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LIVE CHAT With Elvis Stojko

Three-time World Champion Elvis Stojko joined us in the chatroom on Thursday, Nov. 7th.

The following is a transcript of the chat.

Stacey: Now that you are no longer competing in the world of figure skating, do you think that you will ever return as a coach?

Elvis Stojko: One day I think I would coach but as of now I would rather do more seminar work. I think when I settle down and have more time I consider coaching that's still some time away.

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Sharon Stevenson: I don't have a question Elvis but I wanted to tell you how absolutely honourable and classy your kung fu bow out was after your long program skate at Canadians. It just made my respect for you grow even more...if that is possible...LOL

Elvis Stojko: Thank you for the support over the years. I was thanking Canada in my own way, and that being my last Canadians.

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Matthew: Are you still landing quads? And are you planning to compete at the Sears Canadian Open? Thanks for your time, you'll always be the best, don't ever forget that.

Elvis Stojko: I'm still landing quads whenever I feel like trying them, unfortunately I will not be competing at the Sears open. I just need some time for some shows and for some shows. Thanks for the suppport.

Lisa P: From Barrie Ontario...Hi Elvis, just wondering what your greatest moment in skating was???....so glad I will see you in London! Thanks...

Elvis Stojko: I would have to say it's a toss-up between two moments: first 1990 Canadian Championships in Sudbury, Ontario, making the world team for the first time; then Hamilton 1997, Grand Prix finals, doing the quad triple for the very first time in Canada.

Holly Harlow: You've said recently that motivational speaking is somthing you might like to do and I know you've done a bit of writing in the past. Given the time and opportunity in the future do you think you might like to do more writing? You're eloquent and insightful and express yourself so well. Thanks

Elvis Stojko: I definitely would like to write a book, but when I have more time. I've already started to collect my quotes, and to write down ideas, instead of just motivational speaking, I'd rather do inspirational speaking.

Chelz: Hey Elvis! Been a fan for years, I was just wondering how your experience was in the movie "Death to Smoochie" and also, if you hope to do more movie/stunt appearances?

Elvis Stojko: The experience was awesome, working with Danny DeVito, Edward Norton and Robin Williams was an absolute dream, I really enjoy working on movie sets and hope to do some acting in the future. That's where I'd like my career to go next.

April: What is your middle name?

Elvis Stojko: My middle name is Steven, but it's not really used anywhere. I think it's only on one piece of identifcation.

Laura: Will you be coming back to NF next year? I have an extra dirtbike and I know some great trails...

Elvis Stojko: I believe if everything goes well on this tour, working with Clear Channel, we would definitely coming back to Newfoundland, but I'm not sure I'd be riding dirtbikes if we came in November, but thank you! I'm always looking for new trails.

Amanda,St.John's,NF: Hi Elvis! First of all thanks for the amazing show here in St.John's! My question is will the Sk8 tour be an annual event? thanks!

Elvis Stojko: We plan on making it an annual event, and continue working with Clear Channel, we've already talked about next year's possibilities.

Love Melissa From: Oakville, Ontario: Dear Elvis, I know you hear everyday people say there are a huge fan , but it is true I am. I cried when I watched your farewell performance at Copps Coliseum for Canadians it was very special. My question is: How has it changed you and your skating by going pro? and why? Also will or do u think u will ever miss skating Amateur? Thankyou and I will see you soon at your show.

Elvis Stojko: It has given me time to reflect (now that I've turned pro) as I'm not pushing day after day training for the next competition. I've done a lot of looking back in the last couple of months on my career, which is unusual, since I've stopped competing I have a feeling of wanting to look back. I'll miss (ameteur) a little bit, but I feel it's run it's course it feels good not to be in that competitive pressure cooker.

Jaime: What do you think of the current judging system? What do you think is contributing to all the injuries lately? What was is it like to compete at the Olympics? Jaime New Brunswick

Elvis Stojko: Honestly, I think the new judging system is a little confusing, I think that they're trying to make a step in the right direction, but it will take some time. I don't know what the perfect solution is. One of the things that is contributing to injuries to is the long tour (six months) in the States over the summer, which doesn't allow the body to recoup after a stressful Olympic season, and pushing more quad jumps is now taking a toll on a lot of the younger guys. It was extremely fulfilling to compete at the Olympics, knowing it is the pinacle of my sport. It's amazing to compete at an event that draws the whole world togehter. That feeling you cannot explain, you have to experience it.

