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Pros must wait to see Stojko skate
The three-time world figure-skating champion is training at the Mariposa club in Barrie -- a few weeks ahead of schedule -- and has begun practising the double Axel and some triple jumps. He's also working on a new long program with choreographer Uschi Keszler, having decided to keep his popular Lion short program in place for the coming season.
"I feel really refreshed," said Stojko, who attended the NHL awards banquet last week at the Metro Convention Centre. "I'm definitely moving ahead."
The Richmond Hill skater has yet to announce his plans, but indications are he'll remain in the eligible (amateur) ranks and forsake the professional game for a while. Stojko's coach, Doug Leigh, suggested as much yesterday.
"The guy's always pushing the envelope, always challenging, and the place to do that is still basically at the world championships and Olympics," Leigh said after putting Stojko through his paces. "And if he can get himself in (top) shape, he can wear that hat."
Leigh said the bottom line is Stojko's health. If the skater can regain his strength in time for the fall season, he likely will take part in the Skate America competition, Oct. 27-Nov.1 in Detroit, and at Skate Canada, Nov.5-8 in Kamloops, B.C.
If all goes well, Stojko would then go for his fourth world crown in Helsinki, March 21-28.
Stojko, who suffered a serious groin/abdomen injury prior to his gutsy silver-medal performance at the Nagano Olympics, said the time off this spring has restoked his competitive fire.
The International Skating Union implemented rule changes that would be beneficial to Stojko, if he remains eligible. Beginning next season, competitors in the men's singles event may include a quadruple jump in the short program. That would play into Stojko's hands. In some past competitions, particularly at the 1997 worlds in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Canadian skated a flawless short but was scored surprisingly low. Having the option of doing a quad in the short would separate the men from the boys, so to speak.
Stojko, 26, also admitted that the prospect of competing at the 2001 worlds in Vancouver is tempting. The ISU granted Vancouver the event last weekend.
Stojko's heir apparent, Richmond Hill teenager Emanuel Sandhu, will compete for the Nebelhorn Trophy, Aug.26-30, in Oberstdorf, Germany.
Stojko will be co-host of Canada Day festivities on Parliament Hill tomorrow.