Fan Comments and Pictures
Mariposa Gala 2000
Review: (for the purposes of this page I will only comment on Markus's performance)
I was able to attend the practice session at Mariposa in the morning and although Markus didn't give any hint as to the routine he would perform that night I noticed that his triple jumps were solid, and the speed he has going around the ice surface has always been something that caught my attention, as it did that morning. I was also able to attend the dress rehearsal later on at the Molson's center. And again, there was no hint to the program to come. I instead concentrated on the group opening number and introduction's of skaters. I took note of the time and placement of Markus on ice for reference later that night so I would know where to point my camera. When the time came however, (much to my surprise), the guy with the big black afro wig and atrocious outfit was in fact Markus, right where I remembered he would be. I had to convince those around me that it was him because they couldn't believe it either. I didn't even get the chance to take a picture in between shock and laughter!
He did his routine to the music of Boogie Man and the Original soundtrack of Shaft. It took a little while to get over the shock of the GET UP, but not long to get into the music. At one point he took the hand of a girl at one ice level table and danced with her. Sometime into the program Markus pulled off the wig to reveal a very bald head....the effect was shocking! It was a few seconds before I realized it was only bald skull cap. He had the whole place roaring! It was a flawless performance with great crowd appeal. It was absolutely hilarious and really well done.
We have been witness to a variety of program styles from Markus : from Rock N Roll to very formal but nothing prepared us for this! For one split second it was almost as if Kurt Browning or Scottie Hamilton had appeared on Ice. It had that caliber and crowd appeal...too bad it had to end.
My friend Lynn summed it up : Markus Leminen was hysterical, skating to a 70's medley with a HUGE wig on his head, then pulling it off to be wearing only a skincap, skating to Kojak...if you were far away, he did look bald!
� Photo Ali Gaeeni
http://www.iskater.com
"My first trip to Mariposa could have been disappointing, but it turned out to be an unexpected treat. You see, I'm an Elvis Stojko fan, and I made the pilgrimage one day to see Elvis practice at Mariposa, and to my chagrin, he wasn't there. I was depressed, but decided to watch some of the other skaters I was familiar with. Well, I immediately took notice of this blonde male skater that I had never seen before. He had a presence on the ice that really made me take note and I watched him throughout both the skating sessions that day. Lisa made sure I knew exactly who he was and where he was from and also gave me a little history about Markus. It ended off being a wonderful day, I had a great time and was really impressed with the Finish skater." ~Judith~
"Seeing Markus in his practice sessions, I have noticed quite a presence on the ice. The women seem drawn to him because of his good looks, but I even find myself wanting to watch Markus skate, because of his confidence and ability on the ice. Thank you Markus for being a skater that can entertain as well as compete." Ian, Ottawa
Picture C/O Barry Mitten
Carl, Gules, Lisa ,Takeshi and Markus
Gala Night 1999 Pict by Ice_Nana
Fan's Comments about Markus
"We have watched Markus in practice sessions for a couple of years now and find him a hard worker and very talented. He is still young and if he keeps on with his work ethics, will surely climb the ladder. Markus is a good looking lad and will do great in shows. We really enjoy watching his progress and wish him good luck in his National Championships as well as the Worlds." Eileen & Jack Madden
"I have been watching Markus skate for a few years now, in practice as well as competition. He has so much unrealized talent - all he needs is that one lucky break! He ended last season on quite a high note, so I hope he can continue on this year and have the confidence in his abilities to do even better! Good luck Markus!" Lisa Dick, Barrie
If you would like to add to my fan comments please just write me an email and I will add what you think of Markus to my page. Thank you to all who participated, your comments have added greatly to the creation of these pages. Lisa
December Interview 2001
Competitions from last year: Golden Spin : 3rd, Europeans : 12th, Nationals : 1st, Worlds: 24th
Biggest disappointment of last season was Finlandia Trophy, Markus didn't feel he was quite ready that early in the season. He was satisfied with last season although tired due to a busy coaching schedule.
During the off season: Basically the off season was very slow, but its slowly coming together and at the end it will be my best season yet. I worked on some projects, some regarding skating, some not during the summer. I also participated in some shows (Mariposa Gala).
Competitions this season: Cup of Russia, Nationals, Europeans and Olympics
Goals for this season: Make it my personal best at everything and make it one I'll remember and my fans will too.
Happy Thanksgiving to the Canadians! Markus pulled out of Finlandia due to an illness....hope you are feeling better!
October 4th 2001
Markus is waiting to compete in Finlandia trophy this weekend. As always we wish you the best of luck. For his fans I hope to have a new interview about this competition when he returns.
September 17 2001
Markus's assignments for this season are Finlandia trophy, Russia Cup, European's and his nationals. Good Luck on this upcoming and important Olympic year. As always we are rooting for you.
March 2001
This site has a new URL and a newer look. Markus will be leaving for Worlds this Friday...as always good luck and have lots of fun.
Jan - Feb 2001
Markus placed 12th at European's - Very big congratulations!
Markus won his nationals again a couple of weeks ago, if anyone has a report on the competition I would love to post it here. He looked good in practice landing triple triples solidly before he left for Finnish nationals.
He is currently tied for 13th in his qualifying round at Europeans. - January 22/01 (Markus was 10th after the short program.)
Interview Fall 1999
Competition past season? I was happy with my skating at nationals, Finlandia Trophy, Cup of Russia and my long program at Worlds. I was hoping for a better short and a good long at the same competition.
Do you still have the same Choreographer as last year? For the long, yeah, but the short is done by Marina Zuoeva.
Skating has become so technical; how do you feel about; 1. Changes (ISU Rules) 2. Are jumps becoming too dangerous? It’s good for the sport because we are pushing it, but we have to remember the rest too. That’s why there’s two marks. We should never forget the spectators and just turn into technical stuff. I want to do the best I can and improve my self-skating wise and of course in the result list.
What was you biggest disappointment of this past season? The short at World’s, because I was so ready for this competition.
Did you get any personal responses from the magazine "Me Naiset" that you were featured in from Finland? Yeah I got a good response and I think a lot of people really now understand what it takes and what skating is all about.
What performance from last season was the biggest thrill, or most meaningful to you personally and why? (Markus was the Helsinki World's 1999 Ambassador and did a performance in a doctor's coat and stethoscope. It was very well received by the crowd. "It was a lot of fun and a great experience." ) The world’s. All the events were a great hype and even if I wasn’t totally pleased with my results. Its ever athlete's dream to perform at the home stage.
What have you been doing on your off ice time this summer? I did a trip to Florida for a week with a couple of friends. I’ve done some golfing and just relaxing I also went to see my family and friends at the end of May.
Have any of your goals changed (concerning your skating?) I still have goals with results on the European and World ranking, but I’ve realized lately that I have to enjoy what I’m doing. I want to please my fans and the crowds and give ‘em a laugh.
Interview Series Dec 2nd, 1998How was it to skate on home ice? It is an advantage, but if you let all the pressure get you, it will work the opposite way.
How did you feel at Skate Canada? (Were you prepared? Nervous? Excited?) I wasn't quite ready, but I was excited about it. I always enjoy a good Canadian crowd.
If you have something you would like to ask Markus, please email me and I will include the question's) into my next interview.
