Jeremy Abbott (at right), two-time US National champion and 2010 Olympian, is busy preparing for Nationals in January. Although he was competing as a senior for several years, it wasn't until the 2008-2009 season when everyone took notice when he beat Evan Lysacek, Brandon Mroz, Ryan Bradley and Johnny Weir for the US national title. The next year, Jeremy repeated his win and went on to represent the US at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics where he placed ninth. This season, Jeremy's had a good Grand Prix season, placing second and third at NHK Trophy and Cup of Russia. The results, however, weren't great enough to qualify for the Grand Prix Final so he's back in Detroit continuing to train for US Nationals. Before leaving for the holidays, Jeremy took time out for a Q&A...
Were you bummed you weren't able to participate in the Grand Prix Finals?
JA: I WAS BUMMED that I wasn't in Beijing. I felt strongly that I belonged there, but it's been a blessing because I have had time to work out my boot problems to make sure that everything is set the way it should be for the rest of the season.
Do you have more to contribute artistically or athletically to your sport?
JA: I always try to blend the two seamlessly. I'm a huge critic of myself. A bit of a perfectionist, so I always think that I have more to give to both aspects of the sport. I know that I can do more artistically which is why I am always trying to make each program and each year so different from the previous. I also have a lot to give athletically. I am capable of doing a quad salchow, and last summer I was working on a quad lutz ( I wasn't landing it or anything just to set the record straight). It's very mentally exhausting adding just one Quad. Although all the other jumps are the same it completely changes the entire dynamic and approach of the program.
When do you know it's time to go into the next phase of your life, whether it's skating or nonskating related?
JA: I will let you know when that time comes. For now I'm not seeing the end:)
Of the current crop of skaters out there, who do you think is doing a great job of carrying the mantle of what YOU stand for -- that the new point system does not have to overtake the choreography and artistry of a program?
JA: ME! I don't mean to sound conceited or full of myself, but I have worked so hard to stand out and to make sure that I have jumps, great basic skating, and substance to my programs. I am so grateful to my team and everyone around me for all that they have done. I am so proud of all this work, and I think what I have done really stands out. Having said that, there are actually quite a few men that I admire for lots of reasons, but Daisuke Takahashi is the only one I feel can jump, has artistry, but also has passion and emotion.
Do you consider yourself a "veteran" at this point being two-time US champion and an Olympian?
JA: Yes and no. This was my forth year on the Grand Prix. I have gained much experience, but when I 
look at it there are still youngins who have more experience than I. However, I am growing from year to year and each time I get better and better. I like where I am at -- Stuck somewhere between the "New Kid" and the "Veteran".
Is one of your goals the 2014 Sochi Games?
JA: At this time I am unsure. Being an Olympian was one of the most AMAZING experiences of my life and I would give anything to go through that again, but at the moment 4 years seems like an insurmountable hurdle, so I will take it one season at a time.
I've noticed that the Japanese men are particularly strong this season -- do you have a theory why Japan has the "special sauce" when it comes to their skaters? Do you think it's cyclical and that next season, another country will dominate the podium?
JA: I think everything is cyclical. It's not a matter of one season though. It's usually a matter of a few years. They are talented and the lower levels have amazing athletes and artists to look up to and be inspired by.
How will you spend your Christmas holidays and do you have a New Year's resolution?
JA: The holidays will be with my family in Colorado. And for a New Year's resolution -- I don't have one and honestly I never have! I always try to make one, but can never think of anything. I have a lot of bad habits that I try resolving daily.
Japan Nationals just concluded, and it's (1) Takahiko Kozuko, (2) Nobunari Oda (3) Daisuke Takahashi for the men, and (1) Miki Ando, (2) Mao Asada and (3) Kanako Murakami for the ladies. They're going to Worlds in March as well. [SkatingJapan]
Brian Boitano waiting to kick Ian Garten's ass. [WSJ]
