NBC Calgary 88

[BaileyCatts]

I've always wondered .... would Kat really not been allowed to skate professionally or leave East Germany again if she had not won that second Gold in 1988? Would the government really not let her out of the country again? I mean as popular as she was, even if she didn't win Gold again, even promoting her and allow her to tour for the purposes of propaganda?

 

[NoStefaniaNo]

I finally saw this yesterday and really enjoyed it. It was a trip seeing the non-competition footage from '88 and the newer interviews with the skaters and coaches were quite fascinating.

 

[Sylvia]

Calgary '88 is scheduled to be rebroadcast on NBCSN today (Sunday) from 1-2 pm Eastern.

 

[ChelleC]

Calgary '88 is scheduled to be rebroadcast on NBCSN today (Sunday) from 1-2 pm Eastern.

It's starting right now.

 

[Karina1974]

I've always wondered .... would Kat really not been allowed to skate professionally or leave East Germany again if she had not won that second Gold in 1988? Would the government really not let her out of the country again? I mean as popular as she was, even if she didn't win Gold again, even promoting her and allow her to tour for the purposes of propaganda?

They go into it more thoroughly in ESPN's "The Diplomat" but, yes, exactly. Jutta Muller's daughter was denied the opportunity of having a pro career a la Peggy Fleming, and Jutta appealed to the PTB on Kat's behalf so that wouldn't happen to her too. Kat gets really emotional talking about that.

 

[skatesindreams]

They go into it more thoroughly in ESPN's "The Diplomat" but, yes, exactly. Jutta Muller's daughter was denied the opportunity of having a pro career a la Peggy Fleming

"Jutta Mueller's Daughter" was World Champion Gabrielle Seyfert.
The East Germans were so afraid of defections that they made all kinds of threats, which they often acted upon; not to mention "spying" on competitors, in many cases.
It was awful.

 

[Integrity]

I've really enjoyed watching the 1988 and (just now) the 1968 retrospectives. Both Brians are still emotional talking about the competition. At the time, I did not care for Katarina. I've long since changed my mind. I loved her Sarajevo program in 1994.

The 1968 documentary was different than the Calgary show. It was heavily focused on the political unrest at the time. Women's gymnastics sure has changed a lot - but it was 50 years ago.

 

[skategal]

I thought I heard them say Brian O.'s skaters have won 4 Gold Medals?? Yuna (1), Yuzuru (2) .... who is the other one for 4 Gold Medals? Or did I not hear that correctly.

Gabby Daleman Gold medal in Team event I think is what they were referring to.

 

[manhn]

Gabby Daleman Gold medal in Team event I think is what they were referring to.

Of course! I wonder how older skaters feels about their team event chances. I think Brian would think it would be wonderful to have shared that team experience with the late but great Rob McCall.

 

[paskatefan]

It was really interesting & well done! Thanks for the heads up on this one!

 

[brennele]

One thing I have noticed is that many programs are repeated on Youtube. I don't know whether this one is now or will be but I always find it useful to check Youtube if there is something I have missed. I really enjoyed the Calgary 88 thing. I was alive and watching FS at the time - had more time to do so in 88 than I do now so it brought back a whole lot of great memories. It was well worth the watch.

 

[icie]

I think all of the medalist went on to compete at 1988 Worlds. We don't see that now.

 

[Sylvia]

Bumping this thread back up FOUR years later because this documentary currently is available to stream on Peacock.

 

[Taso]

I think all of the medalist went on to compete at 1988 Worlds. We don't see that now.

With all the exact same placements except in Pairs