With someone as inspiring as Patrick has been, it's odd that he has no obvious 'successor' - as I think about it, every prior champion had a protege "in the wings" for as long as I can remember ... Orser was winning but Kurt was evident ... Kurt was still King but Elvis was not hesitating ... Buttle came on, and even lost his National title to Patrick the year Jeff won his World title ... hmm. A pause.
Patrick Chan
- Thread starter emma
- Start date
I have not found one. I am willing to do one this weekend when I have time. I hope you won't mind being patient with me.
If you do this, I'll be happy, take your time.
If this is interesting, I can try to translate the words of Tarasova. She said a small, but very sincere and heartfelt speech at the end of Patrick's FS (team championship). I like her words.
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2015
well... there was a moment when Sandhu was in and he wasn't a real heir to the throne... it sometimes takes a couple years....
when patrick first retired, there was Nam... but he grew 12398 inches.
I love to call Joseph Phan "mini-chiddy" because he truly reminds me of Patrick... Joseph is still a young teenager though... he finished 4th at Junior worlds and IMHO he should have been 3rd.... and that was with a disaster in the SP.
Nic Nadeau was very promising at 2017 Nationals but he has been plagued with injuries. He is a gigantic man!!! and his jumps are huge and gorgeous. His 3a is probably the most gorgeous jump I have ever seen live.
His triple lutz is huge too... He did a quad loop as well when I saw him skate and now usually puts in a quad toe in his programs... he has such showmanship too.
I would say that there is A LOT of talent coming up. Conrad, if he fixes a lot of things, has a tremendous potential and there is our GOGO boy
who is too young to skate Seniors but will enter JGP this year. So, in the meantime, we can enjoy Keegan Messing who is a very exciting skater to watch and look for other skaters like Nam or Roman to see if their growth spurt is behind them.
I actually am not afraid about the situation of Canadian male skating....but of course, Patrick cannot be replaced... he was not just a champion. He is a masterpiece, a skating legend... unmatched artist of the blade.... nobody can fill these boots... not even the best and most talented skaters we have... it's an art that unfortunately has been replaced by quad jumps.... we will see if it comes back... and it should.
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2012
Okay, will do. And yes, I am interested in Tarasova's words, and I'm sure many others are too.If you do this, I'll be happy, take your time.
If this is interesting, I can try to translate the words of Tarasova. She said a small, but very sincere and heartfelt speech at the end of Patrick's FS (team championship). I like her words.
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2006
Yes, please! I would love to hear what Tarasova had to say about Patrick! Thanks!
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2014
Patrick made a stop on his way to Stars on Ice rehearsals.
"Chan helps guide young figure skaters"
http://thechronicleherald.ca/sports/1564265-chan-helps-guide-young-figure-skaters
"Chan helps guide young figure skaters"
http://thechronicleherald.ca/sports/1564265-chan-helps-guide-young-figure-skaters
At the end of the article, is the following NOTE:
Chan is one of eight Canadian Olympians that will take to the Scotiabank Centre ice in Halifax on Friday night with the Stars on Ice Tour. Other Olympians competing are the ice dance team of Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, Olympic and world champion Kaetlyn Osmond, pairs Olympic bronze winners Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford, Javier Fernández and Gabrielle Daleman.
They don't come right out and say Javi is Canadian, but they sure imply it!
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2012
As requested by quwt and with the hope that other fans will find it helpful, I’ve transcribed the speeches by Patrick, Mike Slipchuk, and Scott Russell at Patrick’s retirement event. Spending so much time with these speeches has been an uplifting and inspiring experience for me and it was a labor of love. I feel so incredibly grateful to be a figure skating fan and a Patrick fan in these moments, to see the gratitude and happiness and perspective that were oozing out of Patrick. 
Enjoy! 
The event video is still available at this link (speeches begin at 7:45).
Patrick’s Speech
All right, um, well, welcome everyone. Let me start by saying thank you for taking the time to be here today, especially with the change of plans and the challenging weather conditions. Uh, how appropriate that there would be an ice storm on the day that I planned to announce my retirement. Maybe the universe is sending me a sign. One more year, Mike, maybe? (Patrick laughs) [addressing Mike Slipchuk, Skate Canada’s High Performance Director]
As I approach this juncture, I set sights on new challenges and new adventures. I must take a moment to reflect on the road traveled. The road to get here was long, and each and every person in this room has played a role or made an impact on my life in a significant way, and for that reason I am so grateful that you are all here today to share this day with me and with each other.
