GOLD RUSH; The thrills and chills are provided by Olympic 'Stars'

Copyright 2001 The San Diego Union-Tribune

Another retiree coming to town.

Hardly newsworthy? Consider the fact that this retiree is 18 years old and bringing along an ice show.

Tara Lipinski, the youngest Olympic, World, and U.S. National Ladies Figure Skating Champion in history, will be headlining "Target Stars on Ice" on Sunday at the San Diego Sports Arena.

"Retired. That word is not even in my vocabulary," said Lipinski. Citing no regrets about her decision to retire from amateur competition, Lipinski adds that her professional status has enabled her to "make a life and build a world" for herself

Retired or not, one thing is for sure. For now, Lipinski would rather be doing what she loves -- ice skating. Visiting 65 cities in 33 states, the "Stars on Ice" tour also features Scott Hamilton, Kristi Yamaguchi, Ilia Kulik, Kurt Browning, Yuka Sato, Denis Petrov, Steven Cousins, and pairs Jenni Meno and Todd Sand, and Renee Roca and Gorsha Sur.

This year's show is particularly significant, marking Hamilton's farewell to the production he founded. With his newfound free time, Hamilton looks forward to accomplishing other goals, such as staging a skating show on Broadway.

A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to Target House, a home for children (and for their families) undergoing treatment for life-threatening illnesses at St. Jude's Children Hospital in Memphis.

Lipinski's chosen solo routines on this tour will be performed to Deborah Morgan's "Dance With Me" and Elton John's "Tiny Dancer."

"There are so many kinds of music and emotions in the show. It's a lot of fun," Lipinski said. "The finale is the best part of the show."

Performed to Stevie Wonder's soulful and upbeat "As," the finale serves as a celebration of the skaters' careers and relationships with Hamilton.

For more information, visit the tour's Web site at http://www.starsonice.com.