Content provided in partnership with

Locals leap at chance/ Ryan Bradley: Horsing around is part of the

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jan 6, 2002 by Tim Bergsten

The "William Tell Overture" is usually accented by mock cannon fire. Broadmoor Skating Club's Ryan Bradley has added a twist.

He rides an imaginary horse down the middle of the ice, coaxing more speed from his steed with a fake whipping motion. Judges award points for that kind of creativity.

For Bradley, 18, who will compete this week in the U.S. National Figure Skating Championships in Los Angeles, skating is about having fun. The horse makes its appearance in his long program, where he can cut loose and be a kid.

"He has moments of maturity," said Tom Zakrajsek, Bradley's coach.

Most Popular Articles in News: The Ten Best Laptop bags; Tata plans cheapest-ever car for Indian market; GLOBALIZATION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF UNDERDEVELOPMENT OF THE THIRD WORLD; Corn is good for you; Corn is not only a tasty treat, but also a cereal that ...; THE 50 BEST STYLISH HANDBAGS TO CARRY; More »

The top three placers at nationals will win Olympic bids. It's doubtful that Bradley will make that cut. But going to the Olympics isn't the point. Skating powerfully and dramatically in his short and long programs is the most important thing he can do.

"The whole purpose of me going is basically to set myself up for the next four years and put myself in position for the 2006 Olympics," Bradley said.

It's a good bet that top U.S. skaters Todd Eldredge and Michael Weiss will retire after this year. In their absence, Bradley will move up the ladder and he may find himself among the top three skaters in the country as early as next year.

"At nationals I'm just hoping for top five or top six," Bradley said. "I can do that if I can skate my best."

And that means having fun. His short program, which contains several required elements, is fun and complemented by tango music. He'll attempt a triple-lutz, triple-toe combination, something he has done for years.

But his favorite is his long program.

"My short program is more mature," Bradley said. "My long program is more fun, more high-energy. I get to live it out as a child, ride the horse. When it's fun, it's easier. You hit a couple of jumps and you start having a good time and you forget how tired you are."

Bradley has the physical gifts to be a world or Olympic champion. He is a powerful jumper who seems to float. He can execute a quad salchow and may slide it into his long program. This year the quad isn't important. Later on it will be.

"What he needs to develop is consistent goal setting on a daily basis," Zakrajsek said. "That will allow him to be more consistent on his quads."

Bradley has credentials and experience. He finished seventh at nationals two years ago. Last year he was ninth, but was recovering from a fractured femur. He was the U.S. Junior champion in 1999.

Zakrajsek said the young skater has something others lack: a flair for performing.

"He needs to take his skills at performing and develop them because he can be an artist as well as a technician," Zakrajsek said. "If he can develop that he'll have a fantastic career. He can be emotionally fragile, but he is strong-willed and that is his strength."

- Tim Bergsten may be reached at 636-0250 or gtsports@gazette.com

Locals leap at chance/ Ryan Bradley: Horsing around is part of the

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jan 6, 2002 by Tim Bergsten

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Business

Most Popular Articles in News

Most Popular Publications in News