When faced with challenges and tough days, I have always been able to find peace and balance out in nature. I faced one of my most challenging times ever just months before this past Olympic Games. I had lost my way and lost my confidence and my desire to get on the ice every day. With a change of scenery came a change of heart, and I found my way back, with many of you standing by me. I decided to spend some time in the mountains surrounded by nature, and I came to realize that no matter what happened as I moved forward with the season ahead, that that would always be there for me, and I found a great comfort in that. When I looked up at the mighty trees or the snow-covered mountaintops or the night sky and the millions of stars, I found comfort. I feel the same way as I look around the room and see all of the people who have been a light along the way.
Since 2013, RBC has been my longest partner. Your loyal support has helped not only me but many other athletes achieve their competitive dreams and beyond. 70 years of Canadian Olympic support is incredibly commendable and I am so proud to stand alongside of you as an ambassador. Your commitment to supporting grassroot initiatives that give youth access to sports all across Canada, all the way to the RBC Olympian Program that helps athletes beyond the playing field. I’m proud to be part of an organization that is constantly thinking of new ways to help young Canadians believe in their own abilities to become Olympians. We need programs like RBC Training Ground in Canada to push young Canadian athletes to excel while having fun.
At times, the road has quite literally been a long road, with the amount of traveling, but with the help of Air Canada it has been a much smoother one. On behalf of the Canadian Olympic athletes, I’d like to say thank you for your dedication to getting us to and from our destination safely. My trip home begins when I step on a flight with Air Canada wherever I am in the world.
Thank you to MK and Edea for giving me the absolute best equipment and therefore giving me the tools to do what I do best on the ice, allowing me to customize my equipment, and finding solutions to any and every challenge that often arises with skates. Thanks to comfortable, well-fitted skates, I’ve been lucky enough to keep my feet somewhat attractive and healthy, a testament to good equipment. I would like to thank Brian, Helen, and Paulette Holtham for the endless nurturing and love. You’ve welcomed me into your home and into your family and made so many of your own sacrifices to get me to where I am. Brian, I am in awe of your attention to detail, and you’ve been there when I needed you most, even rearranging travel plans when I needed a last-minute skate sharpening. You’ve dedicated yourself to helping skaters around the world get the absolute best from their equipment and keeping us healthy. You’ve maximized what our prehistoric skates can do, and you’ve played an essential role in my career. You continue to inspire me as someone in the industry, but even more as a role model, husband, and father.
Speaking of shining stars (unfortunately he can’t be here), this one lights up the room. Behind every great skater is a great choreographer. I was lucky enough to have, not a great one, but a brilliant one. David, without your exquisite taste in music, your unique vision, and your artistic genius on the ice, I would not be where I am today. As a choreographer, you are often the man behind the scenes, quietly standing back as the world watches your art come to life. I can only hope I have done it justice over the years and look forward to creating more with you in years to come. Thank you for everything you have given me both on and off the ice.
Throughout the years, I’ve had many coaches and mentors. Every day, every coach, and every lesson had an impact on my career. I can’t begin to express my gratitude and recognize all of those individuals who have helped me along the way. I would, however, like to thank one man in particular, the man who got me gliding on the right foot, Mr. Colson. His relentless push to success was sometimes overwhelming, but his imagination was infectious and his wisdom everlasting. He always seemed to know what the future would hold for me, yet never spoke of it. Thank you, Mr. Colson, for being the incredible visionary you were, and I hope I’ve deserved and earned your nod of approval.
Thank you to Skate Canada for giving me the opportunity to flourish by giving me every tool I needed to excel and become the best athlete I could be. You’ve never doubted me at any point in my career, and it shows with patience and trust to allow me to make mistakes from time to time. Mike Slipchuk, I’m pretty sure you were a brunette before our journey began. You are a mastermind behind our gold-medal-winning team. This year’s national team has been a long work in progress that took many years of planning and imagination. It’s one thing to help us perform at the highest level when it counts, but having the awareness to keep the team in good spirits through the highs and the lows takes a visionary. Thank you for thinking of us as more than athletes, but as people too.
