The story's set in 1999 when people were still doing school figures at U.S. Nationals although they were eliminated from the Olympics in 1992. (The U.S. and Canada had voted against their elimination, protesting vehemently.) The compulsories were no longer required but continued as a separate competition at Nationals, although figure skaters could compete in both (Michael Weiss did).
In fact, 1999 was the last year the U.S. Nationals held the compulsories. It was the only year where the men competed against the women (the women wiped the floor with them).
John did school figures as a young skater in the late 80s and early 90s when they were required. He always lost ground there. He was happy to drop them and immediately started placing higher and going on to Nationals. But Rodney made him do them again to work on his edges.
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Date: 2008-11-29 06:50 pm (UTC)In fact, 1999 was the last year the U.S. Nationals held the compulsories. It was the only year where the men competed against the women (the women wiped the floor with them).
John did school figures as a young skater in the late 80s and early 90s when they were required. He always lost ground there. He was happy to drop them and immediately started placing higher and going on to Nationals. But Rodney made him do them again to work on his edges.