International Challenge Cup 2008, The Hague, March 5-9

[mizu_iro]

A closing performance by Akiko Suzuki accompanied by pianist Wibi Soerjadi at the gala:

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=-smyHFuzAfk

According to the comment written by the poster, this was a tribute to Karen Venhuizen, the dutch ladies singles skater who we know competed at the Euros just two months ago but who has since been diagnosed as having Guillain-Barré syndrome. Heartbreaking. I wish her well and hope she will overcome the illness just as Akiko overcame her severe eating disorder.

That was beautiful. Akiko has some of the best step sequences I've ever seen by anyone. She would have been a glorious pro skater...Akiko and Yukina Ota may not have the big tricks of Mao, Miki or Yukari, but they are bar none the best artists in Japan today.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

That was beautiful. Akiko has some of the best step sequences I've ever seen by anyone. She would have been a glorious pro skater...Akiko and Yukina Ota may not have the big tricks of Mao, Miki or Yukari, but they are bar none the best artists in Japan today.

She's lovely, and if she gets the big tricks, she will be formidable. (I still love Yukina with or without tricks - a very special artist, imo)

Joe

 

[Sylvia]

Akiko Suzuki's SP: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxEm_5D0t_k
(her level 3 straightline step sequence near the end received mostly +2s, deservedly imo)

Akiko Suzuki's FS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8mL7qC__NI

Full results/protocols: http://www.challenge-cup.com/upload/kunstrijden/373/uitslagen/index.htm

If anyone finds other home videos from this competition (senior/junior/novice) please share links -- it would be very much appreciated!