An Olympic Champion

Let me start by saying how doggone nice reigning Olympic Men's Figure Skating Champion, Evan Lysacek is! I wasn't sure what to expect when he arrived. He is, after all, an Olympic champion, runner-up on Dancing With The Stars, was just named USOC's Sportsman of the Year, and is ranked 82nd on the most powerful athletes list put out by Business Week. Whew, that's a long list ... and it's only the short version of this guy's accomplishments in the last year. Sooooo.... needless to say, I wasn't sure what kind of diva would walk through the door. You heard it here first people ... Evan Lysacek is down-to-earth, super funny, and was a blast to hang out with!



Funny story ... photographer Jim and I arrived at the ice rink about 5:40am - it's pitch black. I was getting my stuff out of the back of our SUV when a furry critter attacked the back of my legs. I screamed (probably woke up half the neighborhood) and heard a nice lady say, "Oops, sorry. Come back here Skeeter". It was Rosalynn Sumners and here adorable little pooch. She is the silver medalist from the 1984 Winter Games AND the original cast member from the Stars on Ice tour. She's local in case you didn't know and owns two stores over in Kirkland - visit them.



We were together today to talk about the upcoming Stars on Ice Tour here in Seattle at Key Arena. It's on Feb 25th and is going to feature some of the coolest, most amazing skaters on the planet. Current Olympians like Evan, and past superstars like Kurt Browning will all come together to put on a live skating show. If you are a skating fan, you can't miss it!

CLICK HERE TO SEE ME SKATE WITH EVAN!!!

Evan teaching me his DWTS pose ... loves it!



A 'heel stretch' is the only trick I know ... Evan was totally holding me up




Ryan, Evan, me, Rosalynn, & Jimbo

We spent the morning chatting, joking around, Evan practiced his 'broadcasting skills' by interviewing me ... we just all-around had a good time.

Rosalynn & I doing some sweet tricks

Me hanging with some Olympians ... how cool is that?

He's being coy about his performance

My new Olympic buddy

Hey kids! You can win a skating party with Evan and Sasha Cohen + 50 of your closest friends by going to the website (below) and entering. Also, Key Arena is having a "free skating day" on march 1st. COMPLETELY FREE! Rentals and everything. You should check it out.

So between you and I, we pre-tape our noon segment in the morning (shhh don't tell anyone okay?). Here's a video of us getting ready to do it ... and of course I wiped out. Evan, quickly came to my rescue. Totally hilarious.

For more info on how to get tickets to Smuckers Stars on Ice, go to http://www.starsonice.com/