WORLDS 2009

The World Figure Skating Championships returned to the United States for the first time since 2000. Saturday night was the Women's Free Skate, or Long Program. The final competition to determine Gold, Silver and Bronze winners.

Thanks to Black and Decker we had Suite seats! Roomy, comfy, and a great view.

Kiera in her Worlds Tshirt and fleece, checks out our suite.

Mao Asada, although heavily favored to capture Gold or Silver was bumped off the podium by her rival Yu-Na Kim of Korea, Silver medal to Canadian JoannieRochette and the Bronze to Miki Ando of Japan.

Yu-Na Kim of Korea eclipsed the other skaters with her amazing performance.

We also learned about the Three Minute Rule. (not to be confused with the three second rule for dropped food)
One of the early skaters crashed badly, was obviously hurt, but could take three minutes to determine if she could continue and retake the ice. Which she did to huge applause from the crowd. We sat not too far above the "Kiss and Cry" where skaters, with their coaches wait on camera for their scores. And I could see from afar Michelle Kwan over in the broadcast booth.

On the lighter side, the friendly and funny staff at the VIP entrance (which of course we did not go in thru!) who took pictures and held my extra stuff.

A nicely stitched panoramic of the Staples Center that Mike provided.