from one beautiful spin to a gorgeous jump, to a lovely spiral. And she always wore a smile as she skated and really reached to the audience. She made everything look so easy, so natural.
Janet became a big star in Japan when she won the bronze medal in Sapporo. From what I've read, the Japanese were stunned and charmed that Janet bounced up from her fall on her sit spin in the long program, continued to smile broadly, and finished her program strongly. When she returned to Japan for the 1973 World Pro Championships, Hinada Airport was a mob scene, with legions of fans straining to see and/or touch her.
The 1998 Nagano Olympic pre-event television coverage included a really lovely piece on Janet, which of course included her "fall" in Sapparo and her bronze medal win. She said (sic), "There's always a bit a grief when you don't win, but the purpose of my skating was never to win medals. The purpose of my skating was to show God's love to the audience."
The Japanese people still loved Janet Lynn, and she was an honored guest at a reception for the Japanese Olympic team, during which she was presented with gifts and plenty of applause. Many young children approached her, and she hugged all of them. She went onto the ice and waved to the cheering crowds. By that time Janet was in her mid-40s and not in skating condition; still, she looked so happy to be on the ice again.
OK, I'll stop gushing.
IMHO, Janet Lynn was one of a kind.
Here's a "wiki" write-up on five-time US champion Janet Lynn, and 1972 Olympic bronze medalist. Janet was probably the best figure skater to never win a World or Olympic title, thanks to the fact that she competed in the era where compulsory school figures, which were not her strong point, were part of the competition.
I'm sure many of you remember seeing Janet compete, either on television or live, and/or watched her professional and exhibition performances.
I had the privilege to attend one of the World Professional Championships in which Janet won the title. She was amazing! Her skating just seemed to flow, from one beautiful spin to a gorgeous jump, to a lovely spiral. And she always wore a smile as she skated and really reached to the audience. She made everything look so easy, so natural.
Janet became a big star in Japan when she won the bronze medal in Sapporo. From what I've read, the Japanese were stunned and charmed that Janet bounced up from her fall on her sit spin in the long program, continued to smile broadly, and finished her program strongly. When she returned to Japan for the 1973 World Pro Championships, Hinada Airport was a mob scene, with legions of fans straining to see and/or touch her.
The 1998 Nagano Olympic pre-event television coverage included a really lovely piece on Janet, which of course included her "fall" in Sapparo and her bronze medal win. She said (sic), "There's always a bit a grief when you don't win, but the purpose of my skating was never to win medals. The purpose of my skating was to show God's love to the audience."
The Japanese people still loved Janet Lynn, and she was an honored guest at a reception for the Japanese Olympic team, during which she was presented with gifts and plenty of applause. Many young children approached her, and she hugged all of them. She went onto the ice and waved to the cheering crowds. By that time Janet was in her mid-40s and not in skating condition; still, she looked so happy to be on the ice again.
OK, I'll stop gushing.
IMHO, Janet Lynn was one of a kind.