Kris: Are there any plans for shows in Montreal during the next few years, maybe in a smaller venue (i.e. Maurice Richard Arena)? My friend and I were very disappointed when we heard "our" show was cancelled.

Elvis Stojko: I was disappointed they had to cancel the Montreal show. The ticket sales were soft, and the company would have lost money at that venue (the Bell Centre). There could be some talk of doing it at a smaller event in the future. But we'll have to see where Clear Channel would like to take the tour.

Chelsey: I've been a skater for many years and have seen a number of performances that have inspired me and my skating. Is there any particular performance by a skater or pair of skaters that stands out in your mind as being very inspiring for you? Chelsey Schaffel Calgary, AB.

Elvis Stojko: I would have to say Brian Orser's long program 1984 Sarajevo Olympics.

Kikuko: I live in Japnan. Do we ever have an oppurtunity to get to see your show here in Japan someday? We are looking forward to seeing it eagerly.

Elvis Stojko: There is some talk to go overseas in the future, as the tour gets bigger. I would love to go back and skate in Japan. The fans are great!

Beth: Will you ever do a triple axel or quad in public again? Beth Rowlands St. John's, Newfoundland

Elvis Stojko: If I was to compete in a pro-am, I would most definitely do the quad toe and triple axle, as for touring, because of the hectic schedules, it makes it difficult to perform at that high level, but there might be a few shows where I will throw in a few triple axels, depending on how my body feels.

Linda: Hi Elvis, We'd love to see you skate to "Anytime, Anywhere" on your tour. Is it possible, especially for the show that's being televised? Pleeeeeeeease !! Thanks, Linda

Elvis Stojko: Unfortunately, I will not be doing that number since I have new numbers put together for this tour. But I've had a few requests for that program, and I will most likely do it in the future.

Lynne: Hey I'm 10! When did you start skating? bye

Elvis Stojko: Hey I'm 30, and I started when I was 4 1/2.

Jackie McIsaac: Elvis, Any plans after your tour ends?

Elvis Stojko: The 15th of Dec. , I will be going on Champions on Ice in the United States.

Misa Tanaka : Hi, Elvis! I'm from Japan and has been your fan for 6 years. Can I ask you a question about your costume at Olympic SP? The Japanese letters on your costume really surprized many Japanese. Who came up with an idea and why did you decide to use Japanese letters? A devoted fan in Japan,

Elvis Stojko: I definitely wanted to use something Japanese characters since the Kodo drum program is Japanese. Hopefully it looked okay!

Brigitte Laskowski: What punk rock groups do you like?

Elvis Stojko: The one I am in to right now is Jimmy Eat World. I'm not really into punk rock that much. There's a few other bands but I can't think of them at the moment!

LAL: Please tell us more about the TV series that you will be doing. What is it about? When will it be on?

Elvis Stojko: Unfortunately, I can't talk too much about the details of the Tv series, since it is still in the works. The shooting date will be next summer, and they will be putting it on air, hopefully if every goes well, next fall.

Joan: Congratulations on your new tour! Is there any possibility you'll bring your tour to U.S. cities?

Elvis Stojko: There is some talk of coming to the U.S. in the future, but it all depends on Clear Channel.

Tara: hi, I think you are great. I was just wondering what do you think is going to happen with mens skating in canada?

Elvis Stojko: It's hard to say because it's tough to know what the goals are for the guys in Canada. If they want to push technical, or presentation and artistry, or if they have that deep desire to make a real big change in the sport. It's hard to predict the human mind will choose!

Laurie: Has there ever been a question you wish reporters would ask you but no one ever has? If so what is it?

Elvis Stojko: What do I think judges should look for in the presentation marks in mens' skating? By asking that question they would get an even better idea of what I see in mens' skating and why I've taken a different approach and not considered stereotypical.

