Berankova & Diabola

[Tikobuzz]

Has anybody seen this pair from the Czech Republic? What do you think of their potential, grace, musicality, difficulty of moves? They were 8th at the 2002 Olympics and I saw them skate at Europeans, but do not know how they placed.

[Miezekatze]

Well she's great :D Great flexibilitiy, expression, charisma, positions in lifts,...he's ok I guess, does a good job presenting her. They had two wonderful programs this season IMO, especially their short program was spectacular. Don't know about potential, they aren't really a new team and don't seem to be the most technically stable, at Europeans they had 2 great performances, but earlier in the season they struggled at Nations Cup and at the end of the season they had technical problems again as well.

But when they are clean, they are great, one of my favorite pairs of the last season.

[Orable]

will they continue next season? I liked them at Europeans, too. I remember being blown away by her...but you're right Miezekatz; he kind of fades in teh background--and he doens't really bring a lot of technical pizzaz to their skating. However, I really liked them a lot, and I want to see more of them.

Cheers, Orable

[Tikobuzz]

Anyone know their ages? Background? When a pair shows a unique quality in the standard moves, you certainly notice. Are they being coached by anyone who has been on the skating forefront. I can't wait to watch them again. Disappointed that NBC did not show them at the Olympics, but understandable with all the hoopla about the pairs.

[Sylvia]

[quote:cb477c894e="Tikobuzz"]Anyone know their ages? Background?[/quote:cb477c894e]

She's 24 and he's 28, according to their profile at pairsonice.com:
http://www.pairsonice.com/profileview.php?pid=5

[Tikobuzz]

Thanks for the bio. Now I can also correct his name. It is Dlabola not Diabola!

[Ellyn]

Berankova competed in singles at 1995 Europeans and Worlds. I think she finished around 20th at Worlds and higher at Euros. Her triples were toe loop and salchow. A lot flexibility in the spins and spirals. A little rough around the edges, but I really enjoyed her programs to Danse Macabre (IIRC) and Lawrence of Arabia, because they seemed to have an artistic point of view that was more specific than just looking pretty (or sexy or perky) as most of the ladies do.