Real life interractions with skaters...?

[Simone]

What are your experiences with skaters in person, apologies before if this is not an appropriate thread but have you been what is the word, disappointed or disenchanted by a real life encounter with a skater? Like the skater who is so charming and approachable in an interview, when they are showed on TV, also those fluff-pieces they show, but is diva-ish or rude when you meet them? But also, just like the rest of us the skaters have days when they are in bad moods but usually they are nice to their fans... but that is not guaranteed and it's understandable.

?

 

[dutchherder]

I've very briefly met Emily Hughes, McLaughlin/Brubaker, Rachael Flatt, Totmianina/Marinin, Tanith Belbin, and Dube/Davison. All were very nice-- especially Emily and Tanith!

 

[iluvtodd]

We've met a number of the SOI cast members and other skaters at Mike Weiss' Foundation show (he started it in September 2005), and they've been very nice and gracious - Todd, Yuka & Jason, Mike, Jen Robinson, John Z. & Silvia, Jeff Buttle, Steven Cousins, Emily & her mom ... We've also attended the University of Delaware Nationals & Worlds Send Off shows and have had several opportunities to talk to Kimmie (a real sweetie) and her mom. When Skate America came to our area in 2005, we had a chance to meet Kurt Browning and Chris Mabee - a great encounter! At last year's Skate America we got to talk to Tanith & Ben , Meryl & Charlie, Stephen Carriere, Amanda E. & Mark L. - all very positive experiences.

 

[eleonora.d]

I've met some in Zagreb (EC 2008). Usually almost all of them are kind and we took many photos together.
But if I have to mention one I would say Tomas Verner was one of the best meeting there -maybe because he just won the event, but he was so funny and easy-going just like he looks on tv :chorus:.
Valentina Marchei is everyone's sweetheart. She is so nice and pretty, she has a very friendly attitudine, a real italian ambassatrix
She also speaks very fluently french and english besides italian.
Sarah Meier is much more pretty live. Same for Joubert.

 

[Tonichelle]

I've briefly met Charlotte Maxwell & Nick Traxler (Max & Trax) though we sat behind their group most of the week at nationals this year... LOVE them, they're a lot of fun.

I've also met Kurt Browning - who totally exceeded expectations. I've met Scott Hamilton, but he was busy so it was short and nothing overly spectacular (but I was still over the moon).

Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov (and family) are the ones I've spent the most time with and they are SO gracious to their fans, they're really really sweet. I love them! (and I miss seeing them skate)

 

[Buttercup]

But if I have to mention one I would say Tomas Verner was one of the best meeting there -maybe because he just won the event, but he was so funny and easy-going just like he looks on tv :chorus:.

He does seem like a really sweet guy on TV, so I can't say I'm surprised!

Sarah Meier is much more pretty live. Same for Joubert.

She must be really good looking, then. Joubert sort of reminds of me of my brother (who has protested regarding this comparison, but he's wrong). BTW, the clip of Verner and Joubert winking at each other at 2008 Worlds is hilarious.

The only skater I've ever met is Paul Wylie (very briefly). It was a few months after he'd medaled at Albertville and as far as I remember he was quite nice.

 

[eleonora.d]

She must be really good looking, then.

She is

Joubert sort of reminds of me of my brother (who has protested regarding this comparison, but he's wrong). BTW, the clip of Verner and Joubert winking at each other at 2008 Worlds is hilarious.

Your brother must be a handsome man

 

[Mathman]

I have met quite a few of the skaters that train at the Detroit Skating Club and the dancers at Arctic Edge. They are unfailingly courteous and pleased that fans recognize them and are interested in their careers. I would single out Tanith and Ben and also Aaron Parchem as particularly down to earth and engaging.

The pros that I have met seem very much aware that fan support is their bread-and-butter and are grateful for it.

 

[eleonora.d]

Have you ever met Faiella and Scali?

 

[Mathman]

Have you ever met Faiella and Scali?

Just to say hi to. They have been in quite a few shows for charitable causes around the Detroit area.

To tell the truth, I am usually too shy to go up to anyone and strike up a conversation.

