Stéphane Lambiel has announced his official retirement. It's not unexpected, but I'm still sad, both that he is retiring, and that his brief comeback couldn't be all that he had hoped it to be. It looks like he is loaded up with shows, but they very rarely come to the UK so it doesn't look like I'll be seeing him skate for a while.
I saw his 'Gimme More' program live when Stars on Ice did come to the UK in 2008, and that was what really cemented my love for him, I think. This video never fails to make me smile.
I also think that this year's William Tell SP has one of my favourite footwork sequences, and costumes, ever. I'm really glad he came back, because he was really the only reason I travelled to Oberstdorf for the Nebelhorn Trophy, which also led to my trips to Paris and Tallinn for TEB and Euros. The Nebelhorn was an absolutely amazing weekend, as the first time I'd seen a FS competition live as a real fan, and getting to see Stéphane and so many other skaters so close, in and around the rink, was an experience I'll never forget.
As one of the most artistic, loved and, let's face it, best looking skaters around, Stephane is basically the guy that initially transformed me from a casual fan/daughter of a diehard to a 'real' fan, and has remained at the very top of my 'favourite skaters' list ever since. I wish him all the best for his future and I hope I can see him skate again some time in the not-too-distant future!
xxx
You were at Art On Ice 2008 too? That's so cool...his Gimme Sexy Back was wicked, despite the fall. It was a great show, didn't you think? I'm going to miss him too.
ReplyDeleteHaha yep, I was, and the year before too...2008 was the one with Ronan Keating, right? I was surrounded by people who were only there for him and knew nothing about the skating, haha. But yes, great show. I wish this year's had come to the UK too. Stephane will definitely be missed in competition!
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