Happy Anniversary Michael Chack ;)

[Spinner]

Yup, 10 years ago on January 23 Michael Chack won the bronze medal at the US National Championships. While we're proud of him for that accomplishment, many of us know the other significance of his placement. Have you ever been browsing the 'net, reading a discussion group/board/chat and come across the term 'chack'? For example "ABC chacked X skater's performance despite the fact she skated well", meaning it wasn't shown on TV. Well, this exact thing happened to Michael. Despite his bronze medal placement, his LP wasn't shown on TV. He only recieved a mention when they showed the final placements. Many of his fans were rightfully ticked and one (Trudi Marrapodi on the SkateFans discussion group, if you're curious) even began using his last name as a verb to describe similar situations in future events. From there it caught on and is now widely used in skating discussions. Check out Sandra Loosemoore's fan page for Michael here (http://www.frogsonice.com/skateweb/chack/) to read more about him. Click on 'background' and you can see the complete history of the term 'chack'. :D

Funny how so many people see this term used and still don't know Michael Chack is a real person. ;)

[Trillian]

Ten years...yikes. I haven't heard anything about what Chack has been doing lately, but I hope whatever it is, he's doing well! :)

[purplecat]

Thank you Michael Chack for giving us the perfect word for us to use. And no thank you to ABC for chacking Michael and countless other skaters over the years! :x

BTW, I loved Michael's skating! I especially liked his triple toe with his hands at his sides! :)

[iceskaterdawn]

Michael is now touring in Europe with Holiday on Ice, and has been for several years. I love his skating. He was my coach prior to leaving for the tour. I think he always got a kick out of the fact a new skating term came from him not being shown on TV. He is a great guy, and I miss getting to see him skate.

Dawn

[twinsmom]

Originally posted by purplecat
BTW, I loved Michael's skating! I especially liked his triple toe with his hands at his sides! :)

That jump is called the "Chack toe"--quite fitting. I loved his skating too--wish he hadn't had so many injuries to deal with.:(

[Arsenette]

God I'm getting old.. wait a minute.. I AM old.. :oops: I remember meeting him and saying "I hope you don't get chacked on TV" and he laughed his head off!! (I met him at 98 Nationals in Philly)