Oleg and Ludmilla Protopopov

[maureenfarone]

Thanks for the link to the Protopopovs pictures. I remember them from the late 1960's and the Winter Olympics in 1968. They had such beautiful flow, edges and unison. They were a delight to watch.

[FSWer]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/3390546218/

I found this. I think this is when they stared.



Yes yes, it's a typical Ozzisk8tr post...

Is that Lamilla and Orgo?

[maureenfarone]

Is that Lamilla and Orgo?

No, that is an old photograph from about 1915 showing a Mr. and Mrs. Hobson on ice skates. He was a Congressman from Alabama for a few years.
I think it just an example of an "old" photograph.

[Sylvia]

I'm posting the links to these 2 post-event articles here instead of in the earlier thread I started: Protopopovs to be honored in Sept. 3rd Lake Placid show by Selezneva/Makarov, Button (http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/showthread.php?t=79857)

Adirondack Daily Enterprise article (Sept. 6, 2011) - includes a photo of them on the ice: A fitting tribute: Lake Placid honors two-time gold medalists Oleg and Ludmila Protopopov (http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/526429/A-fitting-tribute.html?nav=5010)

As much respect as Button has for the Protopopovs, they have an equal amount of respect and admiration for him.

"Mr. Button was my idol when I was a boy," Oleg Protopopov said. "My mother brought me an American magazine with Mr. Button on the cover and I couldn't believe how well he extended and pointed his toes in the split jump position."

Oleg Protopopov added, "My mother said, 'you must be a better skater than him someday,' and it never happened."

Button replied that it did, and that they were an inspiration.

"After seeing the Protopopovs skate, I realized what beautiful form and quality truly meant," Button said.

Adirondack Almanack article (Sept. 6, 2011): Button, Protopov Reunite at Tribute (http://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2011/09/protopopovs-dick-button-reunite-at.html)

The Protopopovs defected from the Soviet Union in 1979, becoming citizens of Switzerland. They divide their time between Switzerland, their winter home, and Lake Placid, where they skate from June until October in the Olympic Center.

Their eventual landing in Lake Placid was very sudden. In 1997, the Protopopovs found themselves in the Olympic town after being told of the excellent facilities.

“Our friends were telling us, ‘you must go to Lake Placid, they have beautiful ice arenas’”, said Ludmila Protopopov. “We also wanted to learn from Gus Lussi, who was coaching there. Unfortunately, he had passed away, but when we came to Lake Placid we stayed forever”.
...
Even after Oleg’s stroke in 2009, they continued skating. Only a few weeks after his stroke, the Protopopovs were seen at the rink, Ludmila Protopopov patiently helping Oleg to re-learn how to skate. Skating served as his rehabilitation, and the Protopopovs were well practiced enough to perform a short exhibition performance in the tribute show on September 3rd.

Why do they continue skating? Certainly the Protopopovs are legends, and can retire if they chose. When asked why they continue to skate, Ludmila stated it succinctly:

“I love the music, the flow. Skating is our life”.