Mom and Dad (unfortunately my mom couldn’t be here today), but I want to say thank you both [Patrick starts to cry]—this is gonna be really hard—um, for the unconditional support you have given me during this roller-coaster journey of mine. As I embark on my next journey in life, I am only now starting to realize just how much you’ve had to sacrifice. From countless early-morning practices and through the teenage years, you did it all with humility and respect. I remember a few days before I left for my first Junior World Championships in 2007. I was struggling with a few of my jumps, and it was one of the first times I started feeling the pressure and the incredible cost of competitive figure skating. I sat on the side of the Cricket Club ice rink, face buried in my hands, until my dad came over to ask what was wrong. “I’m not ready to go to Worlds. It’s all a waste. Just save your money and forget about going if I can’t land my jumps,” I said. My dad follows by saying, “Our sacrifice has nothing to do with results. We’re happy to give you everything we have so that you can do what you love. All we ask of you is to give it 100% of that day. That’s all we ask.” So thank you, Mom and Dad, for giving me an environment to thrive and succeed. Even when I began down my own path without you, you were there at the end waiting and cheering with the largest smiles I’ve ever seen. That is the ultimate prize. For an athlete’s competitive journey, Olympic gold seems to be the only ultimate prize in amateur sports. Some say it is the definition of success and a chance to be someone, like Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket. But at the end of the day, you make it what you want. Seeing my parents smiling in the stands and cheering loud at my last Olympic Games was my Golden Ticket. They were there before I dreamed of winning, and they’re still here at the end with the same smile I recognized from Day One. [Patrick stops crying]
I want to sincerely thank everyone here today. You’ve all been a bright star in my sky and a light, shining down on me and giving me the comfort and guidance I needed to chase my dreams. Like a magnificent constellation, you’re always there, and I hope that each and every one of you feels my eternal appreciation. I also wanna take a second and thank my girlfriend, Liz, um. Our journey is just beginning and I’m so fortunate to have such a great companion who sees the good and the bad in me but yet still loves me every day. You make me laugh, you make me reflect on life, and it’s constantly entertaining, and, um, I can’t wait to take a leap of faith with you, so thanks. And thank you all.
Mike Slipchuk’s Speech (Skate Canada’s High Performance Director)
Well that’s not a hard act to follow, so I’ll see what I can do here. Um, ironic when Patrick mentioned the 2007 Junior Worlds. Uh, before I started at Skate Canada, I was actually the Technical Specialist on the Mens Panel [at 2007 Junior Worlds] where Patrick came second, and two weeks later I was the High Performance Director of Skate Canada. So I think I made the right move by getting out and coming on this side.
Um, I’ve been very fortunate in my skating life to see some of the best Canadian men skaters in history. But Patrick’s changed mens skating by making the artistry and technical and skating skills the required elements that they are today. To see Patrick skate live gave you the real sense of the speed and flow of his effortless skating and the power of the technical skills.
In the past ten years, I’ve had the opportunity to spend time in training and competition with Patrick. He has an incredible work ethic that was evident in every session he did. I remember coming to Orlando in June of 2009, when he had just finished his Phantom free program, and given the intricate program and technical level, he barely made it through a runthrough even leaving some of the elements out. But in true Patrick fashion, a few weeks later he was debuting this in competition at a summer event in Philadelphia. His competitive readiness was second to none.
Patrick’s accomplishments are well-known, but as a person he is a down-to-earth person whose engaging personality leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets. I count myself lucky that I’ve had the opportunity to be around Patrick to experience the high and lows, and he is still the same person I met ten years ago. His future is bright, and I’m excited to see where his future endeavors take him.
This has been a very unique time in Canadian skating. Uh, the last ten years, for me personally and for Skate Canada, we have seen probably the greatest skaters we ever had come across. Um, a lasting impression I’ll always have is seeing you with that gold medal at Olympics. Uh, well-deserved, and you were just a huge part of that team along with the rest for that accomplishment.
On behalf of Skate Canada, we want to thank [you for] all you’ve done for skating, and taking us all on this incredible journey. Your legacy has left an extraordinary mark on figure skating, and the sport will be better for it. Thank you.
