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Skaters must deal with fear of falling
Four Continents competition begins Thursday
THURSDAY
Men’s short program, 6:45 p.m., TV: 8 p.m., all coverage on Universal Sports (DIRECTV Channel 625)
FRIDAY
Women’s short program, 1 p.m., TV: 3:30-5:30
Men’s free skate, 7 p.m., TV: 9-11 p.m.
SATURDAY
Pairs short program, 1 p.m., TV: 2-3 p.m.
Short dance, 3:30 p.m., TV: 5-6 p.m.
Women’s free skate, 7 p.m., TV 9-11 p.m.
SUNDAY
Pairs free skate, noon, TV: 1-2:30 p.m.
Free dance, 2:45 p.m., TV: 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Exhibition, 7 p.m.
Where: World Arena
The field: More than 100 figure skaters from 17 countries, including 18 Americans, competing in singles, pairs and ice dancing
If you go: Tickets range from $9 to $25 for single sessions, $100 to $200 for all sessions. Single-session tickets for military are $5, available only at the World Arena box office.
More info: 2012fourcontinents.com
When Richard Dornbush arrives on the ice this weekend, he knows the perils of his sport. He’s spent hundreds of hours on his routines, and all that work can be erased by one fall. That’s part of the appeal, he said. For him and for spectators.
Fans are drawn to the drama of the sport. They realize each skater is always close to possible disaster.
“That’s why our sport is so popular,” Dornbush said Wednesday after completing his morning practice session. “People watching understand we’re right on the edge. We’re always on the edge.”
Dornbush is competing in the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships this week at World Arena. He isn’t saying spectators are rooting for him to fall. He believes fans want him to do his best, to defy all the pressure.
There is immense pressure. Falls can do much to define a skater’s legacy.
Skating history is filled with haunting moments. Kurt Browning’s fall on the short program at the 1992 Olympics ended his chance at a gold medal. Michelle Kwan’s fall on the long program at the 2002 Olympics at Salt Lake prevented her from having any chance at gold.
These falls can follow a skater for decades. Footage of the clumsy tumbles to the ice is easy to find on the Internet. The skaters in this weekend’s competition know this.
Dornbush shrugged.
“The possible trouble adds to the adrenalin,” Dornbush said. “And that rush of adrenalin is one reason I enjoy skating. There’s nothing else like it. That’s why most of us are drawn to this sport. That’s why fans want to watch us.”
Adam Rippon said every skater must deal with the fear of falling. There’s the risk of physical injury, but there’s also the risk of shredded scores. One second a skater is standing in full control. The next second the same skater can be scrambling helpless on the ice.
The key, Rippon said, is to use the pressure to your advantage. He promises himself before each performance that he will go all out.
“I’m not upset with myself if I haven't given it everything I have,” Rippon said. “Every time I go into a jump, I make sure I give it everything I have. I am upset with myself if I held back. I’m upset if I’m cautious.
“You can’t be cautious.”
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