- Sarah Meier (figure skater)
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Sarah Meier
Meier at the 2011 European ChampionshipsPersonal information Full name Sarah Meier Country represented Switzerland
Born May 4, 1984
BülachHeight 1.64 m (5 ft 5 in) Coach Eva Fehr
Mark PepperdayChoreographer Salome Brunner Former choreographer Tatiana Druchinina Skating club Bülacher Eislaufclub Retired January 2011 ISU personal best scores Combined total 171.88
2008 WorldsShort program 60.87
2006 EuropeansFree skate 113.00
2008 EuropeansMedal recordLadies' Figure Skating Competitor for Switzerland
European Championships Gold 2011 Bern Ladies' singles Silver 2008 Zagreb Ladies' singles Silver 2007 Warsaw Ladies' singles Grand Prix Final Bronze 2006–07 St. Peters.. Ladies' singles World Junior Championships Bronze 2000 Oberstdorf Ladies' singles Sarah Meier (born May 4, 1984 in Bülach, Switzerland) is a Swiss figure skater. She is the 2011 European champion, 2007 & 2008 European silver medalist, the 2006–2007 Grand Prix Final bronze medalist and an eight-time (2000–2001, 2003, 2005–2008, 2010) Swiss national champion.
Contents
Biography
Early career
Sarah Meier first stepped on the ice at the age of two years.[1] She liked it so much that her mother sent her to children's courses at the age of four. When Meier was five years old she began taking private lessons and soon started to compete. She landed her first double axel at the age of ten and performed her first triple lutz when she was twelve.[1] By the age of thirteen, she could land all of the triple jumps in practice. During the summers, there was no ice in her home town of Bulach so she moved around to Oberstdorf, Germany and Flims in Switzerland.[1]
Meier's family has been involved in skating and other ice sports for many years. Her mother is an international figure skating judge and her sister is involved in synchronized skating.[2][3] Her aunt, Eva Fehr, a former figure skater, was her coach.[1] Her father, uncle and two cousins are ice hockey players.
Meier made her first junior Grand Prix appearance in 1997, finishing 10th at JGP Slovakia. She continued to skate primarily in the junior ranks through the 1999–2000 season, when she won the bronze medal at Junior Worlds.
Senior career
In 2000-2001, Meier skated in both junior and senior events; she medalled in two JGP events, including a gold medal in the Czech Republic, and finished in 5th place at her second Europeans. She was 12th in her World Championship debut.
During the 2001–02 season, Meier twisted her left ankle and tore ligaments, resulting in the loss of three months of training.[1] She competed in few events that year and dropped out of the top ten at the Europeans. She was 13th in her first appearance at the Olympics. In 2002-3, she finished 5th and 7th in her two Gran Prix assignments and was only 19th at Worlds. Prior to the 2003–4 season, Meier developed tendonitis in her right foot due to new boots and was unable to train from July to December.[1] Consequently, she could only compete at the Europeans and Worlds, finishing 10th and 13th, respectively. She repeated her tenth place showing at the 2005 Europeans and dropped one spot at the 2005 Worlds.
Meier's 2005–6 season was more successful; she came in fourth at the Europeans, her best showing yet, and finished in the top eight at both the Olympics and the World Championships. She continued to move up the standings in 2006-7, winning the 2006 Cup of Russia and getting her first podium finish at the European Championships. Her silver medal was the first medal by a Swiss woman at the event since Denise Biellmann won in 1981. She won a second silver medal at the 2008 Europeans.
Meier competed in few events in her final three seasons due to a string of injuries.[4][5] She missed much of 2008–09 due to spinal disc herniation and muscle problems, although she was able to compete at the 2009 World Championships and earned an Olympic spot for Switzerland with her ninth place showing.[3][6] In 2009–10, she struggled with an Achilles tendon inflammation.[3] Meier withdrew from the 2009 NHK Trophy because she was unable to put too much pressure on her toe pick.[7] She finished 15th at the Olympics and failing to qualify for the free skate at the 2010 Worlds after a bad fall in the short program.
