Denise Biellmann & Lori Nichol elected to World Figure Skating Hall of Fame

[GF2445]

Denise Biellmann & Lori Nichol elected to World Figure Skating Hall of Fame

Very Short Article written by The Associated Press on March 14, 2014 2:20pm Eastern Time (Canada)

Innovative skater Denise Biellmann of Switzerland and renowned choreographer Lori Nichol of Canada have been elected to the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame.

Biellmann, the 1981 world and European champion, is known for developing the "Biellmann Spin" that is now one of the most-recognized elements of the sport. She joins Axel Paulsen, Alois Lutz and Ulrich Salchow in having an iconic move named after her. She also is credited as the first woman to land a triple lutz in competition.

Nichol has choreographed programs for 10 Olympic medallists (three gold, two silver, five bronze) representing five nations. At the Sochi Games, Nichol choreographed programs for 11 single skaters and one pairs team, representing seven countries.

Among the skaters she has worked with are 2010 Olympic champion Evan Lysacek and five-time world champion Michelle Kwan.

 

[Olympia]

Wonderful!

 

[ice coverage]

IceNetwork has what appears to be a press release from the Hall of Fame -- longer than the AP blurb.

http://www.icenetwork.com/news/2014/03/14/69270722 (Mar 14)​

 

[GF2445]

Biellmann's Biellmann was truly something special!

 

[spikydurian]

Congrats to both of them. Well deserved.

 

[iluvtodd]

Many congrats! :yay: What took so long?

 

[capcomeback]

Biellmann's Biellmann was truly something special!

Generally speaking, when an elegant move you invent gets widely performed, you should be in the HOF (despite the fact that she was a wonderful skater anyway). Lori Nichols has choreographed some amazing programs over the years and is quite deserving.

Congrats to both!!!!!

 

[Jammers]

Generally speaking, when an elegant move you invent gets widely performed, you should be in the HOF (despite the fact that she was a wonderful skater anyway). Lori Nichols has choreographed some amazing programs over the years and is quite deserving.

Congrats to both!!!!!

Denise Biellmann did not invent that spin she simply perfected it and did it when no one else was doing it.

 

[Mathman]

I think she can still do it at 50. She has to stretch and warm up first a bit more than when she was younger, though.

Here she is winning the 1981 world championship.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucCMZffihRA

 

[gsk8]

PRESS RELEASE:

OTTAWA, ON: Skate Canada is pleased to congratulate world-renowned choreographer Lori Nichol on her induction into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame (WFSHF) for 2014.

The announcement was made by the hall on Friday, March 14. She joins Switzerland’s Denise Biellmann as this year’s inductees to the Hall, based in Colorado Springs, CO.

In making the announcement, the WFSHF nominating chair, Lawrence Mondschein, said “I am thrilled to have two outstanding additions to the World Hall of Fame. Lori Nichol is a choreographic genius who for well over a decade has, and continues to be, an inspiration to all who have been touched by her work. Denise Biellmann, the first Swiss woman to be inducted into the hall, perfected one of the most admired spins in all of figure skating.”

Leanna Caron, President, Skate Canada, acknowledged Nichol’s far-reaching contribution to the sport of figure skating. “Lori’s skills as a choreographer have reached well beyond our national boundaries, and she has truly been revolutionary to the sport. Her approach to choreography is unique; creating technically difficult programs that seamlessly integrate with the musical nuances and yet reflect each individual skater or team is truly remarkable. We are proud that she is now not only a member of Skate Canada’s Hall of Fame, but the World Hall of Fame as well.”

Nichol has choreographed programs for 10 Olympic medalists, including three gold, representing five nations. Two of her famous signature programs include Jamie Salé and David Pelletier’s 2002 free program Love Story and Joannie Rochette’s 2010 free program to Samson and Delilah. She was named to the Skate Canada Hall of Fame in November of 2012.

 

[skatesindreams]

I think she can still do it at 50. She has to stretch and warm up first a bit more than when she was younger, though.

Here she is winning the 1981 world championship.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucCMZffihRA

Here is Denise's beautiful program at the 2011 Europeans Gala, where she was a special guest.

"On Golden Pond":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyOAtjNaKQQ