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
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
RSS Feed