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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Passport To Gold 2010

The Inner Sanctum

S-R photographer Kathy Plonka and I got to go "backstage" in the Arena where the skaters hang out in a special lounge and where there's a medical room. The only people usually allowed back there are skaters, coaches, parents and other support staff for the skaters.

We got back there to do a story on the medical room where health care providers look after the skaters. As we walked by the skater entrance to the Arena, a skater was waiting to get on. Her coach stood near by. They both looked extremely tense.

The skater's coach saw me, saw Kathy and her cameras, and literally said "Shoo" and waved wildly at the small space between us and them.

I laughed, a nervous kind of laugh, because I didn't know if we had violated some etiquette without knowing it. He scowled and looked away.

I saw him later in the "kiss and cry" area with the skater. He didn't look too happy there, either. 



2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championships