Recently, Olympic figure skater Karen Courtland Kelly and Olympic speed skater Patrick Kelly hosted a World Figure Clinic in Poughkeepsie, NY, led by US Champion and Olympic medalist, Janet Lynn and her coach, Slavka Kohout Button.  My student from Hungary, Judit Somodi was happy to take part in the 3 hour on ice clinic and the Lunch with the Legends afterwards at the Grand Hotel.  The lunch included Janet, Slavka, Dick Button and ABC Wide World of Sports director Doug Wilson.  We had a great time discussing the past, present and future of figure skating!

Coming up December 19-23  will be the second annual World Figure Championship and Figure Festival in Toronto, Canada.  Canadian Olympian Gary Beacom will be competing! Gary had this to say about figures:

“Figures do not require extreme exertion or risk and are a valuable exercise, irrespective of age, competitive aspirations or experience.”

Couldn’t agree more!!

Janet Lynn and Dick Button

Doug Wilson, Dick Button and Judit Somodi