In the company of champs

Copyright 2000 Southam Inc.

Four-time world men's figure skating champion Kurt Browning, originally of Caroline, is providing his views on the sport exclusively for the Herald. His final column appears today. Browning will be inducted into the Canadian Figure Skating Hall of Fame today, 1:30 p.m., at the Canadian Airlines Saddledome during the Canadian Figure Skating Championships finale.

The company just doesn't get any better than this.

That's what makes my induction into the Canadian Figure Skating Hall of Fame at the Saddledome this afternoon so special. It feels much like winning one of the major titles inasmuch it is measured by the toughness of the 'competition'.

When I look at the names already honoured in the Hall and those about to be, it is humbling for this Caroline country boy to suddenly find myself included among the greatness of the company I will be keeping.

I will especially treasure the company of those with whom I will be inducted.

I will be so proud to be with great pairs champions Isabelle Brasseur and Lloyd 'Herb' Eisler and Tom Collins, a man who did so much to bring skating into communities all over North America.

Let's take Herb first.

He and I share a few things in common. For example, we both love to play hockey and fathers in cowboy hats. This outspoken guy always has been the loudest one in the room, a natural leader -- except that when he is leading it is sometimes hard to keep up.

When Herb isn't making you mad he is the only person in the world who knows exactly what to say at the toughest of times. He's always the first one to step up and defend a friend, and I'll add this. He is one of our greatest skaters ever.

Now, isn't he lucky he met up with Isabelle?

Strangely, Isa and I have had almost parallel careers, and then it went even further when our lives seemed to start matching up off the ice, too.

Shared championships too numerous to mention at so many different levels, shared world titles at the same time, shared injuries, losses, new homes, new cars, new spouses, new paint jobs on the house.

It's all very bizarre because every time we meet we catch up on the happenings in the other's lives -- assuming by now that it will lend insight into what will happen to the other very soon.

It's just such an honour to know I'll sharing this great day with Isa and Herb.

Tom Collins, born in Ontario, was at one time the Northern Ontario novice men's champion.

While Tom's name might not be in the list of top skaters in the world right now, it sure was at one point.

If Tom had skated as fast as he talked he would have been a sight to see.

It was Tom who organized the first major ice show tours, the Hollywood Ice review and later, Holiday on Ice. And since 1980, he has contributed millions to the Canadian Figure Skating Association.

Tom must be credited with bringing skating into towns and arenas all over North America.

His business ability, mixed with sheer love of the sport, has benefited many, many fans and skaters, myself included.

And, besides, he makes me laugh.

Now, let's look at the names of those already honored in the Hall of Fame.

Barbara Ann Scott, a true icon and legend, and an even better 'Gramma' who 'adopted' me as one of her grandkids like quite a few other young skaters; Don Jackson, who gave me some words of advice during the closing ceremonies of the Calgary Olympics that changed the course of my career -- thank you, Don; Toller Cranston, after whom everything seems boring, and Brian Orser . . . what can I say, we all have heroes.

And talking of heroes, on this day of all days, I would hope that my family knows just how important it has been in my skating and in my life . . . How easy mom and dad have made it for me and how proud and supportive my brother and sister have been. Even my nephew and nieces let me know how proud they are -- but make sure they keep my head down to a reasonable size.

And then there's Michael and Renata Jiranek, sources of inspiration and smiles since Day 1.

And my wife Sonia, who continues to amaze me every day.