The many injuries Meier had suffered during the latter part of her career led her to consider retirement after the 2009–2010 season, but she eventually decided to remain in the eligible ranks for one last season, mainly in order to compete in her home country at the 2011 Europeans in Bern.[8] She damaged ligaments in her foot at the 2010 Skate Canada,[3] forcing her to withdraw from the event. The injury occurred on her favorite jump, the lutz, denting her confidence.[9] Forced to sit out the 2010–11 Grand Prix season and Swiss Nationals,[10] Meier announced prior to the Europeans that it would be her final competitive event. She finished third in the short program and second in the free skate, but her combined score was high enough to become European Champion.[11][10][12] She reaffirmed her decision to retire immediately following her win, calling it "the right moment to stop... the perfect ending."[9]
Post-competitive career
In May 2011, she announced that she would join Switzerland's "Art on Ice" Production as an executive for its talent team, responsible for talent scouting, looking after members of the team and working with parents, teachers, schools, team experts and Swiss Ice Skating. She is also be involved in finding sponsors for Swiss skating.[13][14]
Meier continues to skate as a pro skater, in shows and other events. She withdrew from the 2011 Japan Open due to swelling in her foot; the ligaments had not fully healed after the 2010 Skate Canada injury.[2]
Programs
Season Short program Free skating Exhibition 2010–2011 Samba Para Una Sola Nota
by Michel LegrandLove in the Time of Cholera
by Antonio PintoLa valse d'Amélie
by Yann Tiersen2009–2010 Samba & Brazilliance
by Steve StevensRomeo and Juliet Suite
by Nino Rota and Sergey ProkofievI Got Rhythm
by George Gershwin
Samba
by Michel Legrand2008–2009 Samba & Brazilliance
by Steve StevensYellow River Piano Concerto
by Yin Chengzong and Lang LangNext Plane Home
by Daniel Powter
La Valse D'Amelie
from Amelie
by Yann Tiersen2007–2008 Children's Ward
from Patch Adams
by Mark ShaimanLa Folia In Black & Red Autumn
by Tokuhide Nimi"Memory" from Cats
by Joe Hisaishi
A Love Like Tides
by Lovebugs2006–2007 Concierto de Aranjuez & Concierto Andaluz
by Joaquín RodrigoGeorgiana
from Pride and Prejudice
by Dario Marianelli
The Rain from Kikujiro
by Joh Hisaishi2005–2006 Finding Neverland
by Jan A. P. KaczmarekBolero for Violin and Orchestra
by Vanessa-MaeThese Boots Are Made For Walking
by Melanie Bernhard2004–2005 Big Love Adagio
by BondGuitarra Latino
by Edvin Marton and Carlos Santana2003–2004 Pure Mood
by Spyro Gyra
No Woman, No Cry & Could You Be Loved
by Bob Marley & The WailersEvita
by Andrew Lloyd-WebberNights In White Satin
by Moody Blues
The Voice Within
vocals by Christina Aguilera2002–2003 Pure Mood
by Spyro Gyra
No Woman, No Cry & Could You Be Loved
by Bob Marley & The WailersVariations
by Raúl di BlasioWhenever, Wherever
by Shakira2001–2002 Nostalgia
by Yanni
performed by Royal Philharmonic OrchestraAnna and the King
by George FentonStarlight
by Trace2000–2001 Reflection
from Mulan
by Vanessa-MaeMiss Saigon
from Miss Saigon
by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel SchönbergI Will Always Love You
from The Bodyguard
vocals by Whitney Houston1999–2000 Lord Of The Dance
by Ronan HardimannMiss Saigon
from Miss Saigon
by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel SchönbergI Will Always Love You
from The Bodyguard
vocals by Whitney HoustonCompetitive highlights
Event 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–00 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 Winter Olympics 13th 8th 15th World Championships 12th 19th 13th 14th 6th 7th 6th 9th 26th European Championships 16th 5th 13th 10th 10th 4th 2nd 2nd 5th 1st World Junior Championships 10th 3rd Swiss Championships 1st N. 1st J. 2nd 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st Grand Prix Final 3rd NHK Trophy 7th 7th 2nd WD Skate Canada International 5th 5th WD Cup of China 6th Trophée Eric Bompard 5th 4th Cup of Russia 1st Skate America 4th Finlandia Trophy 9th 3rd Nebelhorn Trophy 2nd 5th Ondrej Nepela Memorial 2nd Winter Universiade 5th Junior Grand Prix Final 4th Junior Grand Prix, France 3rd Junior Grand Prix, Czech Republic 1st Junior Grand Prix, Canada 6th Junior Grand Prix, Norway 5th Junior Grand Prix, Ukraine 11th Junior Grand Prix, Hungary 4th Junior Grand Prix, Slovakia 10th European Youth Olympic Day 2nd Gardena Spring Trophy 7th J. Heiko-Fischer-Pokal 3rd - N = Novice level; J = Junior level; WD = Withdrew
References
- ^ a b c d e f Mittan, Barry (April 5, 2004). "Switzerland's Sarah Meier Returns to Skate". GoldenSkate. http://www.goldenskate.com/articles/2003/040504.shtml. Retrieved April 13, 2011.
- ^ a b Vernon, Nadin (October 25, 2011). "Catching up with Sarah Meier". Absolute Skating. http://absoluteskating.com/index.php?cat=interviews&id=2011sarahmeiergs. Retrieved October 27, 2011.