Scott Russell’s Speech (CBC commentator throughout Patrick’s career)
Uh, now it’s my turn as we close things off today, and, uh, I have to tell you, Patrick, that I recorded this message three times down there in our studio because I thought I wasn’t going to be able to be at this event today. I did it without a teleprompter because we don’t use teleprompters at CBC Sports, so I had it all down pat. But I do have these words today. It’s an emotional day, an important one for you. So, with my turn, uh, I’d like to say this. When it comes to the numbers, you have done it all. Three Olympic medals including gold. Three World Championships. Eight major international titles. A record ten National Championships. You’ve been the Lou Marsh Trophy winner as Canada’s Athlete of the Year. You are an absolute lock to become an honored member of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, and I’m no longer on the selection committee so you don’t have to worry about that.
But you’re about much more than the numbers. You’re about being a great champion. [emotional pause] You won on the ice, and you are an example off it. You told me in an interview this morning that you had a hunger to win, but that you felt you needed to be humble about winning. You competed hard, but with dignity and grace. And you made millions of Canadians, millions of people around the world, figure skating fans, including me [very emotional on this sentence]. Ever since I saw you win that first National Championship in Vancouver in 2008 when you beat Jeffrey Buttle, who went on to become World Champion that very same year, I’ve been amazed by you, Patrick. And I continue to be amazed by the great talent that you possess, and your dignity today. I just wanted to say that it’s been an honor to cover your career, and I did it throughout your career. But more than that, it’s been an honor to call you a friend. All of us across the country, and in particular today, at CBC Sports, wanna wish you every success and we know that there will be many down the road. And I hope that our paths will cross very soon, Patrick, and I just want you to know that you are a great champion. Ladies and gentleman, Patrick Chan! [applause]
Major victory for me today, Patrick. I got through it without openly crying and sobbing.
[After Scott goes offstage, the camera pans over to the big screen, which has a giant picture of Patrick in a pose similar to his DITW opening one – GORGEOUS!!! All the images on that wall captured Patrick in lovely positions!!! The speeches were wonderful, of course, but I could have also just stared at those images for 25 minutes.
]
Enjoy! The event video is still available at this link (speeches begin at 7:45). Patrick’s Speech
All right, um, well, welcome everyone. Let me start by saying thank you for taking the time to be here today, especially with the change of plans and the challenging weather conditions. Uh, how appropriate that there would be an ice storm on the day that I planned to announce my retirement. Maybe the universe is sending me a sign. One more year, Mike, maybe? (Patrick laughs) [addressing Mike Slipchuk, Skate Canada’s High Performance Director]
As I approach this juncture, I set sights on new challenges and new adventures. I must take a moment to reflect on the road traveled. The road to get here was long, and each and every person in this room has played a role or made an impact on my life in a significant way, and for that reason I am so grateful that you are all here today to share this day with me and with each other.
When faced with challenges and tough days, I have always been able to find peace and balance out in nature. I faced one of my most challenging times ever just months before this past Olympic Games. I had lost my way and lost my confidence and my desire to get on the ice every day. With a change of scenery came a change of heart, and I found my way back, with many of you standing by me. I decided to spend some time in the mountains surrounded by nature, and I came to realize that no matter what happened as I moved forward with the season ahead, that that would always be there for me, and I found a great comfort in that. When I looked up at the mighty trees or the snow-covered mountaintops or the night sky and the millions of stars, I found comfort. I feel the same way as I look around the room and see all of the people who have been a light along the way.
Since 2013, RBC has been my longest partner. Your loyal support has helped not only me but many other athletes achieve their competitive dreams and beyond. 70 years of Canadian Olympic support is incredibly commendable and I am so proud to stand alongside of you as an ambassador. Your commitment to supporting grassroot initiatives that give youth access to sports all across Canada, all the way to the RBC Olympian Program that helps athletes beyond the playing field. I’m proud to be part of an organization that is constantly thinking of new ways to help young Canadians believe in their own abilities to become Olympians. We need programs like RBC Training Ground in Canada to push young Canadian athletes to excel while having fun.
At times, the road has quite literally been a long road, with the amount of traveling, but with the help of Air Canada it has been a much smoother one. On behalf of the Canadian Olympic athletes, I’d like to say thank you for your dedication to getting us to and from our destination safely. My trip home begins when I step on a flight with Air Canada wherever I am in the world.
