A transcript courtesy of merribari
Moderator: You have joined the teleconference featuring Evan Lysacek, the 2010 Olympic Champion. As you now he was scheduled to compete at this week’s Skate America. Unfortunately he has re-aggravated an injury that will keep him off the ice through the event. Evan, can you discuss your feelings and plans as you move forward through the season?
Evan: Sure. First, thank you for the introduction and thank you to everyone for joining us. I’m obviously very disappointed that I won’t be competing this week . The anticipation has been building for my return to competition. I’ve been excited and looking forward to it. Things were going really well in my own preparation for Skate America. Unfortunately over the summer I did have an injury to my right groin and was on the best track to full recovery. Re-aggravation has caused the doctor to recommend that I pause training for the next little while. He has assured me that the injury is not serious. I’ll be back to training as soon as possible, but it will preclude me from training this week and participating in Skate America. Sorry to say I won’t be there but wish the Americans and other competitors the best of luck. I look forward to rejoining Team USA and competing as near in the future as possible.
Moderator: Open the line to questions for the next 5 – 7 minutes in the order received.
Justin (Kyoto News): Do you have any impression of Hanyu as your competition – would’ve been at Skate America – and for the future?
Evan: It’s a great field of men’s competitors right now. I’m trying to keep up with the men as closely as possible. I just actually watched [couldn’t hear where because of background noise] to make sure I’m as competitive as possible. I’m working on new elements and have more in my repertoire than ever before. My comeback goal was to not only regain the form that I had in Vancouver but to surpass it in as many ways as possible.
Justin: Any specific impressions of Hanyu as a skater?
Evan: As I said, I’ve watched as many of the men as possible but don’t have any comments on any particular skaters at this time. I do want to say I’m really impressed with the power of the field right now.
[Moderator then asked if somebody was outside and if so, would they please mute their line. Then continued with the next question: ]
Sarah: Before aggravating the injury, can you tell us about a typical training day?
Evan: Absolutely! Part of my training had become recovering from injury – starting w/1-2 hours of warm-ups and physical therapy; working on hip and core strength and trying to re-introduce as many exercises to the aggravated area in the morning so things were really firing properly. At the rink, times were a bit shorter because I was trying my best to be cautious. So spent 2-3 hours on ice taking breaks so the driver could make ice. Then back to in the evening 4 days a week for typical gym work outs; weight training, calesthentics, so you know my training day was pretty full. This is my full time job so training is my #1 priority, but now since the injury it includes a bit more conditioning in addition to the other training.
Q (unknown): What are your thoughts on another GP assignment – or is Nationals in January the more likely scenario?
Evan: Well, my mind has obviously been racing since having to withdraw from Skate America. I’d love another practice event before US Championships in January so I’ve asked USFS to please work on find a possible assignment for me internationally later in this calendar year prior to US Championships so I know they are working diligently on finding another assignment for me. As far as I know it won’t be another Grand Prix event but there are several other international events that occur outside the Grand Prix and hopefully one of those will work with my schedule, USFS schedule, and I’ll be able to get a practice event in and also get that minimum qualifying score that ISU requires now to be a qualifying athlete for the World Championships.
Mark: Specifically, how serious is the injury and how long to you intend to be out and how much of a setback is this for you?
Evan: Well, some of those questions I’ve been asking myself. Actually saw the doctors this morning. The initial injury was a pretty serious setback. I was off the ice away from training this summer. The re-aggravation I’ve been assured by my team of doctors that it’s not a serious setback, but we need to take every precaution . . . so I’m hoping it’s not a long
rest period away from training off the ice. As far as my own interpretation of events strictly, I’m feeling a bit better already today than I did yesterday, and I’ve had some physical therapy and been worked on today so hopefully that’s helping to speed up the recovery process.
Lynn: Where are you training for the most part and who are your coaches?
Evan: A couple of different rinks in California. I’m having to work with a slightly different training situation that I had going into Vancouver but it’s working really well. I’m still skating at Toyota Sports Center which was my home base leading into Vancouver. And I’m skating at Artesia East West Ice Palace, he rink owned and managed by the Kwan family. I’m there almost every day, and I’m with Frank at a couple of different rinks. He comes up to Artesia and also we meet at a rink in Ontario, CA which is about half-way for both of us.
I’m working with Karen Kwan and with Frank Carroll, as always. Because I have my own schedule to manage in addition to the two of theirs, we don’t work the same exact days every week. We have to try to find a away to make it work – and that has been an adjustment for me, but it’s going really well. I’m fortunate to have such a strong team willing to accommodate my schedule and keep my training a #1 priority for all of us.
Moderator: Last question will be form Sondra if you have anything.
Sondra: Yes. Do you have any thoughts on your competitors – Johnny Weir, your Olympic teammate, also coming back this year.
Evan: I have seen – I mean I can’t confirm this, but I have heard Evgeny Plushekno is planning to come back. I see Johnny is back, and I’m just impressed that the career of Pluskenko has lasted as long as it has. I’m impressed with Johnny that he’s dedicated himself to coming back. I’m experiencing the same emotions and challenges, triumphs as those guys. Because of advancements in sports diet, sports medicine,, better awareness in education in all sports about training, preparation and conditioning – athletes are experiencing longevity like never before – at least in figure skating like never before so I think it’s really encouraging. I’m happy to see some of my old team-mates – that’s the wrong choice of words – but some of the team mates I’ve competed with for many years are still at it. I think that’s really cool.
Moderator: All right – thank you everybody. Evan, is there anything you’d like to add before we wrap up?
[At this point, someone tried to ask another question and the moderator had to stop her with an apology that there wasn’t time for any more questions]
Evan: No – I’m just going to say thank you all for joining the call. It’s nice to hear your voices. I look forward to seeing you all back in the skating scene as soon as possible.
Moderator: Thank you Evan and thank you everybody.