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Lysacek works hard to move up on podium

Jeff Bunch  •  Staff writer
Published January 25, 2007

Evan Lysacek must feel like those climbers who get near the summit of Mount Everest, only to be forced to turn back.

At least as much as capturing a U.S. men's figure skating title is his ultimate climb.

The 2000 national junior champion has steadily increased his placings in each of his six senior nationals: 12th, twice; seventh; fifth; third; and, most recently, a runner-up finish in 2006 to three-time defending champion Johnny Weir.

He has one place higher to go in this year's event as the men begin their competition with the short program tonight. Lysacek said he's ready for Saturday night's free skate final.

"This season has been my best, to mark, and I think I have a lot of momentum coming into this event," he said Wednesday. "I feel great about the training and preparation that I've done at home and I feel good about this event. I'm not under too much pressure. The expectation for myself is not that I'm going to win, but that I'm going to put my best foot forward."

If championships were decided solely by hard work and dedication to fix any weaknesses in one's skating, Lysacek would be guaranteed a spot on the podium. His coach, Frank Carroll, said that he's one of the hardest-working skaters he's worked with in his long career.

Lysacek's preparation for this event shows as he glides around the Arena ice with confidence and attention to every detail. In two practices this week, he consistently landed his jumps, nailed his footwork sequences, and deftly practiced every aspect of his programs.

In a separate session Wednesday, Weir casually skated around the ice as he warmed up for his long program practice. He was first up, not ideal for a morning skate, and quickly aborted his full run-through. He practiced selected elements, then continued to warm up and work around the edge of the rink. Then, almost like clockwork, he worked the small crowd in attendance. The crowd applauded each jump by Weir, who is clearly still the favorite, and may have just been sending a message to his rivals.

Weir has almost a rock-star presence, with his slicked-back hair, stylish clothes, and up-front demeanor. His artistry is a gift, which allows him to connect with audiences on a level that scoring sheets can't measure.

"Training has been going really well since the Grand Prix Final and I really feel ready to compete here," Weir said. "I'm excited to be in Spokane and I really would love to have the fourth title, and I'm going to fight as hard as I can for it. It has been a rough season, but I'm going to try and put all of that aside and skate my best here."

Lysacek comes in with a fourth-place finish in the 2006 Olympics, followed by a bronze in the world championships, and second at Skate America. Weir was fifth in the Turin Games and seventh at the worlds, giving Lysacek some hope.