Ice Scating: Lipinski to turn professional two decks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE American figure skater Tara Lipinski, at 15 the youngest individual Olympic gold medalist the sport has known, has announced that she is leaving amateur competition for the professional ranks.
In a television interview she said: "It's for one major reason, I think. I really miss being home with my dad, and I realized after Nagano how important it is to me to be with my mom and dad and be all together."
For the last three years Lipinski lived with her mother in Michigan in order to train with Detroit Skating Club coach Richard Callaghan while her father remained at the family home in Sugar Land, Texas.
Lipinski, the youngest-ever US national, world and Olympic women's champion will be the youngest pro skater on the circuit. She becomes 16 on June 10.
She is expected to make her pro debut on 24 April in Charleston, South Carolina. Lipinski then will not be eligible for events such as the the World Championships and Olympic Games which, for skaters, now only accept amateurs after a brief flirtation with professionals, who were allowed into the Lillehammer Games in 1994.
After winning the Olympic gold medal in Nagano in February, the 1997 US and world champion pulled out of last week's World Championships in Minneapolis, leaving the stage vacant for her rival Michelle Kwan.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments