I just learned from cnn.com that Nicole Bobek has been charged in part of a sting. She was allegedly distributing narcotics, although the report wasn't specific. Nicole was the 1995 world champion figure skater. I love figure skating, so pardon me if I seem a little emotional over this. I feel for her and so many other young celebrities/athletics that often possess so much raw talent, but lack the money or family support to pursue it properly. After you've been the world figure skating champion, where else can your life go?
Nicole always was one of the skaters on the edge. I remember she was charged with shoplifting right before the 95 worlds and there was some question about whether the USFSA would allow her to skate. She did skate and the result was one of the most breathtaking performances in the history of figure skating. Unfortunately, it was hard for her to keep her focus. While she skated competitively for a decade (she was an alternate for the 1994 Olympics, the one made famous by Tonya Harding), her critics said she lacked the discipline. I think she probably had a lot of other things to worry about in addition to the triple axles and aerial splits. She struggled with her weight...and Dick Buttons (who does play-by-play for the sport) was always so quick to point that out. I remember screaming at the screen many times..."Hey Dick, you're not so thin yourself."
While I've never met Nicole, she's always had my respect for never giving up. I don't know much about her situation, but I hope she will come out on top. Maybe she can learn or get help or whatever she needs to get her life back on track. Many skating fans still admire her amazing skills.
I know most people don't follow the world of figure skating too closely, and most of you have likely never heard of Nicole Bobek. If you're interested, click here to see what I regard as one of the best choreographed and performed figure skating performances of all time.
Keep your chin up, Nicole.
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Comments: 19
Sorry, never heard of her.
Very people have...she peaked in an off-Olympic year.
I remember her and it is sad that her life has led her here. Maybe this will be a wakeup call, and she will get her life together after she faces whatever happens next.
I hope so, too. I felt bad when I saw her mug shot. She's 31, but looks so much older.
She was always something of a problem child for the USFSA -- she'd deliberately break rules at the Olympic Village, do stupid things right before a competition, perform beautifully one night and blow it the next. This is unfortunately not a shock.
If should could have been more disciplined, she could have been one of the greats. What do you think about this performance, Kris?
i absolutely remember her, what a beautiful skater she was and probably still is... it is so sad that she had become so misguided...... I hope she finds the right path after this is over
Thanks for reading and commenting, Fran. I hope fur baby is doing well this summer!
i hope everything works out for her. i remember her well. i love watching figure skating; probably cuz i can't even stand up with skates on!! :)
I love watching it for the same reason. When I finally did make it to an ice skating rink, I always thought I would just glide out onto the ice. I was lucky I came away with only a sprained ankle.
lol...i totally understand!!
I never heard of her either.
I think she's from Chicago. BTW, your old stomping ground of Atlanta has given us some great figure skaters!
Don't know why they want to mess up their life like that. I remember her. I watch all the skaters a lot. I had dreams of being one when I was a kid.
This is sad, Amanda. I hope things turn out ok for her.
Don't keep up with sports of any kind, never heard of her before.
I never heard of her either
I never heard of her, but it is a sad story.
I have no idea who she is. LOL