Thank you to MK and Edea for giving me the absolute best equipment and therefore giving me the tools to do what I do best on the ice, allowing me to customize my equipment, and finding solutions to any and every challenge that often arises with skates. Thanks to comfortable, well-fitted skates, I’ve been lucky enough to keep my feet somewhat attractive and healthy, a testament to good equipment. I would like to thank Brian, Helen, and Paulette Holtham for the endless nurturing and love. You’ve welcomed me into your home and into your family and made so many of your own sacrifices to get me to where I am. Brian, I am in awe of your attention to detail, and you’ve been there when I needed you most, even rearranging travel plans when I needed a last-minute skate sharpening. You’ve dedicated yourself to helping skaters around the world get the absolute best from their equipment and keeping us healthy. You’ve maximized what our prehistoric skates can do, and you’ve played an essential role in my career. You continue to inspire me as someone in the industry, but even more as a role model, husband, and father.
Speaking of shining stars (unfortunately he can’t be here), this one lights up the room. Behind every great skater is a great choreographer. I was lucky enough to have, not a great one, but a brilliant one. David, without your exquisite taste in music, your unique vision, and your artistic genius on the ice, I would not be where I am today. As a choreographer, you are often the man behind the scenes, quietly standing back as the world watches your art come to life. I can only hope I have done it justice over the years and look forward to creating more with you in years to come. Thank you for everything you have given me both on and off the ice.
Throughout the years, I’ve had many coaches and mentors. Every day, every coach, and every lesson had an impact on my career. I can’t begin to express my gratitude and recognize all of those individuals who have helped me along the way. I would, however, like to thank one man in particular, the man who got me gliding on the right foot, Mr. Colson. His relentless push to success was sometimes overwhelming, but his imagination was infectious and his wisdom everlasting. He always seemed to know what the future would hold for me, yet never spoke of it. Thank you, Mr. Colson, for being the incredible visionary you were, and I hope I’ve deserved and earned your nod of approval.
Thank you to Skate Canada for giving me the opportunity to flourish by giving me every tool I needed to excel and become the best athlete I could be. You’ve never doubted me at any point in my career, and it shows with patience and trust to allow me to make mistakes from time to time. Mike Slipchuk, I’m pretty sure you were a brunette before our journey began. You are a mastermind behind our gold-medal-winning team. This year’s national team has been a long work in progress that took many years of planning and imagination. It’s one thing to help us perform at the highest level when it counts, but having the awareness to keep the team in good spirits through the highs and the lows takes a visionary. Thank you for thinking of us as more than athletes, but as people too.
Mom and Dad (unfortunately my mom couldn’t be here today), but I want to say thank you both [Patrick starts to cry]—this is gonna be really hard—um, for the unconditional support you have given me during this roller-coaster journey of mine. As I embark on my next journey in life, I am only now starting to realize just how much you’ve had to sacrifice. From countless early-morning practices and through the teenage years, you did it all with humility and respect. I remember a few days before I left for my first Junior World Championships in 2007. I was struggling with a few of my jumps, and it was one of the first times I started feeling the pressure and the incredible cost of competitive figure skating. I sat on the side of the Cricket Club ice rink, face buried in my hands, until my dad came over to ask what was wrong. “I’m not ready to go to Worlds. It’s all a waste. Just save your money and forget about going if I can’t land my jumps,” I said. My dad follows by saying, “Our sacrifice has nothing to do with results. We’re happy to give you everything we have so that you can do what you love. All we ask of you is to give it 100% of that day. That’s all we ask.” So thank you, Mom and Dad, for giving me an environment to thrive and succeed. Even when I began down my own path without you, you were there at the end waiting and cheering with the largest smiles I’ve ever seen. That is the ultimate prize. For an athlete’s competitive journey, Olympic gold seems to be the only ultimate prize in amateur sports. Some say it is the definition of success and a chance to be someone, like Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket. But at the end of the day, you make it what you want. Seeing my parents smiling in the stands and cheering loud at my last Olympic Games was my Golden Ticket. They were there before I dreamed of winning, and they’re still here at the end with the same smile I recognized from Day One. [Patrick stops crying]
I want to sincerely thank everyone here today. You’ve all been a bright star in my sky and a light, shining down on me and giving me the comfort and guidance I needed to chase my dreams. Like a magnificent constellation, you’re always there, and I hope that each and every one of you feels my eternal appreciation. I also wanna take a second and thank my girlfriend, Liz, um. Our journey is just beginning and I’m so fortunate to have such a great companion who sees the good and the bad in me but yet still loves me every day. You make me laugh, you make me reflect on life, and it’s constantly entertaining, and, um, I can’t wait to take a leap of faith with you, so thanks. And thank you all.
