Browning wings it Skater unsure of new program

Copyright 1991 Southam Inc.

Kurt Browning will wing it, to a degree, in his first appearance in the arena where he hopes to strike Olympic gold in February.

The three-time world men's champion from Edmonton is uncertain about the combination jumps he'll attempt at the official pre- Olympic figure skating competition Nov. 8-10 in Albertville, France.

Browning knows, from past experience, how difficult it is to execute all three of his triple-triple combinations in the 4 1/2- minute long program this early in the season.

"Technically, we're not sure what we should do," he said. "What are the odds of doing everything right now?"

He's comfortable with the triple Lutz, the jump he's had the most trouble mastering. He's also pleased with his triple Axel.

"The combinations are the part I'm shaky with," said Browning. "They're the same as last year (at this stage) and I just don't know which one I'm going to hit."

But Browning isn't particularly concerned as he prepares for his only dress rehearsal against his leading challenger, Viktor Petrenko of the Soviet Union, a two-time world silver medallist.

Browning is happy with the over-all progress he's made with the long program. He and coach Michael Jiranek's wife, Renata, have honed it since he and choreographer Brian Power of Vancouver chose the music, Fire Bird by Stravinsky.

"All of Brian's and my ideas came together to make the skeleton," said Browning. "I started to get my own ideas where it should go after Brian left (in June).