Olivia Smart and Tim Dieck: ‘We love what we do’

[gsk8]

Join us as we sit down with Spain's Olivia Smart and Tim Dieck for a conversation about their incredible season. From the moment inspiration struck for their "Dune" free dance to their triumphant performances on the World stage, Smart and Dieck open up about their journey, the highs and the lows, and the lessons learned.

How did they bounce back after Nebelhorn?
What did their Skate America medal change for them?
Why did their Worlds performance feel like a movie?
How did Olivia’s stand against online bullying make an impact?

Will they be keeping their Dune free dance for the Olympic season?

Don’t miss this honest and inspiring interview!

 

[gsk8]

I realize not everyone may be a fan of the FD, but I really connected with this program. The costumes were crazy good!

Overall, this team is still very young, but It's not lost on me that they improved 13 places since last year's worlds.

And kudos to Smart for her statement earlier this season on social media and bullying!

What are your thoughts?

 

[Mathman]

The interviewer put them on the spot by asking each, "What is it about the other that makes them a superstar?"

This team seems to be in a comfortable spot. They know how to turn up the intensity and focus when the heat is on, as well as to reflect thoughtfully about the future.

With regard to the Dune program, the music and choreograph suits them, but it seemed to me that they are leaning toward exploring other themes next year (despite her mum's advice )

Did he say that he has ony been studying English for a year and a half? My hat is off to all of our multi-lingual athlete/entertainers

As usual the GS reporting journalist got the best out of her subjects with well-researched questions and a supportive and professional manner.

 

[TarAncalime]

Tim had some Spanish at school and took his old Spanish schoolbooks to Montreal to fresh his Spanish up. But there was not much time for it during the season.....

 

[ladyjane]

Good to see that they are gelling so well. I hope for something new next year, but, admittedly, this one was near perfect for them!

 

[cheerknithanson]

Will Tim be able to get his citizenship for Spain by the deadline?

 

[gsk8]

Will Tim be able to get his citizenship for Spain by the deadline?

He seemed very positive about it

 

[labgoat]

It was so much fun to watch these two in their previous partnerships which were both interesting. To be along with the journey as they debuted as a team last year and gelled this year has been a very fun ride so far. I really look forward to seeing what they come up with for the Olympic year. I wish them all the best as their journey continues. Stay healthy!

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

The costumes were crazy good!

It was definitely the costume adjustment upgrade between Nebelhorn and Skate America that helped make a difference. Of course, as Olivia said, they also rethought everything and doubled their commitment to each other and to making the program all they had envisioned.

Congrats to Olivia & Tim on the 3rd place small medal at Worlds, and on winning Best Costume at ISU Awards. I am wondering why costume designers don't share in receiving the award statuette? Madison Chock and Mathieu Caron deserved more than just a mention during the awards ceremony. I also felt that Romain Haguenauer should have won for Choreographer of the Year for Dune. Shae Lynn Bourne is amazing, but she's won the best choreographer award 2 or 3 times previously. I do not think Ilia's fp is Shae Lynn's best work.

I will definitely be interested in seeing what Olivia/ Tim and their coaching team are able to create next season. They seem confident about already having an idea fleshed out. Good luck to them!

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

BTW, there were a number of great costumes this season, but Ilia's fp costume was not one that should have made the final cut. It was okay but not great. If they were only narrowing to three choices, one of the three finalists IMO should have been Kam/ O'Shea for their fp. They were on the nominees list. K/O have had great costumes designed for them the past couple of seasons!

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

Will Tim be able to get his citizenship for Spain by the deadline?

They discussed the high possibility during the interview.

 

[dorispulaski]

What a good interview!