Mike Slipchuk’s Speech (Skate Canada’s High Performance Director)
Well that’s not a hard act to follow, so I’ll see what I can do here. Um, ironic when Patrick mentioned the 2007 Junior Worlds. Uh, before I started at Skate Canada, I was actually the Technical Specialist on the Mens Panel [at 2007 Junior Worlds] where Patrick came second, and two weeks later I was the High Performance Director of Skate Canada. So I think I made the right move by getting out and coming on this side.
Um, I’ve been very fortunate in my skating life to see some of the best Canadian men skaters in history. But Patrick’s changed mens skating by making the artistry and technical and skating skills the required elements that they are today. To see Patrick skate live gave you the real sense of the speed and flow of his effortless skating and the power of the technical skills.
In the past ten years, I’ve had the opportunity to spend time in training and competition with Patrick. He has an incredible work ethic that was evident in every session he did. I remember coming to Orlando in June of 2009, when he had just finished his Phantom free program, and given the intricate program and technical level, he barely made it through a runthrough even leaving some of the elements out. But in true Patrick fashion, a few weeks later he was debuting this in competition at a summer event in Philadelphia. His competitive readiness was second to none.
Patrick’s accomplishments are well-known, but as a person he is a down-to-earth person whose engaging personality leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets. I count myself lucky that I’ve had the opportunity to be around Patrick to experience the high and lows, and he is still the same person I met ten years ago. His future is bright, and I’m excited to see where his future endeavors take him.
This has been a very unique time in Canadian skating. Uh, the last ten years, for me personally and for Skate Canada, we have seen probably the greatest skaters we ever had come across. Um, a lasting impression I’ll always have is seeing you with that gold medal at Olympics. Uh, well-deserved, and you were just a huge part of that team along with the rest for that accomplishment.
On behalf of Skate Canada, we want to thank [you for] all you’ve done for skating, and taking us all on this incredible journey. Your legacy has left an extraordinary mark on figure skating, and the sport will be better for it. Thank you.
Scott Russell’s Speech (CBC commentator throughout Patrick’s career)
Uh, now it’s my turn as we close things off today, and, uh, I have to tell you, Patrick, that I recorded this message three times down there in our studio because I thought I wasn’t going to be able to be at this event today. I did it without a teleprompter because we don’t use teleprompters at CBC Sports, so I had it all down pat. But I do have these words today. It’s an emotional day, an important one for you. So, with my turn, uh, I’d like to say this. When it comes to the numbers, you have done it all. Three Olympic medals including gold. Three World Championships. Eight major international titles. A record ten National Championships. You’ve been the Lou Marsh Trophy winner as Canada’s Athlete of the Year. You are an absolute lock to become an honored member of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, and I’m no longer on the selection committee so you don’t have to worry about that.
But you’re about much more than the numbers. You’re about being a great champion. [emotional pause] You won on the ice, and you are an example off it. You told me in an interview this morning that you had a hunger to win, but that you felt you needed to be humble about winning. You competed hard, but with dignity and grace. And you made millions of Canadians, millions of people around the world, figure skating fans, including me [very emotional on this sentence]. Ever since I saw you win that first National Championship in Vancouver in 2008 when you beat Jeffrey Buttle, who went on to become World Champion that very same year, I’ve been amazed by you, Patrick. And I continue to be amazed by the great talent that you possess, and your dignity today. I just wanted to say that it’s been an honor to cover your career, and I did it throughout your career. But more than that, it’s been an honor to call you a friend. All of us across the country, and in particular today, at CBC Sports, wanna wish you every success and we know that there will be many down the road. And I hope that our paths will cross very soon, Patrick, and I just want you to know that you are a great champion. Ladies and gentleman, Patrick Chan! [applause]
Major victory for me today, Patrick. I got through it without openly crying and sobbing.
[After Scott goes offstage, the camera pans over to the big screen, which has a giant picture of Patrick in a pose similar to his DITW opening one – GORGEOUS!!! All the images on that wall captured Patrick in lovely positions!!! The speeches were wonderful, of course, but I could have also just stared at those images for 25 minutes.
