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By Elizabeth Faletti, BASOC Volunteer and Editor
Figure skating is the perfect blend of power, precision, artistry, and passion. No other American male figure skater exemplifies these qualities better than San Francisco's own Brian Boitano. He is unmatched as an U.S. amateur and professional skater. Winning a gold medal at the 1988 Games has allowed Brian to continue competing professionally at the age of 38. Born in Mt. View and raised in Sunnyvale, Brian's career has taken him around the world and back to the Bay Area where he currently teaches San Francisco school children to skate and to dream. Brian is a current BASOC spokesperson and board member and took time out of his hectic schedule to share his thoughts on the Olympics, Youth Skate, and the future of U.S. men's figure skating.
What is your most memorable Olympic moment?
The 1984 Games were pretty memorable because it was my first. I was only 20 years old. I remember standing in the opening ceremonies and thinking, "Holy Cow, this is the Olympics." That's pretty overwhelming. I think the other thing that really made my life and my professional career was winning the '88 Olympics. When I am older and playing those tapes back in my mind, that performance will be the moment I'll never forget.
What were you thinking when you finished your gold medal performance?
It wasn't necessarily that I thought that I'd won yet, because I knew that other people had to skate, but it was like, "There it is, they have to match that." I had skated my brains out! There's no better feeling than that after being under so much pressure, nailing it, and thinking, "Oh my God, I did it - I did it!" What made it so fulfilling is that I knew I couldn't make a mistake and win and that's what happened - I skated the performance of my life perfectly.
I heard you suffered an appendicitis attack a few days before you were scheduled to leave for the Salt Lake Games. Is this true?
Yes! I was hired by some companies to go to the men's events, sign autographs, and do other public relations things. It was really difficult because I didn't feel like being around a lot of people after surgery. The hard thing is that your energy is really low and people expect your energy to be high - it's hard to live up to that. The good thing is that everybody knew because it had been in the press so their first question was, "How are you feeling?" People were really incredible.
What types of projects are you involved in on a professional level?
What I am working on mostly is my own stuff. The reason I left Champions on Ice is because I wanted to do more creative stuff, go out on my own, and do more things. I made it a rule in my professional career that instead of doing the usual thing that professional skaters do, I'd go out in a different direction. I'm working on a bunch of TV shows, different tours, and working on my own stuff. I still get to work with friends and other skaters who are really great.
How exciting was it to see Timothy Gable, an American male, win the bronze medal at the Salt Lake Games?
That was exciting. We haven't had an American male get a medal since Paul Wylie in '92. We haven't won a gold medal since I won in 1988. It would be nice if we could get that in the next four years.
Looking at the skaters coming up, which male skaters do you think could bring the U.S. a gold medal in 2006?
I think Timothy Goebel certainly could if he grows and gets better. He could definitely be a contender for an Olympic gold medal in four years. We have other young guys, as well. I think it's going to be really hard to make it over the established guys the next four years because the Russians are so dominant and so good but you never know. Four years is a long time away!
One of the focuses of bringing the 2012 Olympic Games to San Francisco is leaving a legacy for the children of the Bay Area. Could you tell us a bit about Youth Skate, your youth program?
At Youth Skate, we work with the San Francisco School District. The ages range from 7 to 17. I have a staff of professionals who are there every time the kids visit. We separate them into groups and we introduce them to figure skating. I go and visit with the kids, take them one on one or in bunches. I've met so many nice kids and it's been such a pleasure. It is so important to show kids what else is out there. Figure skating is not on the forefront of their minds when they look at what they would like to do.
As an Olympian and professional athlete, why do you feel San Francisco is the best place for the Olympic Games in 2012?
I think the diversity of the City is one of the key elements because there's every walk of life here. It's the most beautiful city in the entire nation! It's important to have a host city where the people are friendly and helpful. The diversity issue really lends to that. We're so multi-cultural and I don't think you'll find a city that is better at that than San Francisco.
Thank you Brian for taking the time to speak with me. It was a real pleasure. Good luck in all your endeavors!
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