About Us

KIDS' QUESTIONS

January 2004

Three-time U.S. ladies champion Rosalynn Sumners took time to answer questions from many kids, and here are her answers! It's been 20 years since she won the Olympic silver medal and her third U.S. ladies title in 1984.

Rosalynn Sumners

Q: What atmosphere did you like better in your skating career — competitions or shows? Why? Garrett, 13, Watertown, Minn.; Rebecca, 11, Houston, Texas; Georgina Oliveira, 11, Ludlow, Mass.

A: When I was growing up, I actually liked practice better than competition! And because I trained so hard and was as prepared as I could be for competition, I was able to enjoy myself even when I was nervous.

The U.S. Championships was always my favorite! When I was young, I only got to perform in one ice show a year, which was our club show, and I loved it! I liked being different characters. I was a lamb, a seahorse, a lollipop and once even jumped out of a giant cotton candy. I always knew that someday I would love being a show skater, and of course now I like show skating much better than competing!

Q: How old were you when you started skating? Megan, 14, Durham

A: I started skating when I was 7 years old. My mom clipped a free skating coupon out of the paper, and I was instantly hooked!

Q: During your Olympic-eligible career, who had the greatest impact on your skating? Timothy, 16, Norwalk, Conn.

A: When I was eligible and training for the Olympics, my idol was Linda Fratianne, who won the silver medal at the 1980 Olympics just four years before I won the silver. She was from California, and I would see her at competitions in her U.S. Team outfit. I wanted to be like her. I also looked up to Peggy Fleming; she was so glamorous! I never tried to copy anyone's skating, but I wanted to be a champion just like they were. I knew how hard I would have to work, and I made that commitment!

Q: What kept you motivated throughout your skating career? Were there times when you wondered why you were still skating? Katheryn James, 16, Danville, Calif.

A: I think the vision of myself standing on the top podium of any competition and being able to say that I was the best was what kept me motivated to keep skating. I loved it so much that I never thought of quitting skating. There's really never been anything else that I have ever wanted to do with my life!

Rosalynn Sumners

Q: What is your most memorable skating moment? Also, what is your most embarrassing moment? Cori Spencer, 16, Doylestown, Pa.; Grace 12, San Jose, Calif.; Liann W., 11, Issaquah, Wash.

A: I have many "most memorable" moments in my skating career, but my two favorite are winning my first U.S. senior title and my last performance with Stars on Ice. In both cases, the feeling was that after all the years of hard work, I was standing out in the middle of the ice accomplishing my dreams and loving every minute of it!

My most embarrassing moment was a long time ago when I was starring in Disney On Ice. In the middle of my routine, the snap on the strap at the back of my costume popped, and the whole top of my costume came down! I ran off the ice and they sewed me up so I could finish the number. I didn't even want to go back out on the ice!

Q: We have some things in common — the same birthday and the same coach! I just wonder how training has changed in the 20 years since you were on the ice with Lorraine Borman. Carolyn Kies, 10, Dallas, Texas

A: I'm so glad we have the same birthday! April is a fun month. I'm also excited you take from Lorraine! She was the only coach I ever took from.

I think one thing that has really changed in the training since I was with Lorraine 20 years ago is, of course, no more figures, so now the skaters have more time to concentrate on freestyle. I just think it's very important for the skaters to use that time to enhance their artistry and style, not just the jumps!

Also skaters are doing more triples than we did! Triples weren't that easy for me, so Lorraine might have had a tougher time with me on the jumps! But she was so good at making my programs balanced, and they were interesting, complicated and unique. I think that is just as important as the jumps, especially in ladies skating! Lorraine is still my best friend. Tell her I said hello!

Q: Who is your favorite all-time ladies skater? Who is your current favorite skater? Richard, San Antonio, Texas

A: My favorite all-time ladies skater is Yuka Sato. My favorite current ladies skaters are Sasha Cohen and Angela Nikodinov.

Q: Do you like being a commentator for skating events? Jami Graham, 4, Santa Maria, Calif.

A: I enjoy the commentating very much! It has made me look at skating from a different side. I try to be fair and honest without putting down a skater or pushing my opinion too much. I try to inform and educate the audience, as well as help draw them into a skater's performance.

It is a lot to do in a short amount of time, especially when you don't want to talk too much over the music! I'm so proud of all of the skaters because I know how hard they have worked and how much they love being on the ice. I hope they feel I do their performance justice!

Q: What are some of your favorite things to do while you are on tour? Do you have time for a boyfriend? Bethany D., 15, Wilkesboro, N.C.

A: When we are on tour, we don't have a lot of time in the cities we visit. We usually just see the hotels and arenas. But if we have a night off, it's fun to try the local restaurants. When you are traveling and touring like we do, you have very little time for a boyfriend, and if you do have one, he has to be patient! It's important to find a boyfriend who is supportive and proud. I did, and am very lucky!

Q: Do you miss competitive figure skating? Ashley Stipek, 12, Marlborough

A: I do NOT miss competitive skating! I did enough in my career to feel satisfied and proud. And to say that I was the best in the world is enough for me!