I might be a professional graphic designer, but I have a confession…I am a figure skating addict. I admit, I have the most amazing job with a talented Team of Designers, but I really can’t wait to get on the ice every Saturday morning. This icy addiction can really be traced back to two remarkable women—my Mom and Katarina Witt (let me explain). As far back as I can remember, Mom has always watched figure skating. She and my Dad would surprise me with road trips from West Texas to exotic Texas cities like Dallas so I’d have the chance to see my favorite skaters perform on tour. Mom was the fuel for my figure skating flame.
But in 1988, another dynamic woman made me a fan for life. Much like the rest of the world, I was mesmerized by the Battle of the Carmens and the Battle of the Brians. Katarina Witt’s rendition of Bizet’s Carmen was so captivating I tried to mimic her chorography as I hurled myself on to our green shag carpet (much like her final pose). It was in the haze of this Olympic magic that I became a fan for life.
In the years since 1988, I have come along way. In 2004 I relocated to Dallas for my before mentioned—awesome design job. When I landed in Dallas (no pun intended), I knew I had to give skating a try. Having grown up in West Texas, this would be my chance. I could finally let my inner-Canadian out! So at the age of 27, I took to the ice. I was horrible. It was a disastrous first attempt, and I nearly gave up instantly.
But here I am four years later…still on the ice. I will never compete on the Olympic level but I certainly have an even deeper appreciation for those who will amaze us in Vancouver. In a really unique twist, I too have a couple of Olympic connections. My coach from day one has been the super, spunky Lisa Cushley. Lisa and her brother Neil represented Great Britain in the Pairs Figure Skating event at the 1988 Calgary Olympics. Nothing beats her stories.
My second Olympic connection came about through volunteerism. Southwest Airlines hires good people and those good people love to help. I knew that I wanted to find a way to volunteer within figure skating. I searched and found a really special and amazing non-profit organization—The Michael Weiss Foundation. Three years ago, I linked up with Michael and his wife Lisa to help. For those sports fans out there, Michael was a member of the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympic Teams. He is a three-time United States National Champion and a two-time World Bronze Medalist. They created the Michael Weiss Foundation to provide scholarship for aspiring United States Olympic hopefuls. Armed with my design skills, I have helped them by creating the branding and advertising materials for their annual benefit show. It’s a great partnership and even greater cause. I am fortunate to help.
As we slide into the final countdown for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, let’s remember what it’s all about—the sequins!
