Alissa Czisny Graces IFS June 09 Cover

America's newest golden girl, Alissa Czisny, graces the cover of IFS June 09. 
When Czisny broke through and claimed gold at the 2009 U.S. Championships, it was her eighth appearance at nationals at the senior level. In winning the title, the 21-year-old became the oldest first-time U.S. ladies champion since Nancy Kerrigan won the 1993 title at age 23. "It has sort of sunk in a bit, but it is still hard to grasp because I have worked so long to become a national champion," Czisny told IFS a few weeks later.

The cover story, which features a photo shoot by Paul Harvath, describes Czisny's early years in the sport and her up-and-down career. "I love a comeback story," said choreographer David Wilson who was interviewed for the piece. "Alissa has an iconic beauty and her presence on the ice is so memorable. She has been graced by the gods." Julianne Berlin, Czinsy's long-time coach, also offers her perspective.

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Exclusive Photo Collages From the World Figure Skating Championships

Los Angeles welcomed the world to the 2009 World Figure Skating Championships. The competition inside the Staples Center was exceptional, but the action at the plaza outside the Staples Center was just as exciting, and IFS was there. To see some of our exclusive images online, click here.

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Big Win For Team USA

It was a big payday for the winning U.S. team, which competed at an inaugural ISU competition in Tokyo last week.  Team USA - which included Evan Lysacek, Jeremy Abbott, Caroline Zhang, Rachael Flatt, ice dancers Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto, and the pairs team of Caydee Denney and Jeremy Barrett - skated into first place at the ISU World Team Trophy with a resounding victory over its European and Asian counterparts.  The American team pocketed $250,000, including $50,000 in appearance fees, for the victory.

"I've said this whole week I'm very proud of my team. They did a wonderful job. I think this is going to be a very memorable competition for everyone who participated, because it was the first of hopefully many," said U.S. captain Evan Lysacek at the conclusion of the competition. "I think it was very successful, above and beyond any team's or any person's performance. I think we are all proud and all impressed with the level of competition that was brought here to Tokyo after the World Championships concluding just two weeks ago." To check out all the details from the three-day competition in our News and Announcements Forum, click here.

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Kim and Verner Cash in on Top Rankings

Yu-Na Kim and Tomás Verner cashed in on successful seasons by pocketing $45,000 each as the top-ranked skaters of the 2008-09 season. The winners of the ISU World Standing Bonus for the season were announced following the conclusion of the 2009 ISU World Figure Skating Championships. The ISU awards significant prize money to the three skaters/couples per discipline who earned the most World Standing points during the season. See the breakdown of the money awarded here.

Isabelle Delobel is Pregnant

Isabelle Delobel is expecting a child, due to be born in September. The news was officially announced today during a press conference at the French federation headquarters in Paris. The father of the baby is Delobel's  longtime boyfriend, Ludovic Roux. The two will wed in June.

A few weeks ago, she told the good news to her skating partner Olivier Schoenfelder and their coach Muriel Boucher-Zazoui. "At first we were stunned," said Schoenfelder, who is married and the father of an almost 3-year-old son. "Of course I congratulated Isabelle and then we wondered how we could go on towards the Olympics."

"It is a matter of organization," Delobel added. "Obviously, as time goes by, it will be more and more difficult to train. But with the help of everyone, we will manage it." To read our exclusive story, click here.

Brubaker Undergoes Surgery

Rockne Brubaker, the reigning two-time U.S. pairs champion with partner Keauna McLaughlin, underwent surgery April 3 at Rose Medical Center in Denver, Colo. for two sports hernias. "We wanted to have the surgery right after Worlds so I could heal since next season is so important," Brubaker said. "We would have liked to have gone (to the World Team Trophy), but I would have rather gotten this out of the way and been prepared for next season." Athletes with sports hernias, thought to result from extreme, forceful and repeated twisting and turning movements, suffer from sharp pain or discomfort in the groin or lower abdomen, especially when they exert themselves.
Read the complete story here.

Weir Reality Show Gets the Green Light

Sundance Channel recently unveiled its programming slate for 2009-10. On the list is the reality TV show "Be Good Johnny Weir." The show documents the life of the three-time U.S. champion (2004-06) and World bronze medalist (2008) as he prepares for next season and fights for a spot on the U.S. team for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. It follows Weir's relationships with his coach, friends and manager/mom Patti Weir. The series is produced by David Barba and Original Media. Click here to see our Media Notes and online guide.

Dubé and Davison Suffer On-Ice Mishap

Canadian pairs champions Jessica Dubé and Bryce Davison suffered a fall during the exhibition gala following the World Team Trophy. Dubé hit her head when she fell on the ice as the couple attempted a triple twist lift. Both skaters were sent to hospital as a precaution. They were treated and released that evening. The duo finished third in the pairs competition at the inaugural event. Team Canada placed second overall.

Dubé and Davison made news in 2007 when Dubé was rushed to hospital after she was struck in the face by Davison's skate during the pairs free program at the Four Continents in Colorado Springs, Colo. That injury required surgery.

Thanks for your time. See you next month.
Susan Wessling,  Editor, International Figure Skating magazine
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