The pairs' short program kicks off this evening. This event has been dominated by Russia & the former Soviet Union. Since Torino, there has not been a dominating Russian team. The World Championship podium has included a Russian pair here and there, but the winners have come from China and Germany.
European Championship Pairs Podium
AP
Kavaguti & Smirnoff skated into the European Championship and left with a golden ticket to Vancouver. They represent the artistic, circus-artist side of Russian skating which generally stems from training in St. Petersburg. Mukhortova & Trankov represent the more powerful, athletic Moscow school of skating. This team has had its ups and downs in their relationship, let's hope they can come together competing on a Valentines's Day.
Chinese Outlook:
China has been the most serious threat to Russia's pairs dominance since the turn of the century. They have never claimed gold, but Shen & Zhao have taken the bronze in the past two Olympics. They retired in 2007, but came back for one more try. They also have two other pairs to watch: Pang & Tong and the Zhangs.
German Outlook:
Savchenko & Szolkowy are the two time defending world champions. They've had a wacky season. After a poor showing at Trophee Eric Bompard they changed their free skate to music from Out of Africa which was well received the rest of the season. They bobbled at Europeans however.
Honorable Mentions:
Canada has the home crowd advantage and Dube & Davison have a sweet freeskate to The Way We Were. It will send memories of Sale & Pelletier's Love Story through the crowd. They've medaled at worlds and you can never count out a team with home field advantage.
The US is sending two pairs, Denney & Barrett and Evora & Ladwig. NBC has been trumping the relationship between the two competitive teams, Jeremy Barrett is dating Amanda Evora. I'm sure it's hard to compete on the Olympics against your significant other of Valentine's Day.
Great Posts on Pairs:
Aaron's thoughts: Axels, Loops, and Spins - Pairs Preview
Kelli's thoughts: State of the Skate - Every Four Year Fan's Guide
Susan's thoughts: Lifeskate - Predictions and Start Order
NBC Olympics: Shen/Zhao Search For Pairs Gold
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