Viewing Single Post From: Lisa Ervin

Viewing Single Post From: Lisa Ervin
kioewen	Oct 24 2008, 07:32 AM
Novice Posts: 109 Group: Members Member #242 Joined: July 22, 2008	Just by chance, I recently stumbled upon a video of a figure skater who, I would have to say, was just as gorgeous as Emily was during the Ice Chips show from earlier this year -- Lisa Ervin. From what I've read, though, Lisa's story is a cautionary tale for the world of figure skating. According to a book about figure skating, Lisa had a promising career, and was even the U.S. silver medalist. However, the pressure to maintain the unhealthy skeletal shape that the skating world mandates for performers caused her to develop an eating disorder. Her weight would fluctuate from 110 to 130 pounds (which is still very thin, by the way), and this took a toll on her body. She quit skating, and stopped starving herself. This video shows her in 1994, just a year before she retired. Her figure is in a fuller phase here, and consequently I think she looks absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately, she has a few spills during the routine, but those never matter to me, because I don't watch skating for the jumps. I love her fluid, smooth, graceful style, which reminds me a bit of Emily's. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niRnSeKzvw4&fmt=18 Such a lovely skater. I wish she had given up on competition and just skated in exhibitions, where she could have performed for the public in routines that concentrated on the beauty of movement, instead of jumps. It's also sad that the unhealthy pressure to be artificially thin ruined a career that could have lasted much longer. I'd love to see greater acceptance of curvier figures in skating. - - - - Interestingly, I found a recent article that has a sort of update of Lisa's career and life, and Lisa praises Emily greatly. The article's writer notes: Quote: One of [Lisa's] all-time favorite skaters is Emily Hughes, who is "very tough and perseveres. Don't write her off. If there's anything I appreciate, it's those skaters who can balance skating and school. It can be done, you can go to a high school, then go to a good college, and manage both skating and school." And Lisa herself is quoted as saying: Quote: It's progressed where we have more fans, but on the other hand, there is something lost in the "do you love to skate?" aspect. Now, Emily Hughes, when I look at her, she's so passionate, she loves to skate. Edited by kioewen, Oct 31 2008, 06:25 PM.


Lisa Ervin · Skating Discussion