Jeremy Abbott, overnight sensation 21 years in the making

Jeremy Abbott, the 2008 Grand Prix Final Champion, is preparing for the 2009 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, which begin in Cleveland next week. What a season he's having, winning Cup of China and coming in fourth at Cup of Russia, before surprising everyone with the Grand Prix Final win! A lot of pressure and media attention on the 23-year-old from Colorado Springs, who started skating at age two. There's a lot of speculation whether the Evan and Johnny rivalry needs to make room for Jeremy. Jeremy came in fourth in the previous two Nationals and before the craziness and huge anticipation start next week, he took time to share his thoughts on a variety of topics.

Leading up to Nationals, what is a typical day for you?

I wake up. Eat. Shower. Warm up. Skate. Eat. Warm up. Skate. Snack. Warm up. Skate. Stretch. Eat. Sleep! On certain days I do modern dance ballet and weight training. lol

If you woke up one morning and realized you had no commitments at all that day, what is the first thing you would do?

GO BACK TO SLEEP!  (Note: Jeremy's mother, Allison, also wanted to add, "He is a champion sleeper! I think that's what helps him recover from the energy and exertion needed to train at this level.")

You won your very first Grand Prix Final! Was there anything different you did in preparation?

No, not really, I just stuck to what I know and did my best! :) It was very exciting!

What has been your favorite program that you've performed and why?

I loved my short program from last season that Kurt Browning choreographed called Treat by Carlos Santana (YouTube link). It was all about having fun! I also really enjoy performing both of my programs from this season!

You might not know that...

I hate to cook.

The best thing about being me is...

my weird personality.

If I could have a do-over about anything in life, I would...

not change anything. I think everything I have done in my life thus far has led me to where I am, and I wouldn't change it for anything!

The last movie I saw and loved was...

Bedtime Stories starring Adam Sandler

The last book I read and loved was...

Naked by David Sedaris

If I could give one piece of advice to an up-and-coming skater from my years of experience, it would be...

Be patient!

**CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS OF JEREMY AT FIGURE SKATING IN HARLEM'S BENEFIT IN NYC ON APRIL 6, 2009!**

Comments

[SantanaFan2009]

What a "treat" that Jeremy skated to that Santana song! Since it came from Santana's first album:

http://www.savortheband.com/Santana/Santana.html

released in 1969, it's impressive that he not only had that knowledge of classic rock, but also appreciation.