Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Greetings from Tokyo!

Hey There,

Just thought I'd take a quick moment before bed to let everyone know how things are going in Tokyo. Most of the team left on Friday following an inspirational send-off at the airport. It was well attended by both media and Canadian World Team alumni (including Josee Chouinard and Brian Orser). The team also received a great track suit to sport at the championships compliments of BMO. Very nice touch!:-)

Since arriving in Japan the team has been busy rocking the practices, and getting out to see the unlimited sights of Tokyo. It's so great to just grab a subway pass and see the city like a local. I've managed to get to the electronics district also known as Akihabara and check out some technologies that we're not likely to see for some time in Canada...and also purchase a video game or two.

On to business though...

Practices have been going really well and I certainly love the rush of competition and being alongside some tremendous athletes. The team was at the rink this evening to support our Canadian pair skaters as they skated clean performances one right after the next. The "luck of the draw" happened to place all 3 teams together on a warm-up of 3, so it quite literally felt like a domestic event. And what an event at that... they should all be extremely proud because they knocked off those tech. elements like they were nothing! Honourable mention to Jess for a slight trip going into the side by side jumps and recovering mentally to do the triple sal like nothing had happened.

Also, the dancers were doing the Rhumba today and 4 of the 6 are new faces to the world championships. Tessa and Scott, Kaitlyn and Andrew may be new to the world championships, but they're skating and presenting themsleves like veterans. It's great to see we've got two very strong teams following in the footsteps of the other two. The other two, by the way (Marie and Patch) are sitting strongly in FIRST, and I can think of a more appropriate spot for them!

Well that's about it. I begin competing tomorrow, and my all too short season concludes on Thursday with the freeskate so I'll check back in and give you guys the behind the scenes scoop when it's all been said and done.

Cheers,

Jeff.

5 comments:

jjjjj said...

Konnichiwa, Mr. Jeffrey Buttle. Welcome to Tokyo. I'm so glad that you came to Japan. I hope you enjoy the competition. We(Japanese fans of yours) wish you good luck.
-Yosh

cherry said...

Hi Jeff-san! I'm glad you and your canadian team are enjoying Tokyo!! Congratulation to Marie, Patrice for successful CD and to all the others who are doing and will do great for all the sessions. I hope Japan would be the lucky place for all :-)

Mostly Lisa said...

Good Luck to all of Team Canada.

You're Awesome!

When I was little, I wrote "Skate the Dream" on everything I owned... my school binders... my skate bag... my scribe bag (*memories*)... and my ceiling (in glow-in-the-dark stars).

You ARE the dream.

Kisses and all my support and best wishes.
Lisa

Michelle said...

Love ya Jeff!! Rooting for ya!! ;)

frozen_rodent said...

Just wanted to let all the members of team Canada know that you're doing great. You're making us so proud. Good Luck to everyone who still has to skate.