Au revoir KVDP! He calls it a career.

[manleywoman]

Despite all the haterz here who were not fans of his skating, I always loved watching him skate. He loved being there, was infectious as hell with his optimism, and dare I say he was nice to look at too?

Bye bye Kevin! And well done on your last performance!

[skatesindreams]

Thank you, Kevin.
What a wonderful LP it was; a fitting end to a great career!

[nubka]

I've always liked him, too.

Good luck, Kevin!

[MikiAndoFan#1]

Kevin's breathtaking quads and 3+3+3 combinations will be missed! I wish him the best of luck!

[skatesindreams]

double post.

[Moka-Ananas]

I have also always liked him
His Robin Hood and Pirates of the Caribbean programs will always remain in my memory.

Thank you Kevin and good luck as a coach

[overedge]

I won't believe he's retiring until I don't see him at competitions next year

[professordeb]

Awwwww, dang it all. Why did he have to go and age? I truly got on his bandwagon after the first time I saw him -- and I can't recall how long ago that was. Such an enthusiastic skater with little political clout behind him but it seemed he just kept going ... much like the little engine that could. As much as he has been maligned here, he will always hold a special spot in my heart as he pulled off those triple/triple/triple combos. It was a good time, Kevin. Thanks for some memorable moments. Enjoy your life with the Mrs. and here's to maybe seeing some little VDP in the future?

[The Accordion]

I love this!

Question:
How did you absorb components then?

Van der Perren: I never did! Not that I did not want or understand, but I simply was not capable! I can do jumps without components, or I can do components without the jumps, but I cannot do both at the same time.

[genevieve]

Enjoyable interview! I appreciate his frankness.

Icenetwork.com: How did you absorb components then?

Van der Perren: I never did! Not that I did not want or understand, but I simply was not capable! I can do jumps without components, or I can do components without the jumps, but I cannot do both at the same time.

You know, my first skating lesson was to learn a waltz jump, not a step! I never had strong bases to skate. I knew how to land a triple Axel before I even was aware of what a rocker and a counter were! That is just deadly to the best skater.

[snip].....Today, there is so much attention given to components. The best skater can miss his jumps, he still gets high components. The athletic aspect of the sport has decreased significantly. This was especially true just a few years ago in the ladies competition. One girl could win with only three triples. It was unbelievable!

Actually, I am glad I do not pay to see a skating event, because I would not come otherwise. What I love in skating is jumps and combinations.

(emphasis mine)

but it's all consistent with his skating style and a pretty accurate view of the changes in the sport from 6.0 to CoP.

[Beefcake]

Props to Kevin for truly knowing who he is/was as a skater, and for seemingly not making a big wuzrobbed case on his way out.

I'll miss those buns the most.

[smurfy]

I always enjoyed Kevin. Seems like he was at many of the Skate Americas I attended. There are a few skaters that I enjoyed watching their jumps and he was one of them.
Will miss him and wish him well. And I always thought Jenna was a lucky girl!

[skipaway]

I'll miss KVP, I've always enjoyed his skating.

[ioana]

He's always been very honest and down-to-earth in all his interviews. One of his students (junior skater Eline Anthonissen) is already making very good progress under him, so I'm sure he'll be a great coach. Best of luck to him in the future!

[Rex]

Kevin's breathtaking quads

Yeah, and his jumps were nice too .

He wasn't the most artistic of skaters, but I appreciated his technical ability and his tenaciousness...and his cuteness. Bye Kevin.

[Lacey]

30, Kevin's an old man! He does not mention whether or not his wife will also be retiring, I think I read she wants to go to Sochi, but he talked about shows with her, but not her retiring, is he presently her coach, will he be her coach?

[Jessica]

I loved this interview. He was so honest.

Good luck Kevin.

[VALuvsMKwan]

Lucky Jenna. He seems like a really nice and honest guy. I appreciate him for what he could and did do. And, yes indeed, he was and is quite easy on the eyes (and referring to his swimming training, I would pay good money to see him in a Speedo).

Best of luck to them both.

[Aussie Willy]

I love this!

Question:
How did you absorb components then?

Van der Perren: I never did! Not that I did not want or understand, but I simply was not capable! I can do jumps without components, or I can do components without the jumps, but I cannot do both at the same time.

I love this answer!

[cailuj365]

Haha, I love his candor! Great interview! Wish him all the best.