Holly: You once did a MasterCard commercial with Bobby Orr. Was it as fun as it looked? You were pretty young when he was playing but I think you both are similar in the way you took your respective sports to greater places--and in awesome fashion at that. Thanks

Elvis Stojko: It was an absolute blast working with Bobby Orr. We had a lot of fun, tons of joking around, and I'd love to do another one with him again. Thanks!

April: I was so happy to see that Jeffrey Buttle is in your tour! He is a great young talent! What advice would you give to a young skater like him?

Elvis Stojko: Develop the skills in order to compete and not get distracted from what is happening around you which might affect your control of your nerves.

Elizabeth: Elvis, What is your favourite program you've ever skated to? One exhibition and one short and long :)

Elvis Stojko: Favourite short program would be 1994 Techno short program. Favourite long program would have to be a toss up between 1994 Dragon: The Bruce Lee story and the 1997 Dragon Heart long program. The show program would have to be Girl, You Really Got Me by Van Halen.

Laurie: I read somewhere that you obtained your black belt in karate. Now I know you study kung-fu which is Chinese and not a form of karate, which is Japanese. Was the article wrong or do you have training in both styles?

Elvis Stojko: I trained kempo karate from the ages of 10 to 18, received my black belt when I was 16, started Chinese kung-fu when I was 17 1/2, and am continuing on with Chinese Kung-Fu.

Mouse: You're known for your determination and strength. Do you ever wish you could just go home and be Elvis the normal guy?

Elvis Stojko: It took a while for people to see that I was human, but I do get a chance to be Elvis when I'm around my friends and family, and don't always have to be strong.

Marilee: Hi Elvis, I can't wait for Calgary! I am so glad that you are doing your tour again. My question is how do you feel skating has changed you as a person? Thanks and all the best

Elvis Stojko: It has taught me that your limits are a lot higher than you think they are. They are really as high as you want them to be. That the perception of yourself is the only thing that counts, and learned to be real to yourself and everyone around you.

Elizabeth: Elvis, where was your favourite place to travel to when doing a competition?

Elvis Stojko: My favourite place to travel to compete was Japan. I love the culture, and love the food, and the fans as well.

Lisa, London, Ont.: Do you ever read the 'net, like your fan sites or discussion boards?

Elvis Stojko: Sometimes, just to get an idea of what's happening out there.

April: I think that it is wonderful to see the great relationship that you have with your parents, especially your Mother. As a Mother of three sons it warms my heart to see such love. What has it meant to you to have such a devoted and supportive family?

Elvis Stojko: The most important was if that if I did not achieve what I set out to do, that it really didn't matter, and that my parents would be there for me anyways. They've always supported me, but also knew when to take a step back. Learning to take a step back is probably the most important lesson.

Laura Nickelo fr. N.S: Elvis,Before a competition or a show if you get nervous what do you do to kinda get rid of them?I know I get really nervous at a big competition and sometimes I can't get rid of them untill i'm on the ice.

Elvis Stojko: First of all, control your breathing. Then, concentrate on being fully aware of the muscles that you use for skating eg. ankles, your knees, and your thighs. Focus on these muscles and be aware of them, even as you're walking and warming up. This should help you zone in and distract you from the nervousness. And eventually, the nerves will subside.

Lisa: Hi Elvis, Do you plan to compete in any pro ams this year? Thanks,

Elvis Stojko: No, I'm not planning to compete in any pro-ams during this season.

Dave, St. John's, NF: Many people feel that not winning the 'big one' (Olympic gold) taints your career. What do you think?

Elvis Stojko: I wouldn't use the word 'taint', I think winning the silver in both competitions have turned platinum for myself, and it's not always about winning gold.

Colleen Wiendels: what is your typical day like i.e. what time do you get out of bed and how much time do you spend on training on and off the ice?

Elvis Stojko: I'm usually on the ice about 10:30-11:00 and I'll skate on and off til about 2:00, anywhere from 1-3 hours five days a week, maybe 2-3 times a week off-ice, and if I want to take the day off, I can.

Moderator: This concludes our chat will Elvis Stojko. Thanks to Elvis for taking time to chat with your fans today! And now, here's Elvis with the last word:

Elvis Stojko: I'd like to thank everybody for all the years of support, and hopefully you will come out to see the show in a city close to you. We've had great response already, and we want to take the show to another level. Thanks again!