Evan Lysacek | 2007 and 2008 U.S. Champion

July 18, 2007

July 2, 2007

	July 18, 2007 Hey Everyone, Thanks for visiting my site! Here is a little update... My summer training is going really well. I just got back from 10 days in Toronto, where I was training with my choreographer Lori Nichol. My new programs are finished. They are really a challenge for me but I'm looking forward to perfecting them. The short music is from Zorro and the long is from Tosca. The classical category is a stretch outside my comfort zone but I'm really working at it. Just a few short days home in Los Angeles before I leave for Sun Valley for their annual ice show. No time to surf, but I've been really getting into skateboarding. It reminds me of skating in some respects. I try to practice a little everyday for fun. I'm looking forward to some solid golf time in Sun Valley with my Dad. I'm also working on a pretty cool idea for a skating event in the X-Games. It's gotten amazing response, which is pretty exciting. It's a great way to reach out to a new demographic to show them that skating is totally fun and extremely difficult. I'll let you know about that later. Thanks for your continued support. Evan

	July 2, 2007 Hey Everyone, Thanks for being patient with me since I last wrote a journal entry. Since winning nationals, things have been wild with all of the traveling that I have done for different competitions and shows. But life is good. My schedule for the summer is still pretty intense. This month, I will be in Sun Valley for their ice show before heading over to the ISI Worlds to perform in their exhibition. I am also doing ice shows in Japan from August 15 through the 20. Hopefully, I will see some of you in the next couple months. I'm working with choreographer Lori Nichol for both programs this season. I don't know what music I will be skating to yet but I will post that information on my site once I know. Before I go, I just wanted to say "thank you" to Ashley West, Beth Sprada, Brianna, Celine, Cheri, Christian, Clara, Dallene Pierce, Daniela, Daravanh, Diane, Drew, Elizabeth Sospenzi, Ellie, Emily, Ginger, Gosia, Hannah, Hatice, Ildi, Ilze, Irene, Jamie, Janae, Jennifer, Jenna, Jill, Jing, Julia, Junko Takizawa, Katerina, Kathleen, Katy, Kie, Mandy Zhang, Marek Wegorzewski, Mark Martinez, Mary, Marylou (Kwanette), Nicole, Olga, Rebecca, Rene, Rhianna, Semyon Silaev, Silvia, Stacey, Tara, Vanessa, Vivan, Yuko Sato and everyone else who took the time to send me birthday e-mails, cards and gifts this year. I appreciate it! I also want to give a special thank you to Mary Crispin and my friends at the Evan Lysacek Fan Forum for all the hard work put into the handmade blanket that they sent me. It looks really cool in my house. Thanks a million! Enjoy your summer, Evan

	February 27 , 2007 Hey Friends, What an exciting time... Winning Nationals was such an amazing rush. I couldn't have done it without all of your support!!!!! I have the greatest fans! I'm just gearing up for World's now. Tons of hard work! It should be a hum-dinger over there in Japan. Watch for me on TV. I'll wave to you. Have a great week. 2007 ROCKS! Your Friend, Evan Lysacek

	January 2, 2007 To My Fans- Thanks for your support! The season seems to be flying by. Like every season in every sport, it's had it's ups and downs. It was great to have a win right off the bat at the Campbell's Cup. Bringing home that trophy as a team was such a cool feeling. It's not often that we, as individual athletes, get to experience competition as a part of a team. It was more relaxed and totally fun. It gave me a great boost to go on and win my first Grand Prix title in China. It always rocks to stand on top of the podium and hear the National anthem. The win in China, among other results, helped me to be named the USOC Male "Athlete of the Month". It is such an honor to be in the company of some of the most famous athletes in the world. From China to the Grand Prix Final I was only at home, in L.A., for six days. I had many shows and appearances, plus nine days of training in Toronto. I felt a little run down, but still really confident about the Grand Prix Final. Once, I got to Russia, I was really confident that I could come home with a medal. Then, a violent fall took me out of the competition. I was on a plane home immediately to consult with doctors here in L.A. The first estimate was four to six weeks off completely. I was bumming over the thought of missing out on Nationals so after a couple weeks of rest, I'm starting to work my way back into shape. I want to do everything I can to be ready for Nationals. The toughest part of being side lined is the mental aspect, watching the hours roll by and knowing that precious training days have been lost. I am trying to stay positive, and all of your continued support means the world to me. Happy 2007! Thanks, Evan Lysacek [TOP]

