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Russians, French figure skaters using practice rinks in N. Logan
By Jenifer K. Nii
Deseret News staff writer
LOGAN — Neither frigid temperatures nor remote locales could dampen the spirits of the Russian figure skating team, most of whom are training in North Logan until mid-February.
"It's great," said Elena Berezhnaya, one-half of Russia's top-ranked pairs team. Berezhnaya glowed similarly about their training site, the newly-completed George S. Eccles Ice Center in North Logan. Nearby, her teammates, including reigning world champion Evgeny Plushenko and 2000 world pairs champions Maria Petrova and Alexei Tikhonov signed autographs for fans and posed for pictures.
Though Olympic practices did not "officially" begin until Wednesday, Russia and several other countries brought their skaters to Utah early, buying ice time at private rinks. Official practices are scheduled at the Steiner rink near the University of Utah, and the Salt Lake Ice Center.
The French team, including ice dance medal contenders Marina Anissina and Gwendal Peizerat, joined the Russians in Logan about a week ago. The Japanese team is reportedly at the Cottonwood Rink, while the Americans and Canadians have been spotted at the Bountiful Recreation Center.
"They've said they liked the remoteness," Eccles public information officer Nancy Davis said of the Russians and French. "They can come and go as they please. I've seen Gwendal Peizerat at Wal-Mart three times."
Privacy issues aside, altitude certainly played a primary role in the skaters' early appearance in Utah. Many have never competed at such heights, and have used the time to acclimate themselves to the thinner air. Coming early also reduced the chances that jet lag would hamper the skaters' performances.
The rink confirmed the Russians have booked time at the Eccles facility until Feb. 16, though individual skaters may make their way to Salt Lake City before that.
Still, having Olympic-caliber skaters in Logan is not an everyday occurrence, and locals said they were loving every minute of it.
Davis estimated as many as 500 spectators attend each practice session.
Amy Johnson, of Providence, brought her whole family to see the Russians practice on Wednesday. She and her husband, Spence Johnson, homeschool their four children, and thought a trip to the Eccles rink would help them feel a part of the Olympic experience.
E-mail: jnii@desnews.com
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February 9, 2002
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