Whistler British Columbia Canada

Lambiel is a competent skater who is often placing at the Grand prix events of the ISU due to a dearth of other skaters missing events, not getting the nomination, or being assigned elsewhere. There is a pastiche quality to his routines and choreography, and a boyish aura about his skating that will clash with the seriousness and focus of the other skaters in Vancouver. Lambiel appeals, but the end result is some skilled spinning, some acrobatic jumps, and interesting choreography.

Lambiel lacks core artistry in a consistency but performs with a zest that thrills audiences.Like Joubert, his showmanship can please. His skating has an element of immaturity in it compared to other senior skaters that will become evident in side by side evaluation. Yet Lambiel claims many world titles and returns from a 2008 retirement (at 23) for the Olympics in Vancouver. The continuity of stylistic expression among these senior men’s skaters makes the jumps and the associated points that much more critical.

Born in 1985, Lambiel is a native of Martigny, Switzerland and has trained in Saxon and all over the world. His multilingual abilities and education make him a more realized individual than some of the strictured atheltes coming to Vancouver. Age eligible for senior skating competition since 2001, Stephane Lambiel is another who may be viewed as possibly outstaying his welcome. If Lambiel can best Plushenko, international skating fans might taste sweet revenge for Plushenko’s gold-grabbing return.

Lambiel enjoys a celebrated popularity in Europe, where his alternate spins and axel jumps are a marvel. Lambiel’s secret weapon is his quadruple toe loop jump and quad combination jump series. Plushenko and Lambiel are old rivals, and Victor Petrenko himself coached Lambiel. But Lambiel only won when Plushenko was absent or injured, and Lambiel himself has suffered burnout and injuries over his long career. A Swiss emblem of athleticism and culture through and through, Lambiel is sponsored by Ford Motor Company, among others.

Vancouver Olympics Placement Estimation:

Choreography aside, only massive injuries in the field for other skaters, critical errors made under pressure, and generous scoring will lead to Lambiel distinguishing himself in Vancouver. If Lambiel presents his infamous “Flamenco” number and lands all his quad jumps and completes alternate spins to add up scoring points, he could surprise everyone.

Dream Routine: A Dr. Doolittle sendup of “talk to the Animals”.

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