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Elvis wows Lethbridge Skating Club

Jan 22, 2018 | 8:05 AM

LETHBRIDGE – The lines for selfies and pictures with Elvis Stojko were long, at Nicholas Sheran Arena Sunday afternoon (Jan. 21). The three – time World Champion and two – time Canadian Olympic Silver medalist was in Lethbridge for an afternoon Q & A and skating clinic with members of the Lethbridge Skating Club.

Board of Directors Member Tanya Whipple says Stojko was actually in Calgary this weekend for an adult seminar, but they were able to get him to come two hours south.

“One of our coach’s had the idea ‘hey, he’s you know, in the area, maybe we could borrow him?’  So that’s exactly what we did. We picked him up this [Sun.] morning.”

 

 

 

The kids taking part in the seminar were divided into three groups, from new figure skaters to more advanced students that can land axles and doubles.

Before the students went on the ice, Whipple say there was a question and answer period with the Olympian. She says at first most were quite shy, but soon they opened up.

“Once it got started they started coming up with some really great questions about his training, and how he prepared mentally and questions about his favourite jump and what the hardest thing he’s ever done.”

Stojko, for his part says he enjoyed having the time with the kids, and gave them some good advice about going after goals, persistence and discipline.

“It’s a matter of how bad you want it. Cause you’re going to run into pitfalls along the way. You gotta really love what you’re doing, you have to love it in order to get through all of that… it’s not about failing, it’s about learning. The strength is standing up after you’ve made the mistake, and then figure out WHY you made the mistake, then make the corrections and move forward.

“It’s problem solving. Figuring things out about your body, your mind, your spirituality. And relationships are all intertwined in what you do. They can affect you physically. It’s being able to have the strength to get up after you’ve fallen.”

Stojko says these days, along with taking part in skating seminars across the country, he’s also in acting school, part of ‘Stars on Ice,’ and in June, he’ll be going to Japan for the 20th anniversary of the Nagano Olympics.

Whipple says bringing in big names like Stojko doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s great motivation for the skaters.

“We were fortunate to have this opportunity. It’s amazing for the kids, and probably even more amazing for the coaches.”