Triple axels, double twists and face plants were all highlights of the 2001 World Figure Skating Championships held in Vancouver, Canada. The big medal winners were the Russians, Americans and Canadians.
The Guyz
18-year-old Evgeni Plushenko of Russia won the gold in the men's event. He landed eight triple jumps while skating to the music from Mortal Kombat. Plushenko's team mate from Russia, Alexei Yagudin took home a silver medal. He had fallen during the qualifying round earlier in the week - but the judges still gave him good marks. That could have been because he was skating to the music of Gladiator, so the judges may have thought Alexei really was a gladiator who would hunt them down and kill them if he wasn't given good marks. The bronze went to American, Todd Eldredge, who probably should've won the silver medal. He skated really well and landed 8 triple jumps. Canada's Elvis Stojko, who has won numerous Worlds, ate ice so many times it was painful to watch. He ended up tenth.
The Girlz
American Michelle Kwan broke her streak of winning the gold only in even numbered years. She narrowly won her fourth World Championship over her friend and rival from Russia, Irina Slutskaya. Third place went to 15-year-old Sarah Hughes from the United States.
The Pairs
Canadians Jamie Sale and David Pelletier did the host country proud and won gold. It was finally some good news for the couple. Last month their house burnt down, someone stole their car, and Jamie burnt her hand while making coffee. Hopefully this is only the beginning of a streak of good luck.
Ice Dancing
Poli and Margaglio led the way in the ice dancing event. Just behind the Italians were dancers from France and Russia.
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