Outside Opportunities and Comebacks

Just because a figure skater has the potential to dedicate most of his or her time to the ice, that does not mean that they cannot be otherwise involved in different activities.

While some make figure skating their lifetime profession, others decide to branch off and experience the world in a different light.  Some do, however, choose to stay along the same path.  Then, there are others that may part ways with the "skater" way of life, just to find themselves coming right back to it.

Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean in their "Bolero" free dance performance.
http://www.usfsa.org

Janye Torvill and Christopher Dean were the 1984 Olympic ice dancing gold medalists and four-time world champions and are now in the seventh season of their British television series Dancing on Ice.

The dance team is working together to choreograph each participant's routine and within that, each season the requirements are getting harder and harder.  The elements being performed are being completed by celebrities that have never skated before who are partnered with other professional skaters.  

Having the show, not only impacts the participants lives, but it has also triggered memories for Torvill and Dean.  They are now in the process of making a come back after their seven-year break.  

Also, still making history, but out of the constant spotlight that she was used to, is Michelle Kwan.  

Michelle Kwan is nominee for the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame.
http://www.usfsa.org

Amongst the 2012 nominees for the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame, is the the nine-time U.S. champion, five-time World champion, and two-time Olympic medalist, Michelle Kwan.  

This is said to be one of the strongest group of nominees to ever be considered for this position.  All of the potential candidates meet all of the necessary criteria established by the nomination committee.  

The announcement is to come on December 15, 2011 and the ceremonies will take place at the 2012 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships in San Jose, California at the end of January.

Having such a successful career on the ice is any skater's dream, but being able to do that off the ice as well, opens up numerous opportunities.  

Tim Koleto, the Midwestern Sectional junior champion has other hopes and dreams outside of excelling on the ice.
http://www.usfsa.org
 

Aside from being the new Midwestern Sectinal junior champion, Tim Koleto, hopes of someday being a published writer. 

Starting at the age of 14 or 15, he was already writing fantasy novels.  Unfortunately, the first half of his first creation was lost, due to his computer crashing.

Unlike most people that would get completely frustrated about the problem, he took it in stride and is now working on the fourth revision of the piece called, Reverse.  

With his writing, he is developing a creative side and is taking it to the ice.  In his recent performance, Mishima free skate, he wore a costume he designed.

Having dispensable creativity not only allows for unique positions and interpretations on the ice, but also in everyday life. If one thing fails, then there is always a back-up plan waiting to be put in action.  Most high level competitors do not have to do so, but it is worth having just in case.  Also, no matter where these athletes turn, they will always be remembered for leaving their mark on the figure skating world.