Gary Beacom - A Skating Genius

[Ladskater]

Probably one of Canada's most controversial skaters was Gary Beacom. He drove the judges and the Canadian Figure Skating Association (Skate Canada) crazy! Yet, this guy was a genious on ice. This is one of my favorite programs Gary did later in a pro competition:

It's skated to "I'm Your Man" by Leonard Cohen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjHpnsI9Xh8&feature=fvsr

also:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuPwyWjYAuk&feature=related

I have to add:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iJLlBn8-pE&feature=g-vrec&context=G2801689RVAAAAAAAAAA

 

[sgower]

This is brilliant:

http://youtu.be/-iJLlBn8-pE

 

[Ladskater]

Oops...I added the same routine! It is brilliant. How he does those moves is beyond me. Gary reinvents as he skates.

 

[Scrufflet]

My absolute fave! He also did an interesting one to I Think I'm Losin' My Marbles (Mendelson Joe) with his former partner Gia Gudat(sp) but it wasn't on youtube last I looked.

 

[Scrufflet]

Oops...I added the same routine! It is brilliant. How he does those moves is beyond me. Gary reinvents as he skates.

Sorry this is the one I meant as my absolute fave.

 

[tempika]

He is probably my favorite skater from those times. The best twizzles I've ever seen. Is that true that he tought skating himself, without coach? And never had any serious injuries during his career?

 

[Dragonlady]

He is probably my favorite skater from those times. The best twizzles I've ever seen. Is that true that he tought skating himself, without coach? And never had any serious injuries during his career?

No, he almost always had coaches but he changed coaches often. I can well imagine he was very frustrating as a student. Beacom has always marched to his own drummer.

 

[blue dog]

No, he almost always had coaches but he changed coaches often. I can well imagine he was very frustrating as a student. Beacom has always marched to his own drummer.

Towards the end of his career, he coached himself while getting a degree in physics from the University of Toronto (which, I understand, is like the Harvard of Canada!)!

 

[Dragonlady]

Towards the end of his career, he coached himself while getting a degree in physics from the University of Toronto (which, I understand, is like the Harvard of Canada!)!

Not even close. U of T is the top ranked Canadian University but it's 23rd in the World. Harvard is #2.

 

[blue dog]

I'm not saying it's ranked as high as Harvard in the world. I'm saying that it's like the Harvard equivalent. Besides, 23rd isn't anything to sneeze at.

 

[dorispulaski]

tempika, welcome to Golden Skate! Post long and often.

 

[UsedtoDance]

Beacom has always marched to his own drummer.

This is soooo true. But he was/is and incredible spinner. I remember watching him actually gain speed in a spin and it ws as if he would just spin forever and ever. VERY interesting guy though.

 

[Ladskater]

Yes, Gary was his own coach for many years as he likely did not get along with being coached. He definitely "marched to his own drum." I think he loves skating for skating's sake and it shows when he performs. What Gary does on the blade is unique.

 

[sgower]

His use and command of edges is second to none. I heard or read that he has many different pairs of skates, some with almost no support in order to use edges in new and innovative ways.