Looking Ahead

In his eighth senior season, Pennington looks to set personal bests

One of the 'best performances' of his career at 2007 Finlandia could lay groundwork

By Jamie M. Blanchard

Parker Pennington finished 11th at the 2008 U.S. Championships but has been as high as sixth in the senior men's event

(July 1, 2008) — Parker Pennington is not short on accomplishments. He is a successful philanthropist as well as a four-time U.S. Champion with wins at the juvenile (1996), intermediate (1997) novice (1998) and junior (2001) levels.

But despite early success in the sport, which also includes national silver and bronze medals as a junior man, Pennington is waiting for his breakthrough at the senior level.

He placed 13th in his senior debut at the 2002 U.S. Championships before skating to a personal best sixth place at the event in 2003. After withdrawing from the event because of an illness in 2004, he recorded 16th, ninth, seventh and 11th place finishes at nationals.

Pennington, 23, is hoping to turn his career around as he embarks on his eighth season at the senior level. One of his top goals is to set a personal best mark for the first time by competing at an International Skating Union competition.

Internationally, he won silver medals at 2007 Finlandia Trophy and the 2006 Nebelhorn Trophy — two events that the ISU does not award personal best scores at. Pennington also won about a dozen international medals at junior competitions scored under the previous judging system.

In pursuit of bettering his skating, Pennington left the Broadmoor Skating Club in May 2007. He relocated from Colorado Springs, Colo., to train with Audrey Weisiger, along with Chris Conte, Ross Lansel, and Nick Perna in Fairfax, Va., where he remains today.

Following a successful benefit show that Pennington produced, he sat down with Figure Skaters Online to answer questions from his fans. The show, which included former Olympians and World team members, raised $20,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

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Jamie (Arizona, USA): What are your thoughts on the past season?
Parker: This past season was a learning experience for me. I had some good performances throughout the year that I will look back highly upon. My long performance at the Finlandia Trophy was one of my best performances of my career and that night will be a night I will never forget.

Anonymous (California, USA): Parker, you moved from Colorado to train in Virginia. How did your skating change from the beginning of the season to the end? Are you close to where you want to be?
Parker: I felt like I had ups and downs throughout the season and I never really quite found a comfort zone. I feel like my skating is still developing and I have a lot more I would like to achieve. I honestly believe things happen for a reason. So, hopefully I will gain something from this past season that will prove to be useful for me in the future.

Carlee (Colorado, USA): Parker, we miss you in Colorado. It seems like all your main competitors, especially Evan Lysacek and Johnny Weir, can talk about is the eternal question. To quad or not to quad? What are your thoughts on including the jump in your future short and free?
Parker: I can say that if you can do it, it is worth the gamble. I would like to do one. I feel like in the end, no matter the results, I want to say I gave it everything I had.

Aubrey (Minnesota, USA): What are your goals for the next season? Parker, I also wanted to add that I was so excited to meet you during the autograph signing at nationals this year. Thanks so much for doing something like that! It made my first nationals memorable for sure.
Parker: Well, I am glad you had a memorable Nationals experience. My personal goals for this next season are something I am keeping between myself and my coach. I can tell you though that I would like to grow and improve all around as a skater. And I will push my capabilities to the max, as always.

Chris (Illinois, USA): Parker, your Web site says that you are really into cooking. What "ingredients" do you need to have a good run in the 2008-2009 season?
Parker: I feel like for me to have a successful run this next season I just need to be myself and enjoy the ride. Having the right support system will help guide me to my goals.

Cathy (New Jersey, USA): What are some of your goals heading into the 2010 Olympics?
Parker: I would like to continue to improve my skating in every facet and I would like to have personal best scores.

Maria (Virginia, USA): You have an amazing international competitive record, but you still don't have an ISU personal best on record. Do you think the way personal bests are calculated should be changed?
Parker: It is what it is. Everything is constantly changing, so it is very possible that it could be changed, but I don't really have an opinion on it either way.

Mike (Alabama, USA): Parker, can you tell us a little bit about what you wanted to accomplish you’re your 2007-2008 programs? What was it like working with Nikolai this year?
Parker: It was great working with Nikolai. He really helped me see how great skating is done. I felt I expanded my knowledge of skating skills by working with him, and it was reflected more so in my skating this past year.

Mary (Michigan, USA): What inspired you to a career in figure skating?
Parker: From the minute I stepped on to the ice, I knew it was what I wanted. No person in particular inspired me to be a skater, other than myself. I just loved the freedom I felt when skating.

Brynn (Colorado, USA): Who are the skaters that you look up to the most?
Parker: Scott Hamilton for his perseverance. He has a true passion for the sport, and he is easy to respect. He his such a great role model not just for figure skaters, but anyone who is passionate about anything.

Mary Lou (USA): Parker, I have a great feeling that 2008-2009 is going to be your year. But if you could have the career of any other skater, who would you choose? Good luck—even though I know you don’t need any luck. You just need to be Parker.
Parker: I wouldn't choose to be anyone other than myself. I have gone through things that I feel will only make me stronger as a skater and a person in the end.

Leah (Colorado, USA): Your parents have supported two skaters, could you elaborate how their sacrifices have influenced your skating?
Parker: I certainly wouldn't be able to skate if it weren't for them. They are my true inspirations. They have supported me throughout my career and for that I am very grateful.

Linda (USA): Now that you have moved to the east coast, how often do you get to see your family?
Parker: I have driven to Connecticut several times to see them, and will continue to try to get back to my hometown as much as possible. I really enjoy spending time with them. It is just trying to find time in my schedule to get back there.

Jana (Colorado, USA): Is your younger brother Colin still skating?
Parker: Yes, he is still skating. He has battled a lot of injuries the last couple of years, but he is planning on making a healthy return to skating this season.

Leah (Colorado, USA): Your biography states if you couldn’t skate, you would be a dancer. What style of dance interests you?
Parker: My favorite style of dance is modern. I also enjoy jazz.

Mary (Michigan, USA): What do you want to do after skating?
Parker: There are a lot of things I am interested. I really enjoy coaching, doing artwork, producing skating shows and even psychology. I have a broad range of things I am interested in and I am just starting to touch the surface of those things right now.

Leah (Colorado, USA): Parker, would you talk about the volunteer work you do for Special Olympics? Can you tell us a little bit about your work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the other charity things that you do?
Parker: I taught special Olympics for about eight years in Lakewood, Ohio. I have done Skate for Hope in Columbus, Ohio for the past four years. Skate for Hope supports breast cancer. And, now I have done the very first skating show for Muscular Dystrophy. I love being able to help others and it has really helped me be able to put things in perspective.

John (Texas, USA): What do you do for fun?
Parker: I enjoy spending time with my friends, cooking, doing artwork, seeing movies, playing tennis and ping pong.

Ericka (Illinois, USA): I read that you like to cook. What is your favorite thing to make? What are some of your favorite recipes?
Parker: My favorite recipe is maple pecan encrusted salmon. I also make East meets West Pork Tenderloin that is to die for.

Linda (USA): What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Parker: Perseverant, caring and energetic.

Jamie (Arizona, USA): Parker, thank you for sitting down with Figure Skaters Online to answer questions from your fans. Is there anything that you wanted to add?
Parker: Thank you for the questions everyone.

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For more information on Parker Pennington, visit his official Web site Parker Pennington Online at www.figureskatersonline.com/parkerpennington/.

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