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Brian Boitano 1988 Olympic Figure Skating Champion, Brian Boitano, gained his greatest fame with his jumping ability. Blessed with athletic talent, he is known for wonderful timing and reflexes in the air. An innovator, he created his own variation of the Lutz jump, called the �Tano, in which the left arm is held over the head during rotation. Setting a standard in men�s figure skating, he led the fight for reinstatement of Olympic eligibility for professional skaters to participate in the 1994 Olympics.Boitano began skating at the age of eight, first on roller skates then on the ice. Unlike many high profile skaters, he began and stayed with coach Linda Leaver in his native Sunnyvale, California. His skating skill developed quickly and he advanced to the senior level winning the Silver medal at the U.S. National Championships in 1983 and 1984. By the 1988 Olympics, his main challenger was Canada�s Brian Orser and the stage was set for the �Battle of the Brians�. Despite the building popularity of adding quadruple jumps to skating routines, Boitano stuck with his strong triple jumps, including the �Tano. His solid performance won the Olympic Gold medal. Carmen On Ice with Katarina Witt. Boitano tried to petition for reinstatement of Olympic eligibility for the 1992 Olympic games, but was unsuccessful. Still, her persevered and won reinstatement for the 1994 Olympic games with many other professionals. After that triumph, he finished a respectable sixth in the mens� competition. Returning to professional status after the Olympics, he became a television sports commentator and tours in exhibitions and shows. In 1995, Boitano co-founded White Canvas Productions, creating projects like Skate Against Hate and A Skating Romance. He toured with Champions On Ice through the 1999 season. Quick Facts...Date of Birth: 10/22/1963 Place of Birth: Sunnyvale, California Parents: Donna & Lew Boitano Siblings: Mark, Lynne, & Jill Photo � Leah Adams |
Champion Profiles
Jamie Sale & David Pelletier  THE SKATE STOCKINGClick on the image for more information or go to www.skatestocking.com *The information in my Champion Profiles is compiled through a number of reference sources including: news articles, biographies, and Olympic statistics. |
