Description:This is a layout I did for Suzanne, aka newlaxfan2. TFL.
Ever since I saw Kurt Browning skate to Tequila in the 1988 Olympics in Calgary, I’ve been a huge fan of his. He wowed the crowds then, and he’s been wowing them ever since. His quadruple toe-loop at the 1988 World Championships in Budapest was the first quad completed in competition, and that achievement vaulted him into the spotlight.
It didn’t take long for him to win the World Championship – that happened the following year! He was the world champion three more times after that, in 1990, 1991, and 1993.
He quickly became known for his flair on the ice. He wasn’t just a skater; he was a performer and an entertainer. He won the hearts of the audience with programs such as Casablanca, and Bring Him Home. He retired from the amateur ranks after the 1994 Olympics, and easily made the transition to a pro skater.
After following his career for almost two decades, I finally got to meet him. He was touring with Celebration On Ice, a show that had a short schedule but a cast of big names.
I happened to stumble onto the ticket information the day before the tickets went on sale for Oshawa’s new General Motors Centre, and ordered a VIP ticket for myself which got me an on-ice seat, a program, and the opportunity to meet the skaters for autographs after the show.
Yes, FINALLY, I got to meet Kurt. It wasn’t quite as exciting as meeting Karen Magnussen, but it was close! It was weird when I met him too – it felt as if I had known him for years. Small wonder, since I watched him on TV every chance I could and taped his performances too!
Rumor has it that this is his final year on tour. Younger skaters, such as Shawn Sawyer and Jeff Buttle have come through the ranks, and no doubt benefit immensely from touring with Kurt. He’s 40 years old now, and it saddens me that his days of performing are almost over. Thank heavens for all those videotapes I have of him!
Products Used:Patterned paper - Sweetwater
Cardstock - Bazzill; Ghost letters - Heidi Swapp
Acrylic paint - Making Memories
Brad, ribbon - American Crafts
Flowers - Bazzill, Heidi Swapp
Ink - StazOn
Library pocket - Bazzill
Clip - Paper Studio
Photo anchor - 7
