Ina & Zimmerman Join Stars on Ice

[FSO_Webmaster3]

http://www.figureskatersonline.com/ina-zimmerman/news.html

Kyoko and John have signed with Stars on Ice as cast members! Performing with skating legends from around the world, they will tour the United States starting in December 2002.

For more information, read the press release on their website.

[jcspkbfan]

Congratulations to Kyoko and John! Wow, this makes four pairs teams in SOI next season, but not one dance team--I wonder if we'll get to see a cool group number featuring all four teams!

I also wonder if this means I&Z plan to turn pro or are they "just taking a break" like B&S?? The press release doesn't really say one way or another...

[Jenny]

What great news!! I had heard this was to happen back in May, but when S&P were announced, I figured I&Z would stay through Washington Worlds and then join when M&S retired.

Hopefully Sandra will do something very interesting with so many talented pairs teams now in the cast!!

Jenny

[AxelAnnie22]

Thanks so much for the information. I will enjoy seeing them. Are we going to have to change the name, though, to PAIRS ON ICE? ;)

[Show 42]

Wow! If they stay pros, this leaves the U.S. pairs situation in sad shape. Let's hope the Steiglers can get it together this year.

[rack]

I can't think of a single Olympic eligible American skater who has skated with Stars On Ice. I thought if you did, you lost your USFSA Olympic eligibility. Am I wrong, or have they changed the rules, or is it simply coincidence that its American skaters (up through Todd) have been pro skaters?

[Artemis]

I don't know whether it has anything to do with USFSA rules or not, it's simply not practical for an American eligible skater to take part in the US-SOI tour during the competitive season. The reason Canadian eligible skaters have been able to take part in CSOI for years is that the CSOI tour doesn't start until after Worlds.

[jcspkbfan]

I don't know, but different national federations seem to have different rules when it comes to their skaters touring with SOI--Alexei Yagudin (and B&S) certainly don't seem to be too worried about losing their eligibility by joining the tour. I still have no idea how Alexei will be able to compete at Worlds while touring with SOI, though! The earlier fall competitions are a different story since he'll probably be able to work those around SOI rehearsals, but I don't know how the tour will be able to work around a missing cast member if Alexei takes a week or so off (and maybe more if he's planning on doing Europeans as well!)

[FSO_Webmaster3]

Originally posted by jcspkbfan
I also wonder if this means I&Z plan to turn pro or are they "just taking a break" like B&S?? The press release doesn't really say one way or another...

While Kyoko and John would like to keep their eligibility and continue to skate in USFSA events, that will be determined by the USFSA.

[sk8crazy]

Wow! some good news for a change. I'm a pairs person so I'll be heading back to SOI this year. I took a break this last year because nothing interested me enough. This year with all my favorite pairs and with Alexei, they have my attention again. I only wish Yuka Sato would be brought back. :(

[iskater13]

I definately do not think they will win Nationals now that john and kyoko is out of the pic......they pay no attention to details and then think they deserve to win..........I watched her sitting on the edge of her seat at Nationals to see if they would even get the silver medal......

[TEN]

Originally posted by rack
I can't think of a single Olympic eligible American skater who has skated with Stars On Ice. I thought if you did, you lost your USFSA Olympic eligibility. Am I wrong, or have they changed the rules, or is it simply coincidence that its American skaters (up through Todd) have been pro skaters?

Todd received an individual sanction by the USFSA to appear in Stars on Ice. The tour itself isn't sanctioned by the USFSA, so skaters have to get individual sanctions.

I'm very pleased that Kyoko and John are joining the tour, too.

Mary
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