Small-Town Girl; Big-Time Presence

Two-time European Champion (2007-08) Carolina Kostner graces the cover of the March/April 2009 issue of International Figure Skating (IFS) magazine. Canadian editor Rob Brodie interviewed the Italian beauty at the Skate Canada Grand Prix event.

"I think as an athlete, you have to be humble. It's very important because otherwise, you could lose your temper, and you need that strength to go back to the rink every day," said Kostner, who is known for her sportsmanship as well as her on-ice flair.

The reigning World silver medalist talked about her earlier experiences in the sport, including being the host nation's flag bearer at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, as well as her life in and out of the spotlight. Kurt Browning, who has worked with Kostner as a choreographer, and her coach, Michael Huth, also share their thoughts about the 22-year-old star.

You can get the issue on newsstands beginning March 12; the digital edition is available now. (A year's subscription to the digital edition costs $25/yr and allows you access to all back issues of IFS posted online.) To subscribe to IFS - either the print or the digital edition - click here or email customerservice@madavor.com.

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Elvis is Back in the Building

Two-and-a-half years ago, Elvis Stojko abruptly announced his retirement from the professional ranks of the sport. The two-time Olympic silver medalist (1994 and 1998) and three-time World champion  (1994, 1995 and 1997) made his international coaching debut at the 2009 Four Continents Championships in Vancouver, mentoring the popular young Mexican skater, Humberto Contreras.  During an impromptu interview at the competition, Stojko announced he is returning to the spotlight. "I am back on the ice again. I have come out of retirement to do some shows and some touring, stuff like that," he said.

IFS was on hand to capture the scoop.

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Nagasu Pulls Out Of World Juniors

Mirai Nagasu, the 2008 U.S. ladies champion, will not compete at the 2009 World Junior Figure Skating Championships due to injury. Katrina Hacker will take Nagasu's spot at the global event, which takes place Feb. 23-March 1 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Nagasu suffered an injury to her right ankle earlier in the season and has yet to fully recover. "After the U.S. Championships, I met with my doctor and was advised to take some time off to heal," Nagasu said. "It was a very hard decision to make, but my doctor and I agreed that it was in my best interest." Read our online report.

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Lepistö's Leap To The Top

2009 European ladies champion Laura Lepistö start in the sport was inauspicious. In her first competition at age 6, Lepistö finished last. That started her long and dynamic climb into the elite ranks of the sport. Read our exclusive online feature about Lepistö, who made history by becoming the first Finish lady to win a European title.

Stunning Highs and Exclusive Views

From Lepistö's victory at the 2009 European Championships to Alissa Czisny and Jeremy Abbott's stunning wins at 2009 U.S nationals, IFS was on hand to cover the action at a number of high-profile competitions. See our extensive event coverage of Four Continents Championships, Europeans, U.S. and Canadian nationals in our News and Announcements on our website. Don't miss our exclusive photo collages  "ISU Four Continents Championships: Vancouver Welcomed the World" and "National Reflections."  

Abbott Snags Honor From USOC

Jeremy Abbott, the 2009 U.S. men's champion, has been voted one of the United States Olympic Committee's January Athletes of the Month. This is the first time Abbott has received the honor. In winning his first U.S. senior title last month at the 2009 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Cleveland, Ohio, Abbott broke the five-year stranglehold on the men's division of Evan Lysacek (2007 and 2008 U.S. champion) and Johnny Weir (2004-06 U.S. champion). At 23, Abbott became the oldest first-time U.S. champion since Rudy Galindo in 1996 and qualified for the 2009 World Figure Skating Championships in March.  After winning gold at the Cup of China and finishing fourth at the Cup of Russia, Abbott became the first U.S. man to claim the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final title.

Swanson And Eisler Wed

They were first paired on the reality TV show "Skating With Celebrities." Now they are married. Actress Kristy Swanson, 39, and Lloyd Eisler, 44, were wed on Feb. 7 in San Luis Obispo, Calif. The couple has a 2-year-old son, Magnus, together. Eisler also has two children, who attended the ceremony, from a prior marriage.  Wedding bells weren't the only things that rang for the couple. Eisler forgot to shut off his cell phone, which rang during the ceremony.

Yamaguchi Dishes About Her Life In The Spotlight

The "Today" show website recently featured a Q&A with 1992 Olympic champion Kristi Champion (people submitted the questions online). The mother of two covered topics that ranged from her "Dancing With the Stars" experience to date night with her husband, and she also offered advice for young skaters. To read the piece, visit the MSNBC website.

IFS Travels The Road To The 2010 Olympics!

LIVE FROM VANCOUVER! International Figure Skating (IFS) will be reporting live from the 2010 Olympic Winter Games! Get a front-row seat as IFS might be once again the only North American figure skating magazine with a photographer and journalist on hand to bring you exclusive images and news from the Games!

The 2009 World Championships will determine how many skaters each nation can send to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Who will be the front runners for gold in Vancouver? You don't have to miss any of the action! THE IFS team will be in Los Angeles to capture all the action!

Whether you are a fan, skater, or advertiser, don't miss any of the action - sign up with IFS as we travel the road to Vancouver and experience the 2010 Olympic Winter Games firsthand! SUBSCRIBERS: Click here or call customer service at 617-706-9110 or 800-437-5828. ADVERTISERS: Let us customize a package for you. Find out about print, email, and online opportunities. Email Miene Smith for complete details or call her at 617-706-9092.

Upcoming Events

Event: ISU World Junior Championships, Feb 23-March 1, Sofia, Bulgaria 
Event: ISU World Championships, March 23-29, Los Angeles

TV SCHEDULE

USA
MARCH 25, 4:30-6:30 P.M., Oxygen: World Championships
MARCH 25, 6:30-8:30 P.M. (Live), Oxygen:  World Championships
MARCH 26, Midnight-2 A.M. (Live), Oxygen: World Championships
MARCH 26, 11 P.M.-2 A.M. (Live), Oxygen: World Championships
MARCH 27,4:30-6:30 P.M., Oxygen: World Championships
MARCH 27, 6:30-8:30 P.M. (Live), Oxygen: World Championships
MARCH 28, Midnight-2 A.M. (Live), Oxygen:  World Championships
MARCH 28, 9-11 P.M. (Live), NBC: World Championships

CANADA
MARCH 24,  Midnight-1 A.M. (Local; 1-2 A.M. Atlantic), CBC: World Figure Skating Championships
MARCH 25, Midnight-2 A.M. (Local; 1-3 A.M. Atlantic), CBC: World Championships (Men's Free and Pairs Free)
MARCH 26, Midnight-2 A.M. (Local; 1-3 A.M. Atlantic), CBC: World Championships (Men's Free and Original Dance)
MARCH 27, Midnight-2 A.M. (Local; 1-3 A.M. Atlantic), CBC: World Championships (Women's Short and Free Dance)
MARCH 28, 2-6 P.M., CBC: World Championships
MARCH 29, 8-10 P.M. (Local Time), CBC: World Championships (Women's Free Skate)

Editor's Note: Times are Eastern unless otherwise noted and at press time these listings were accurate. Please check your local listings or check our online Media Guide in the forum area of our home page. 

Thanks for your time. See you next month.
Susan Wessling,  Editor, International Figure Skating magazine
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Quincy, MA 02169
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617-536-0102 (fax)
 
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