Jean-François Ballester has passed away

[skatesindreams]

What a loss to his family, friends, and sport.
His contributions will be remembered.

RIP

 

[Sylvia]

A selection of skater tributes:

teammayervirtanen (Valtter V. & Alina M.): https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq-mlUBHdoq/

Miriam Ziegler: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq8SmU9hiZR/

Gabriella Papadakis: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq8LEvWh8m2/

Alexa Knierim (6 photos from this past summer in Switzerland): https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq8EzoHAZFi/

 

[Miezekatze]

Very sad

 

[Alvyne]

Wrong thread

 

[kaheru66]

I was very shocked and felt so sad... :-(
RIP

 

[skatingguy]

[B]Aljona Savchenko[/B]‏ @[B]aljona1984[/B]
FollowingFollowing @aljona1984
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You believed, You trusted, You loved, You gave us your positive energy, You always made us smile, You helped us to reach our dreams... You were such a selfless, positive, happy and caring man _ Thank you, Jeff. We will always love you _ Rest in Peace
https://twitter.com/aljona1984/status/1071126261362278401

 

[cocotaffy]

Extremely moving tribute from Bruno Massot, I was thinking about him and how hard it must be as they were so close. It is in French https://www.instagram.com/p/BrNGLYrHRln/

 

[libecha]

That last line is a bit concerning. He promises to take care of himself because he knows JF wouldn’t want him to do anything?

 

[Gil-Galad]

That is so moving. I wish him lots of strength.

 

[annie_mg]

That last line is a bit concerning. He promises to take care of himself because he knows JF wouldn’t want him to do anything?

In French that doesn't mean that he would do something bad. Bruno is just saying that JFB would want him to do well/be well.

 

[libecha]

In French that doesn't mean that he would do something bad. Bruno is just saying that JFB would want him to do well/be well.

Ohhhh, I saw it on Facebook and thought he’d written in English, the translate button wasn’t visible. The whole post is extremely depressing anyway, but that’s better.

 

[MsZem]

That was a beautiful tribute from Bruno. You can sense how hard it was for him to write it and how much Jeff meant to him. I'm glad they were able to achieve their Olympic dream together.

 

[aftershocks]

I've been so saddened to hear this news. While I didn't know a lot about Jean-Francois (Jeff) Ballester, he's been so noticeable in the kiss 'n cry in recent years. He always seemed a happy, supportive, positive person. What a huge loss for those who knew and love him. My thoughts are with those grieving his sudden tragic loss. I hope fond memories of times spent with their dear friend/close relative will sustain them going forward. My prayers to Jean-Francois' family and to Bruno Massot.

 

[reut]

Today, we have decided to continue with our shows.
We are still hurting, and will continue to hurt. However we want to do this for you, Jeff. We will continue to skate to our Free program ‘La Terre vue du Ciel’ because it would be what you would have wanted.
Jeff proposed our Free program music and helped us to create this beautiful program. Every time we skate to our program he will be there skating beside us and watching over us from above.
We love you, Jeff. We will stay strong for you and for those who knew and loved you.
You will continue to live on through everybody that knew you for the passionate, caring, and beautiful person you were.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrUnXgrlNrB/

 

[libecha]

From after the show

Rechausser les patins sans mon entraîneur est l’épreuve la plus difficile que j’ai eu à traverser.. ? Jeff

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrVuDJqHkpH/

 

[nimi]

Watching Euros, I'm rooting extra hard for JFB's skaters who are there without him by their side...

Laurine Lecavelier seems to be coping well, though, considering the circumstances (she had Joubert with her in k&c but I don't know if he's her actual coach for the time being):
"I thought I wasn't going to be able to compete, but here I am and I am pleased."
https://twitter.com/ISU_Figure/status/1088070852451667971

Miriam Ziegler posted this message on her IG:

Throwing it back to Europeans one year ago when my world was still ok. I didn‘t imagine skating today would be so hard without JF by our side. I want to thank our coach Knut Schubert, @ju_icy87 and @carinilein_ and of course my better half @severin_kiefer for being there for me today! I don‘t know how I would be able to get through this competition without all their support . I can‘t promise anything for tomorrow except that I will give my very best.

And Severin posted this on his IG:

While we appreciate your messages of consolation after our program tonight, we’d like to let you know that our emotions at the end of our program had nothing to do with our performance, but with the fact that we couldn’t share this moment with our friend Jeff. We appreciate all of your support and also want to thank my sister Julia for being there for us in his place tonight.

*hugs*

 

[aftershocks]

That had to be tough for Miriam and Severin. I had a strong feeling that Miriam's sobbing in that way was not really about the fall in their program. She came down a bit off on her edge and tumbled. It was surely hard for her to keep things together carrying such a heavy sadness in knowing Jeff was not at rinkside cheering them on.

I hope Z/K both are able to dig deep and skate their fp strong in all their memories of Jeff, and in knowing he's still with them in spirit, lifting them up.

 

[tony]

That had to be tough for Miriam and Severin. I had a strong feeling that Miriam's sobbing in that way was not really about the fall in their program. She came down a bit off on her edge and tumbled. It was surely hard for her to keep things together carrying such a heavy sadness in knowing Jeff was not at rinkside cheering them on.

I hope Z/K both are able to dig deep and skate their fp strong in all their memories of Jeff, and in knowing he's still with them in spirit, lifting them up.

They've WD.

 

[aftershocks]

They've WD.

Awww, I'm sorry to hear that. Wishing them well. I hope it's not an injury involved.

Being heartbroken and trying to perform is surely difficult to muster. It's different for everyone.

 

[sus2850]

No, no injury. They mentioned on their Instagram that it was too hard for them to skate because they feel not ready after their coach‘s death.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtA29vzBOUw/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=taou01v50ip8

 

[russell30]

Laurine skated really well, the DIVA that she is!!