Well I can definitely cross off one item on my bucket list -- meet Dorothy Hamill (see below right). I caught up with the skating icon in New York City in early April. Dorothy was at Wollman Rink in Central Park for Figure Skating in Harlem's benefit gala. This is a program for young girls in the Harlem community that combines free ice skating lessons with academic studies. Dorothy has been a huge supporter of the girls and was especially thrilled to see their skating progress when they performed a group number at the rink. At the gala, we chatted about her mentoring Rachael Flatt, the adult figure skating fantasy camp that she'll head up in late September (you'll never guess where), the state of skating in the U.S., and she also shared with us why Wollman Rink holds such a dear place in her heart.
There were a ton of other questions that I had, including raising a daughter when you're Dorothy Hamill, but I was advised that Johnny Weir was about to leave, and Evan Lysacek was going inside to probably leave (translation: Susan, you need to catch Johnny and Evan before they leave), so I reluctantly ended my conversation. Last story though before you watch the video above -- After the cameras were off, I told Dorothy that I was truly honored to meet one of my personal skating idols, let alone interview her, and that I'll never forget this moment. She thanked me and also added that she felt the same way when she met one of her idols -- Julie Andrews -- when she was younger. So I laughed realizing that every person, regardless of who you are, has someone they can't believe they actually got to meet!
What a wonderful interview. I love Dorothy Hamill and would love to go to her camp. But due to finanaces I can't afford it. One of the things that she said that skating teaches you when you fall to get back up and keep trying. My daughter is 9 and is an ice skater. I hope she learns that from it. Thanks Susan for sharing Dorothy with us. By the way I love your blog.
Posted by: Ann Pettey | May 28, 2009 at 08:59 AM
AWESOME! Thanks Susan. Dorothy was my idol as well and she hasn't aged one bit.
Posted by: DinaG | May 28, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Her camp is in Nantucket and about $5,000. Yikes.
Posted by: SashaFan | May 28, 2009 at 04:16 PM
Susan, this was great!!!!! I was looking forward to this - thank you
Posted by: Evie | May 28, 2009 at 09:50 PM
I like the way you interview-- your question about esteem , your follow up on D.H. skating camp. ..like a good journalist the first question is:
where, when etc. .
D.H. is as enchanting, as ever.
Posted by: susan's locker friend # 79. | June 03, 2009 at 05:34 PM
Thank you Phil for the coverage. It would indeed be great to meet on Tuesday evening and discuss your experience.
This post too really i enjoyed going through it with regards.
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