Jan. 10
Senior Ladies Free Program Practice
One hour before the Men Free Program began, the arena staff opened the gates and I saw the proverbial cream of the crop of U.S. ladies skating in the final group practice. I think I came in on it more toward the middle of the session. Again the skater program music was not played and popular music filled the airwaves.
The ladies also seemed to be practicing their strength areas. Angela Nikodinov was doing spins, particularly I saw the layback spin. Jenny Kirk was also doing spins and had the same energy she has in competition. Amber Corwin was practicing from the opening moves to the in between choreography in her program. Michelle Kwan did some spins and jumps.
For a great deal of the time, the ladies skated laps around the rink and seemed to be getting the feel of their feet underneath them. At this point it seemed to become more mind over matter. The ladies all bowed at the end of the practice session, and the audience clapped. Already it could be felt the mounting tension in the building from the audience for the so called 'main event' of U.S. skating.
Sasha Cohen wound up being last to leave the ice. In fact, the announcer had declared the end of the practice session. And, a few moves and a bow later, she was by the boards consulting with her coach, who was in a front row seat on the other side of the boards opposite the judges' seating area. During their conversation, girls were lining up behind them with autograph books, wanting to get at Sasha. And, I guess Robin and Sasha were taking a long time to them. So, the girls inched forward more and more, and Sasha later finished and went over to the fans. Robin Wagner is a very supportive and attentive coach and observed each Sasha move and her manner on the ice during the practice sessions and warm up groups.
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