- Joined
- Dec 21, 2003
I always was inspired by Naomi Lang's story though it is not as well known as the others mentioned. Remember that she was the first Native American woman to ever compete in the Winter Olympics, period. That right there is the basis for a story. Her early years were spent near impoverished reservations in Northern Calif.; she danced in pow wows as a young girl. Add to that her father's alcoholism and instability. Then, raised by a single mom with minimal funds, she moved to Michigan where she studied ballet, won a scholarship to Interlochen arts academy and a commendation for outstanding achievement in ballet, began skating, met Igor, won the novice dance title and then was dumped by John Lee her first partner because of finances. Then when all seemed hopeless in her skating career enter Peter Tchernyshev aka Prince Charming; who frustrated in his search for the perfect partner had already had 10 tryouts and even travelled as far as Switzerland looking for the girl of his dreams. After the tryout with Naomi in Lake Placid he was so impressed with her talent and skating abiility that he not only asked the beautiful young Native American girl to be his partner, cancelled the rest of his tryouts, he offered to pay for her skating as well! The rest is fairy tale history for these 5 time US champions and 2002 Olympians! I think Naomi and Peter would make a great story.
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It would be interesting to get more to know about his skating time with Marina Anissina (they twice became World Junior Champions!) and how he fell in love with Irina Lobatcheva and now he is doing such a great job with organizig that skating tour in Russia. :thumbsup: In addition there is talk that he might become president of Russian figure skating federation after a possible retirement of Piseev. 
Whatever do you mean, kind sir? 
