The 2012 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships took place at the Colorado Springs World Arena from February 7, 2012 through February 12, 2012.
Local residents, figure skaters, and ice skating fans were able to see one of the world's most prestigious international figure skating events, but they also took part in the action. Many members of the Broadmoor Skating Club volunteered during the official practice sessions and during the competition.
Young skaters served as sweepers. They picked up everything that fans threw on the ice after a skater's performance. They also participated in the awards ceremonies. Regional, sectional, national, and international competitors from the club skated in Sunday evening's Skating Spectacular celebration. The Pikes Peak Firecrackers, a Colorado synchronized skating team, also performed in the Skating Spectacular.
Some local figure skaters competed in the competition. World figure skating champion, Patrick Chan, won the men's event. Chan lives and trains in Colorado Springs. Caydee Denney and John Coughlin, who won the silver medal in pairs, also live and train in Colorado Springs. Broadmoor Skating Club's Agnes Zawadzki placed 6th overall in the ladies event.
"It was fun to skate at home," said John Coughlin. "I felt support from our friends and family. It was nice to put out a good performance for them and for ourselves."
In addition, some Colorado Springs figure skating coaches participated. Christy Krall is the coach of world figure skating champion Patrick Chan and also is one of Agnes Zawadzki's coaches. Dalilah Sappenfield and Laureano Ibarra are the coaches of US pair skating champions Caydee Denney and John Coughlin. Eddie Shipstad also coached Korean figure skater Alex Kam in the competition.
Colorado College's ice rink manager, Linda Kola Alexander, and Colorado College's ice technician, Oscar Aragon, also took the time to volunteer and offer their expertise. They made sure the ice was perfect for every competitor. "I was excited to be able to serve at Four Continents in the ice tech capacity," said Alexander. "I tried to make every sheet of ice that the Four Continents competitors skated on a masterpiece!"
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