]Thanks so much skatingfan4ever for transcribing the speeches by Patrick, Mike Slipchuk, and Scott Russell at Patrick’s retirement event. I watched the video before, but it's still so interesting to read it again!
Also touched by your words:"Spending so much time with these speeches has been an uplifting and inspiring experience for me and it was a labor of love. I feel so incredibly grateful to be a figure skating fan and a Patrick fan in these moments, to see the gratitude and happiness and perspective that were oozing out of Patrick. "
Also touched by your words:"Spending so much time with these speeches has been an uplifting and inspiring experience for me and it was a labor of love. I feel so incredibly grateful to be a figure skating fan and a Patrick fan in these moments, to see the gratitude and happiness and perspective that were oozing out of Patrick. "
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2012
Observations that didn’t belong in my last post:
- Mike Slipchuk sounded MUCH more nervous than Patrick did during his speech, even though it was much shorter than Patrick’s. I admit that it made me smile to hear the difference. Mike’s speech was more difficult for me to transcribe. Kudos to Patrick for his super-smooth and clear delivery, even through tears. This speech seemed smoother than any interview he’s ever given. And it might be just me, but I thought his delivery sounded the smoothest when he was crying. I think his heart completely took over during the "Mom and Dad" part and we saw/heard the real Patrick and looked into his true soul. :yes:
- Patrick said that 2007 was his first Junior Worlds, but according to Wikipedia, he went to Junior Worlds twice before that. I guess he mis-spoke? :think: 2007 was his only medal at Junior Worlds. It would be odd if he actually forgot about his other trips to Junior Worlds.
Thank you, m0001, for your kind words.
- Mike Slipchuk sounded MUCH more nervous than Patrick did during his speech, even though it was much shorter than Patrick’s. I admit that it made me smile to hear the difference. Mike’s speech was more difficult for me to transcribe. Kudos to Patrick for his super-smooth and clear delivery, even through tears. This speech seemed smoother than any interview he’s ever given. And it might be just me, but I thought his delivery sounded the smoothest when he was crying. I think his heart completely took over during the "Mom and Dad" part and we saw/heard the real Patrick and looked into his true soul. :yes:
- Patrick said that 2007 was his first Junior Worlds, but according to Wikipedia, he went to Junior Worlds twice before that. I guess he mis-spoke? :think: 2007 was his only medal at Junior Worlds. It would be odd if he actually forgot about his other trips to Junior Worlds.
Thank you, m0001, for your kind words.
Observations that didn’t belong in my last post:
- Mike Slipchuk sounded MUCH more nervous than Patrick did during his speech, even though it was much shorter than Patrick’s. I admit that it made me smile to hear the difference. Mike’s speech was more difficult for me to transcribe. Kudos to Patrick for his super-smooth and clear delivery, even through tears. This speech seemed smoother than any interview he’s ever given. And it might be just me, but I thought his delivery sounded the smoothest when he was crying. I think his heart completely took over during that part and we saw/heard the real Patrick and looked into his true soul. :yes:
His speech was smooth because he prepared it under candle light (when there was a storm) and he already memorized everything?
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2015
His speech was smooth because he prepared it under candle light (when there was a storm) and he already memorized everything?
or he had already done some wine tasting
when I do that, I also cry about my parents
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2012
Oh, 4everchan, this thread has missed you so much!or he had already done some wine tasting
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- Nov 3, 2012
I have a question to ask about Scott Russell's speech. He said Patrick won "eight major international titles." How did Scott get to eight? Discounting Olympics and Worlds, I get 3 4CC, 2 GPF, 4 TEB, 1 COC, 1 COR, and 6 SC wins, for a total of 17 international titles. Without the individual GPs, there's only five wins for Patrick. I can't figure out where the eight came from. 
:think:
Unless, Worlds is in the count, which means 3 Worlds + 3 4CC + 2 GPF = 8. But why would Scott mention Worlds twice? He said three World Championships and THEN said eight major international titles, as if they were separate entities. It would have made more sense to say "three World Championships and five other major international titles." But nobody asked me. And I guess the GPs aren't "major" enough? 
I think typing it out has helped me figure this out now, but it was driving me crazy! 