	September 1, 2006 Hey Fans, I hope that you guys had a rad summer! I just got back to Los Angeles--my home sweet home. After finishing the Champions on Ice tour a couple weeks ago, I went to skate in Sun Valley, Idaho, which is one of my favorite places on earth. Skating there under the stars is the coolest thing. What an awesome place! I also had some free time in Sun Valley to play golf and just hang. But now I'm home and back to work. I'm trying to get used to my new boots and blades, which I hate doing. Next week, I'm heading to Toronto to skate with Kurt Browning. He is going to choreograph my new short. Don't ask me what the music yet because I don't even know. I like to fly by the seat of my pants. That's how I roll. I can't wait for the Campbell's Challenge Competition in October. We're gonna take on the Japanese men on our US soil. Bring it! ... I hope that you cheer us on friends. Thanks for all your support. You guys are the coolest of cool. Rock on, Evan Lysacek [TOP]

	June 19, 2006 Hey Friends! I hope that you're all having awesome summers! It has been a long and crazy year--now it's time to let loose. Instead of reading a long and boring journal entry, go chill at the beach or eat some ice cream or something. Go out and have a blast! I'll let you guys know when I pick music or something important happens. Come see Champions On Ice. It's a rad show and I think you'll have fun. Your Buddy, Evan [TOP]

	June 16, 2006 Dear Friends, Thank you to everyone who hung out with me last night in the chat. I also wanted to thank everyone who sent me birthday cards and e-mails through my site. Because I am behind on responding to mail, I decided to post my thanks in my journal. Thank you for the poem Gosia from Poland. Thank you to Zsuzsi from Hungary, Phreddie from San Juan Capistrano, Abby in Winchester, Semyon in Russia, Elenora from Italy, Corina from Romania, Alexandra from Illinois, Toni from China, Seabiscuit from China, Junko from Japan, Jana from Prague, Veronica from Prague and Omar from Mexico. Thank you to Christian from Italy, Lja from Russia, Jasna from Slovenia, Lisa Marie from Tampa, Jing in China, Helen from China, Paula from Poland, Yuka from Japan, Diana from Italy, Shizuka from Japan, Silvia from Rome, Cristina from Turin, Liza from Russia, Masha from Russia, Moe from Japan and Stacey from Chicago (I hope your mom is better). Thank you to Phebe, Kelsy, Debbie, Ekaterina, Monica, Laura, Tiki, Elina, Olga, Gabija, Eiko, Ilze, Mary, Ashley, Hannah, Tiny Dancer, Caroline, Daravanh, Camilla and Nicholas. And thank you to my friends at the forum. I'm sorry if I forgot to mention anyone who wished me a "happy birthday." I still haven't gotten through all of my mail--but I want to thank everyone who writes to me. Thank you for your outpouring of kindness. Come see me at Champions on Ice this summer. Fondly, Evan Lysacek [TOP]

	March 10, 2006 Hey Friends! I'm back from the Olympics! It was totally the experience of a lifetime. Nothing happened the way I planned it or thought it would, but it's an event I will never forget. The first week in Torino was a blast. Everything was new and exciting. I loved learning my way around the giant athletes village, and the venues. Team processing (that's when we get all of our free swag) was so rad! It was a really good chance for members of the team to bond and have some fun with our gear. We walked away with literally bags and bags of Roots and Nike stuff. The Opening Ceremonies was exactly how I imagined it would be. Walking into the arena was just totally breathtaking. Words can't describe the lights and sounds of that moment. It was just totally overwhelming but so awesome! As we sat and watching the entertainment and heard the, almost chilling, voice of Pavoratti echo through the venue, it hit me that it was the Olympic Games. Let the Games begin! The day of the short, I didn't feel myself. I thought it was just nerves, so I tried to ignore it. My short program was so gross, and that's when I knew something was wrong. I hadn't missed one jump all week in practice, but when the competition came I missed them. That just isn't like me. Frank whisked me out of the rink, in full costume, and back to the village, where I got really sick. I spent all day between the short and long in bed. I couldn't practice. I could barely move. That night team doctors hooked me up to an IV but my veins didn't want to take the fluids. They kept collapsing, so the doctors had to keep sticking me with needles. Pretty fun stuff. It just wasn't how I imagined my Olympic experience would go. I could do one of two things. Feel sorry for myself and stay in bed sick, or go out and fight my way to the end! I chose to skate, but still couldn't do much on the warm-up. I rested all day and went to the competition having not eaten for almost two days. I somehow pumped myself up and got out on the ice and gave it my all--and I mean all of the energy I had in me. I skated a much better long and got off the ice and basically went to sleep after my interviews. I came close to getting a medal but ended up fourth overall. I took so much more from that night than a medal. I took confidence and knowledge about what inside of me. (Sometimes I get really wise and deep.) After the event came the media storm, which was awesome. I spent another two or three days in bed on antibiotics trying to get better. Once I felt a little better I went out and enjoyed the games. The red carpet parties, shopping, and other events were good times. But the Closing Ceremonies was the bomb! I'm so glad that I stayed for it. I got right back on the ice when I got home. Back to training for the World Champs. Just a few more days until I leave. I'll try and do you all proud. You guys rock! Fondly, Evan Lysacek [TOP]

