With the heat wave we’ve been struggling this summer, it might be a good idea to travel – even if only in our minds – into a cooler, chillier space; let’s say an ice rink, shall we? We’re all in Shanghai Oriental Sports Center, it’s the end of March, and the skaters are ready to take the ice in order to practice their routines. It’s only the beginning of the event in China, but the men are fully focused – and eager to show they’re ready for the biggest competition of the season. Let’s pull the curtains and watch them practice – this is the time, the place where all the magic is carefully built. In a couple of days you’ll see them compete – so don’t forget to pay us a visit every now and then.
by Florentina Tone
Wonderful programs did Joshua Farris have during 2014-2015 season: the 20-year-old skated to “Give Me Love” by Ed Sheeran (SP) and to music from “Schindler’s List” soundtrack (FS)
Michal Brezina in Shanghai, practicing his programs; both of them suited him like a glove: the short one was skated to music from “Game of Thrones” soundtrack, while the free was a classical one, with Michal playing the part of Figaro (“The Marriage of Figaro” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)
This particular skater, Italy’s Ivan Righini, sure knows how to entertain a crowd; he’s all quiet here, during the practice session, but he’s definitely on fire during competition. Have you seen his Michael Jackson routine?
Now that’s a promising young skater: Michael Christian Martinez from the Philippines; his Rachmaninov routine (SP) was a joy to the eyes
At 16, his age in Shanghai, Nam Nguyen was already at the second edition of the (senior) Worlds of his career; he debuted at the Worlds last year, in Saitama, after being crowned the 2014 World Junior champion
Adam Rippon is a talent, that’s for sure; and his numerous fans were clearly happy to see him coming back to the Worlds after a two-year break. In Shanghai, Adam skated to “Nyah” by Hans Zimmer in his SP and to the amazing “Piano Concerto No. 1” by Franz Liszt (free skating). A treat for the eyes and ears altogether.
Denis Ten came to Shanghai fully prepared to take the world (and the Worlds) by storm – and he did just that, winning the bronze medal
After some promising results in the previous seasons, the Chinese Nan Song missed the entire GP series in 2014 due to injury and only managed a 26th place at the Worlds in his home country. One thing is sure though: he’s definitely a gifted skater and the figure skating fans are surely waiting for a successful comeback
This might very well be the golden era of Sergei Voronov – the best season of his career: during 2014-2015 season, he won silver at Rostelecom Cup, silver at NHK Trophy, bronze at the Grand Prix Final and bronze again at the Europeans. He only managed a 13th place in Shanghai – but the fatigue might have taken its toll.
Joshua Farris – and the ending pose of his free program
Here he is, during a practice session: the man who’d just made history for Spain, winning three consecutive gold medals at the Europeans; of course, a couple of days later, in Shanghai, Javier Fernandez will give Spain (and Europe) more reasons to celebrate, winning the gold at 2015 Worlds; by being awarded the World title, Javier Fernandez became the first skater from Spain to win a World Championship.
A very-focused Yuzuru Hanyu during practice – of course, he had come to Shanghai to defend his World title; in the end, as we all know, it was his team mate who won the gold. Still, the 20-year-old Japanese had a magnificent set of programs during 2014-2015 season – and I’ll mostly emphasize the short one: skating to Chopin’s Ballade no. 1, Yuzuru was one with the music.
Team mates practicing the same element – see the photos above
Flying to the gold – Javier Fernandez was a very convincing Barber of Seville at this year’s edition of the Worlds
The American Jason Brown practicing his free program in Shanghai, to „Tristan & Iseult” by Maxime Rodriguez
Is this split jump perfect or what? We think it is – and we also think Jason is a talent.