Meeting Elvis!
Over the summer, when I participated in the Brian Orser clinic, a coach came up to me unexpectedly and struck up a conversation. What I didn’t share with you at the time was that this coach told me something else in that discussion. He shared that he skated in a holiday ice show with none other than Elvis Stojko. Yup, that’s former World Champion and 2-time Olympic Silver Medialist Elvis Stojko.
When I mentioned that I loved the particular ice show and have been to it a few times, he offered me the opportunity to meet Elvis. I freaked out and was giddy. Of course, being in the shocked state that I was in, I forgot to get the coach’s contact information so I could get in touch with him once winter rolled around.
Luckily for me, I saw the coach once more at a local competition. We finally exchanged numbers, and I sent him a note once I booked my tickets to the show. He managed to text me back a few hours before the show and told me to meet him at a specific location after the performance. I dragged my family with me and we waited.
About 5 minutes passed, and I was hoping that he didn’t forget about me. The coach appeared out of nowhere and gave me a hug and said, “Follow me!” He took me to a non-descript looking door and opened it. We went inside to a warehouse-y looking area and said, “Wait here.” About a minute later, Elvis Stojko walked out.
My mouth gaped open and all the things I had prepared to say left my brain. I wanted to tell him how much I enjoyed watching him skate, how I have always admired him and that my favorite program of his was the martial arts one. Oh, and that I loved his backflips. All I managed to mutter was, “I’m an adult skater and am a big fan.”
Somebody slap me now.
I did manage to get the courage to ask for a photo, which he graciously accepted. Since Elvis looked like he was getting restless (he did have another performance to prep for, after all), I kept our little meet and greet pretty brief.
Regardless, I am still over the moon that I got to meet Elvis. Thank you Coach S for making this happen! I am forever grateful!
Elvis is looking good! I still remember that martial arts program and all that power on the ice. I am excited that you got to meet yet another of the skating greats: gods with blades!
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He’s still got it! He skated on a tiny surface for the ice show and still had huge double jumps and spins!