	January 29, 2006 Greetings Everyone! It's amazing how quickly the last six months have gone. I guess its true what they say--time flies when you're having fun. And that's exactly what this season has been so far. It has been a little crazy, a little bit pressure packed, and very busy. But overall, I'm having a blast. I honestly owe so much thanks to you guys though. My fans have been so extremely supportive through out this entire year. And that means the world to me. I've been so appreciative for the outpouring of encouragement that you've all given me. I want you to know what a huge impact you've made. Thank you! There are so many exciting things happening in my life right now. Last week, I was nominated for the United States Olympic Committee SportsMan of the Year award. It is probably the biggest honor an Olympic athlete could have. And to be in a field with the likes of Lance Armstrong is just mind blowing. Also last week, I signed an endorsement with Hilton Family Hotels, which have always been my first choice in hotels. Hilton is a proud Olympic sponsor and helps to support so many athletes worldwide. The most exciting event of my life, by far, is quickly approaching. The Olympics! I am still so excited to be apart of Team USA. The training has been extremely grueling. The quad is definitely going in--so I've been training it much more. I'm hitting about 90 percent of them now, which is my minimum percentage for incorporating a jump in my routine. I want to know that I went to the Games, and I went for nothing less than the gold. To me, that is what the Olympics are about--that and spirit of course. I just can't express in words how cool the experience has been so far. And, I haven't even left yet. Nearly everyday, I get boxes of apparel from sponsors and companies that want to support me. And there have so many media opportunities--which is great because we are still trying to inform people about the New Judging System. It is just another world for me. And I love it. Thank you all so much for your continued support and loyalty. I hope that I can make you proud in Torino. You guys are the best! Fondly, Evan Lysacek [TOP]

	August 26, 2005 Dear Fans, I wrote my August 25th journal entry last night when I was exhausted. But here is some more information my new free skate. The music is an original arrangement not an original score. All of the music is from the original Grease soundtrack. It has just been rearranged and replayed. The arrangement was done by Paul Rudolph. The sax was played by Dan Higgins and the guitar was played by John Gouz. The bass player is the one that was in the pit for "Grease on Broadway." The program is 1950's themed. I play the character of Danny. Please e-mail my webmaster if you have any other questions. Sincerely, Evan Lysacek [TOP]

	August 25, 2005 Dear Fans, With the start of the new skating season just around the corner, I find myself tying up loose ends in preparation for my first event (the Campbell's Classic on October 8, 2005). I am so excited about my recently completed free skate. It was difficult finding music that I loved and wanted to hear several thousand times throughout this season. I wanted something that was familiar all around the world, but had not been used over and over for skating music. I set my heart on the soundtrack to Grease, one of my favorite movies. As we (myself and my choreographer Oleg Epstein) began to search for Grease tunes that we could use for a program, we found ourselves at a dead end. Through a recommendation of a friend, we came across a recording studio in Los Angeles that had done a lot of work for television and radio. Once we got to talking, the owner of the studio told us that he had played bass in the pit for the musical Grease on Broadway. After he and Paul Rudolf wrote an original arrangement for my free skate, they hired the finest professional musicians in the business to play the music. It turned out incredibly well and I can't wait to debut it. The program is like nothing I've ever seen done. Because the music is so fast paced and exciting it will require immense stamina training, but that's a challenge that I accepted when choosing this music. I really hope it goes over well, and I hope most of all that my fans appreciate it. Thanks for your support. I can't wait for this exciting year! Fondly, Evan Lysacek [TOP]