:think: Unless, Worlds is in the count, which means 3 Worlds + 3 4CC + 2 GPF = 8. But why would Scott mention Worlds twice? He said three World Championships and THEN said eight major international titles, as if they were separate entities. It would have made more sense to say "three World Championships and five other major international titles." But nobody asked me.
And I guess the GPs aren't "major" enough? I think typing it out has helped me figure this out now, but it was driving me crazy!
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- Mar 7, 2015
I have a question to ask about Scott Russell's speech. He said Patrick won "eight major international titles." How did Scott get to eight? Discounting Olympics and Worlds, I get 3 4CC, 2 GPF, 4 TEB, 1 COC, 1 COR, and 6 SC wins, for a total of 17 international titles. Without the individual GPs, there's only five wins for Patrick. I can't figure out where the eight came from.
Unless, Worlds is in the count, which means 3 Worlds + 3 4CC + 2 GPF = 8. But why would Scott mention Worlds twice? He said three World Championships and THEN said eight major international titles, as if they were separate entities. It would have made more sense to say "three World Championships and five other major international titles." But nobody asked me.
Maybe he meant 3 times Olympics medalist + 3 worlds, + 3 wcc + 2 GPF?
Personally I don't count GPF
I never really thought it was such a big deal to be the winner among 6 skaters, no matter how strong they are... it's a "sprint" competition...and I don't think skaters are trying to peak for it.... though worlds, they surely do. I mean Patrick has so many medals too... 2 more silver at worlds, the olympic ones...other GPF ones...
I think he meant 3wc+3 4cc + 2 gpf though...
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- Mar 7, 2015
Patrick fans : Patrick is skating a small version of Hallelujah for SOI... it's wonderful... perfect... gorgeous... i cried.... i am sure videos will leak but if you have a chance to go... both of his numbers and all his cameos/group appearances were stellar... he was truly on and looked very happy to skate... moments i will cherish forever.
Tat
I apologize for the delay TAT said:
"Прекрасная эта музыка, которую он выбрал (Hallelujah). Обращение к этой музыке мне кажется неслучайным, потому что он действительно с Богом разговаривает своим катанием. Просто нам посчастливилось, что мы живем в это время: мы могли его наблюдать, когда он сильный, когда он молодой, когда он ничего не сдавал... Его катание украсило нашу жизнь... потому что он непохож ни на тех, кто был до, и никто не будет похож, кто будет после. Он вот такой один, он так слышит музыку, и он так воспроизводит эти звуки, которые проникают в него, а потом уже ложатся разными следами на этот удивительный лед. Спасибо ему большое за это откровение"
And approximate translation:
"Beautiful this music, which he chose (Hallelujah). The appeal to this music seems to me not casual, because he really talks to God with his skating (with the help of his skating). Just we were lucky that we live at this time: we watched at him when he was strong, when he was young, when he didn't concede anything... His skating had adorned our life... because he is unlike anyone who was before, and nobody will be like who will be after. He is so unique, he so hears music, and he so reproduces these sounds, which penetrate into him, and later they leave different traces on this amazing ice. A big thankfulness to him for this revelation"
Don't criticize too much, I used a lot of translate.google
I apologize for the delay
TAT said:"Прекрасная эта музыка, которую он выбрал (Hallelujah). Обращение к этой музыке мне кажется неслучайным, потому что он действительно с Богом разговаривает своим катанием. Просто нам посчастливилось, что мы живем в это время: мы могли его наблюдать, когда он сильный, когда он молодой, когда он ничего не сдавал... Его катание украсило нашу жизнь... потому что он непохож ни на тех, кто был до, и никто не будет похож, кто будет после. Он вот такой один, он так слышит музыку, и он так воспроизводит эти звуки, которые проникают в него, а потом уже ложатся разными следами на этот удивительный лед. Спасибо ему большое за это откровение"
And approximate translation:
"Beautiful this music, which he chose (Hallelujah). The appeal to this music seems to me not casual, because he really talks to God with his skating (with the help of his skating). Just we were lucky that we live at this time: we watched at him when he was strong, when he was young, when he didn't concede anything... His skating had adorned our life... because he is unlike anyone who was before, and nobody will be like who will be after. He is so unique, he so hears music, and he so reproduces these sounds, which penetrate into him, and later they leave different traces on this amazing ice. A big thankfulness to him for this revelation"
Don't criticize too much, I used a lot of translate.google
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