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Athlete Spotlight: Toller Cranston

1/26/2015

 
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Thinking about Toller Cranston after the news of his death came over this past weekend. Cranston was a landmark figure skater, helping to drive the sport toward greater respect for artistry and creativity.

He won the Canadian national championship six straight years, and was a regular fixture at the top of international competition during his career. With his strength of artistry yet a weakness for technicality, he struggled to capture international titles in an era when compulsory figures maintained an integral part of scoring. But his creativity allowed him to be a crowd favorite, earning a standing ovation at the 1972 and 1974 Worlds despite third-place finishes.

I never saw him in competition, but I certainly know the name from watching skating specials from the 80's, long after his retirement. Apparently, he was also an accomplished artist off the ice as well - as in painting, creating over 70,000 pieces and even selling at least one for $40,000. A little fitting that he last resided in San Miguel de Allende, a destination known for artists and retirees with a bit of flamboyance. Toller Cranston - a legend of the sport. RIP

Athlete Spotlight: Sven Kramer

1/11/2015

 
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Congrats to Sven Kramer! With today's win at the European All-Around Speed Skating Championships, he became the all-time winningest male title-holder of the event, with his seventh title as the best all-arounder in Europe.
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His win was tough, though - yet cemented (again) the overall dominance of the Dutch team, as he came from behind in points into the last race of 10,000 meters to beat compatriot Koen Verweij. We'll see what happens later in the season, as Kramer will have six World All-Around championships going into that competition in March this year, in Calgary. To underscore the Dutch depth, Ireen Wust won the women's title, with Linda de Vries in third. Gefeliciteerd!

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