	July 1, 2005 Dear Fans, It was only when my schedule got overbooked that I actually sat down with a calendar and realized that it is already July. Time must really fly when you're having a blast! That's exactly what this spring has been for me. After numerous show appearances and some awesome celebrity events, as well as the planning of a book and television show, it's time to get down to business. As I look to next season, I am faced with the difficult task of choosing music. My team (Frank, Ken, Oleg, and my Family) and I have some promising ideas, but I want to make sure that whatever program I choose will be exciting and satisfying for the audience. In the transitional phase that skating is in right now, I think it's very important to respect that spectators, and they want a show. I hope that we can produce a program that will enjoyable for all of my fans. The "Time for Heroes" event, sponsored by Target, was such an exciting event for me to participate in. Held on a beautiful day in Brentwood, CA, the event appeared to be a huge, but quite fancy carnival. The difference was that all proceeds from this carnival benefited the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS foundation. Being one of the celebrity "heroes," my job was to work at a carnival booth. I worked the rubber ducky dash with Matthew Perry, star of NBC's Friends. I had the funnest job imaginable... to play with cool kids and fun parents all day. The events was catered by the finest of restaurants hear in LA. Activities included everything from a temporary tattoo gallery to a massage station and some classics like the good old dunk tank. I great day of fun, food, and sun was wrapped up with speeches by some victims that are helped by the foundation and then a concert from Michelle Branch. What an awesome day and an amazing charity. I was honored to take part in it. Thank you so much for your support. Have a great summer. Fondly, Evan Lysacek [TOP]

	March 26, 2005 Dear Fans, Wow! I am amazed at how quickly this season has flown by. It seems like just yesterday I was writing to mark the end of the summer and start of this season. There hasn't been a dull moment since then. The early competitions were difficult because of my lack of preparation time due to my hip stress fracture. With each event, I gained strength and momentum. By Christmas time, the doctor had given me the go ahead to train at one hundred percent. I knew that I wanted to be totally ready for the U.S. Championships. Portland was an incredible experience for me. Getting on the podium at Nationals has been such a huge goal of mine for so many years. I had an incredible support system which made the experience so memorable. I decided to compete in the Four Continents Championships a couple weeks later. I wanted to practice competing under the new Code of Points judging system. I had really wanted to debut my quad toe at that event, however some boot problems and illness prevented that. It was still a great learning experience, and it was a huge win for me. It gave me a lot of motivation to go home and get ready for Worlds. Worlds was incredible! I was so thrilled that my parents could be there to experience it with me. Moscow was a great host city. My parents and I were able to get out and see many of the sites and eat at wonderful restaurants. Skating at my first Worlds is something I will never forget. My mindset going in was just to try and learn as much as I could this year before the Olympic season. I went in looking to have a great time. I knew I was trained, so I was able to just relax and perform. Winning a bronze medal just made it the perfect competition for me. It was so exciting and has already advanced my career so much. I appreciate all of your support so much and can't wait until next season. Sincerely, Evan Lysacek [TOP]

	July 6, 2004 Dear Fans, I hope that you are all enjoying an outstanding summer. My training has been halted, at least for the next couple of weeks due to a re-occurring stress fracture in my hip. I have many goals for this year and it is very disappointing to have to sit on the bench. I am currently doing a vigorous rehabilitation program. I hope to be back to top form by next month. I just attended a seminar in Chicago regarding the new judging system. My coach, Frank Carroll, and I have been working on new inventive moves. I am always amazed at what a genius Mr. Carroll is. He is the most knowledgeable, caring, and honest person in skating. I feel so lucky to be training with him. My other coach, Ken Congemi, and I are hoping to get some quad attempts in at this year's DuPage Open. DuPage FSC is my home club and I can't wait to participate in their great event this year. That's all the news I have for now. I have to thank you all for your continued support throughout the year. This past season was a very successful season for me, and I appreciate the outpouring of kindness and encouragement. Watch for me at Skate America, my first event of the season. Fondly, Evan Lysacek [TOP]

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