- ^ a b c d Remmel, Ia (April 6, 2011). "Sarah Meier: The Bern Miracle". Absolute Skating. http://www.absoluteskating.com/index.php?cat=interviews&id=2011sarahmeier. Retrieved April 14, 2011.
- ^ Stephens, Thomas (January 27, 2011). "Swiss ice skaters considered rink outsiders". Swissinfo.ch. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/sport/Swiss_ice_skaters_considered_rink_outsiders.html?cid=29343496. Retrieved October 27, 2011.
- ^ Golinsky, Reut (2009). "Sarah Meier: "I can be aggressive on ice"". AbsoluteSkating.com. http://absoluteskating.com/interviews/2009sarahmeieraoi.html. Retrieved December 23, 2010.
- ^ "Sarah Meier: "I cried every day in the dressing room"". FigureSkating-Online. July 4, 2009. http://www.figureskating-online.com/sarah-meier.html. Retrieved June 24, 2011.
- ^ Vernon, Nadin (2009). "Sarah Meier: "It was a good feeling just to be here"". AbsoluteSkating.com. http://absoluteskating.com/interviews/2009sarahmeier.html. Retrieved December 22, 2010.
- ^ "Euro joy for tearful Meier, debut boy Amodio". Agence France-Presse. 29 January 2011. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gyA0VQiyGobSWTNPfzOE5ZbKcV3A?docId=CNG.4f79fd54def547db7a5c9f08426c8b87.8d1. Retrieved 29 January 2011.
- ^ a b Reinhold-Kany, Klaus (February 4, 2011). "It's a storybook ending for Switzerland's Meier". IceNetwork.com. http://web.icenetwork.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110204&content_id=16574122&vkey=ice_news. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
- ^ a b Flade, Tatjana (January 29, 2011). "Korpi leads ladies after short program". Goldenskate.com. http://www.goldenskate.com/2011/01/korpi-leads-ladies-after-short-program/. Retrieved March 31, 2011.
- ^ Dunbar, Graham (January 29, 2011). "Meier, Amodio wins individual golds at Europeans". Associated Press (usatoday.com). http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2011-01-29-62593834_x.htm. Retrieved April 13, 2011.
- ^ Flade, Tatjana (January 29, 2011). "Sarah Meier captures ladies European title". Goldenskate.com. http://www.goldenskate.com/2011/01/sarah-meier-captures-ladies-european-title/. Retrieved March 31, 2011.
- ^ Vernon, Nadin (May 2, 2011). "Next steps for European Champion Sarah Meier". Absolute Skating. http://www.absoluteskating.com/index.php?cat=articles&id=2011sarahmeier.
- ^ Catching up with Sarah Meier
External links
- Official website
- Sarah Meier at the International Skating Union
- Sarah Meier at Sports-reference
- Sarah Meier at PixieWorld
Swiss national champions in figure skating – Ladies' Singles 1931–1932: Edith Gautschi • 1933–1934: Guldborg Sjuresen • 1935–1937: Angela Anderes • 1938: Inge Manger • 1939–1940: Angela Anderes • 1941: Ilse Schottlander • 1942: Ursula Arnold • 1943: Doris Blanc • 1944: Ursula Arnold • 1945–1950: Maja Hug • 1951: Yolande Jobin • 1952: Susi Wirz • 1953: Doris Zerbe • 1954–1955: Georgette Fischer • 1956–1957: Alice Fischer • 1958: Rita Müller • 1959–1960: Liliane Crosa • 1961–1962: Fränzi Schmidt • 1963: Dorette Bek • 1964: Fränzi Schmidt • 1965–1967: Pia Zürcher • 1968–1972: Charlotte Walter • 1973–1975: Karin Iten • 1976–1978: Danielle Rieder • 1979–1981: Denise Biellmann • 1982: Myriam Oberwiler • 1983: Sandra Cariboni • 1984: Myriam Oberwiler • 1985–1987: Claudia Villiger • 1988–1989: Stéfanie Schmid • 1990: Michèle Claret • 1991: Sabrina Tschudi • 1992: Nicole Skoda • 1993–1994: Nathalie Krieg • 1995: Janine Bur • 1996: Lucinda Ruh • 1997–1998: Anina Fivian • 1999: Christel Borghi • 2000–2001: Sarah Meier • 2002: Kimena Brog-Meier • 2003: Sarah Meier • 2004: Cindy Carquillat • 2005–2008: Sarah Meier • 2009: Nicole Graf • 2010: Sarah Meier • 2011: Bettina Heim
Categories:- 1984 births
- Living people
- Swiss female single skaters
- Olympic figure skaters of Switzerland
- Figure skaters at the 2002 Winter Olympics
- Figure skaters at the 2006 Winter Olympics
- Figure skaters at the 2010 Winter Olympics
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