 

[siberia82]

I watched the Men's LP live at SC in Ottawa, and I had a brush with Shawn Sexy Sawyer. There was an autograph session after the medal ceremony, but my friend and I failed to grab a number. However, we stood on the side while we stared/took pictures of him. He looked so happy, and he was very sweet to the fans who were fortunate enough to get his autograph. When it was time for Shawn to leave the table, I shouted out, "Hi Shawn, you're artistically gifted like Mozart!" He then turned around with a big smile, waved at me and exclaimed, "Thank you!" Oh, I've fallen madly in love with him...

 

[Ptichka]

Many years ago I was at a Russian restaurant in the Boston area and Petrenko and Baiul were there. Victor was an absolute sweetheart, dancing with everybody, signing autographs, etc.

 

[Wrlmy]

Many years ago I was at a Russian restaurant in the Boston area and Petrenko and Baiul were there. Victor was an absolute sweetheart, dancing with everybody, signing autographs, etc.

Which one? I dined couple times at this delightful Russian restaurant in Brookline. I forgot what this place is called.

My interaction, which can be hardly called interaction, with skaters is nothing more than SOIs and Ice Capades my parents took me to when I was a kid and still financially dependant on them.

 

[Ptichka]

Which one? I dined couple times at this delightful Russian restaurant in Brookline. I forgot what this place is called.

Oh, there are several in Brookline - St. Petersburg (which has since moved to Newton) on Harvard St. near Rt. 9, Russian Village in Washington Square, and the lesser known Victor Cafe on Coolidge Corner (that's the place that did catering for my wedding, so I'm kind of partial to it). However, the one where I saw Petrenko and Co at was Mirage on South Shore. I'm not even sure it's still around, but it's really one of those places Russians go to for large parties and dancing. Food quality tends to be of secondary importance, though food quantity can be quite great. It's all served family style, and did I mention dancing? Not exactly my type of fun, but I was there celebrating somebody's birthday I think (as I said, this was a very long time ago). I do have to admit, though, that this is the most profitable way to have a Russian restaurants. If Russians eat out, they won't usually go for Russian food (buying groceries for cooking at home is a different story), but having a banquet they/we really expect a certain type of food, as well as the way of serving it. Oh, and did I mention dancing?

 

[dorispulaski]

I am usually too shy to do anything but smile at them when they go by.

The most embarrassing encounter with a skater was when I was struggling with a bunch of suitcases in an elevator. My husband was waiting to have his hip replaced and couldn't walk. He was in a motorized kart, so all the suitcases were mine to deal with and I was having a heck of a time. A nice young woman helped me with them all the way to my room. I noticed she had a press pass on and asked which which news outfit she was with and she said ESPN and did I watch. I gushed about watching skating since 1981 etc etc but I didn't recognize her until after she left our room. Only then did I realize it was Susie Wynne.

I'm still so embarrassed that I didn't recognize her and tell her how her Charleston in 1989 was the best OSP Charleston bar none, where I was concerned.

 

[Tonichelle]

oh, Doris!

most embarassing moment I had was falling on some ice in my church parking lot while PAUL WYLIE was standing outside talking to one of our pastors... I could have died.

 

[Ptichka]

I am usually too shy to do anything but smile at them when they go by.

I'm with you. I was lucky that during my encounter with Victor I was with a friend who has absolutely no reservations about anything. She had actually hardly heard of Petrenko, but upon hearing that he was an OGM, she practically dragged me over there. Later, when I'd gone to plays with her, she'd always try to sneak backstage to meet the actors - something I could never do.

most embarassing moment I had was falling on some ice in my church parking lot while PAUL WYLIE was standing outside talking to one of our pastors... I could have died.

Toni, why didn't you play the "damsel in distress" to let him save you!

 

[dorispulaski]

My husband on the other hand, has no reservations. He became quite aquainted with Dick Button back in 1991 in Minnesota because smoking was not allowed in the rink and they would both be out back puffing away. Also Kristi Yamaguchi's dad would be out there too, AFAIR, (I don't smoke, so I wasn't there) Ski hasn't smoked since 1995.

 

[Tonichelle]

right, yeah, sure!

as it was I was close enough that I got to hear him make a joke about the ice (completely with "toe pick" comment...) I was already up and walking away lol which is probably why he felt the joke okay... I loved having him speak at our church but for the next few weeks my group wouldn't let me live the fall down...

 

[kappa_1]

I've spoken to a pretty recent Olympic Gold medalist a few times and she was extremely nice and approachable.