I watched the Olympic ladies figure skating final at an Irish pub with some friends Thursday night.

When Kim Yu-Na finished her flawless long program and posted the highest scores ever received by a woman in competition, the ecstatic Korean couple at the table next to us insisted on buying us all a round of drinks. They were so excited!

Kim Yu-Na's win Thursday night made history yet again at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver. She became the first South Korean figure skater to win an Olympic medal—and a gold medal at that! Her performance was breathtaking. It seems her country couldn't be more proud of her.

I was proud of all the top skaters after their long programs! It was tough competition with a lot of pressure, but every single skater in the final flight put heart and soul into their performances, and delivered perfect or near perfect programs. It no longer became about winning a medal for most of them, but about having an Olympic moment to cherish forever.

Americans Rachael Flatt and Mirai Nagasu definitely skated with that inspiring attitude. They had the weight of America's 46-year streak of Olympic medals on their shoulders, yet neither seemed dejected or upset when the scores came in that kept them off the podium. Both skated clean programs that made them happy. For those of you who may be questioning the judging with regard to the Americans, they were docked a lot of points for under-rotating their jumps. But they're young yet (still teenagers) and I foresee Sochi 2014 and many inspiring performances in their futures!

If there were a gold medal awarded for heart and courage, Canadian Joannie Rochette, the bronze medalist, would have won by a landslide. She skated under the emotional stress of her mother's sudden death mere days before the competition—and she skated brilliantly (minus a few minor bobbles), at that! I could almost see the aura of her mother's spirit on the ice with her. She blew a kiss at the sky at the end of her performance, and stood proudly on the medal podium as her father looked on with tears in his eyes. I had tears in mine too!

Overall, the ladies long program was truly a joy to watch, and has inspired me once again to lace up my own skates. I'm craving that feeling of freedom I get from being out there on the ice!

Meanwhile, the competition in Vancouver may be over, but the skating is not. The top finishers in all of the disciplines will skate in an exhibition gala Saturday evening. Past exhibitions have been great fun to watch, and with the caliber of skating I've seen in the last two weeks, I'd expect nothing less!

Don't forget to check out more of our inspiring stories from Vancouver and beyond—Scott Hamilton, Mark Johnson, Erin Hamlin and more on our Winter Olympics page!

Here's one of my favorite Olympic performances—a shining example of a skater who poured heart and soul into a performance—Brian Boitano's long program at the 1988 Olympics in Calgary. Consequently, he beat out Canadian Brian Orser, who 22 years later coached Kim Yu-Na to gold in Vancouver!

Photo: Jessica Bloustein

Pressure is a familiar presence for a figure skater. Whether it's an old friend or a mortal enemy, it has an effect on his or her skating.

Skaters feel pressure from all angles. They feel pressure to live up to expectations from their countries, their supporters, themselves. They feel pressured to be perfect, to win, to break new records. Some skaters are crushed by it, and that keeps them off the podium. And yet some use it to their advantage, to fuel their competitive fires and inspire those around them.

As a skater, I've handled pressure in both of those ways. But I've never, never seen three skaters use pressure so gracefully to their advantage in Olympic competition as did the top three skaters after the short program, Kim Yu-Na of South Korea, Mao Asada of Japan and Joannie Rochette of Canada.

Kim and Asada are both superstars in their respective countries, constantly hounded by media and fans. Kim "Queen" Yu-Na was so affected that she had to leave South Korea to train halfway around the world in Toronto. But you'd never be able to tell. Her short program was some of the best skating I've ever seen, so light, confident and technically sound. I think she has set a new standard for the ladies event that all of her competitors are going to have a hard time matching.

Mao Asada (currently in second place) landed an amazing triple axel-double toeloop in the short program, and even though she was the only one to do so, Kim Yu-Na's triple-triple combination scored more points. If you're confused, think of the way poker is scored. A triple axel-double toeloop is like a full house, but a triple lutz-triple toeloop (or any triple-triple) combination is like a four-of-a-kind. Four-of-a-kind beats full house. By itself though, a triple axel is worth more points than a triple lutz. If Asada can pull off another triple axel or two in the long program, she stands a chance of besting Kim Yu-Na.

But Tuesday night really wasn't about the scores. At least not for Joannie Rochette (currently in third). She lost her mother two days before she had to compete, yet she pulled out the performance of a lifetime. She was composed and her skating was near-perfect. It wasn't until the end when she broke down a little, looking up at the ceiling of the arena and softly calling out to her mother. The crowd went wild for her. I could hear the tears in commentator Scott Hamilton's voice as Joannie took her bows and thanked the audience for their support. He also lost his own mother during his years as a competitor, and offered up these words that summed up Joannie's skating: "the skate and the moment means much more than the competition."

There is no doubt in my mind that the caliber of skating we all witnessed Tuesday night from the world's finest female figure skaters was fantastic. What we as spectators sometimes do not realize however, or forget, is that there is often a great wind beneath their wings: their parents. Parents are the unsung heroes of the sport, often having to give up much of their own lives to shoulder the financial and emotional burdens of their children.

When I think back on how much my mother gave up to keep me on the ice, I just want to call her up and bawl my eyes out in gratitude! She spent thousands upon thousands of dollars for my skating lessons, ice time, costumes, skates (which can cost more than $800!) and competition fees. She got up early to drive me to practice on weekends and picked me up every weeknight after practice, year-round! She sacrificed work, vacations, social events—she basically gave up her own lifestyle to be the wind beneath my wings. She had complete faith in me, and in everything I tried. To have that kind of unyielding support is to truly be blessed. I thank her every second of every day for what she has done for me.

Even though Joannie Rochette's mother was not there in body, the aura of her love and support was undoubtedly there on the ice with her daughter. I could see the wind beneath other skaters' wings Tuesday night as well. American Mirai Nagasu's parents worked tirelessly to keep her skating, and couldn't even afford to come to Vancouver to see her skate, until a corporate sponsor stepped in to help. They sat proudly in the audience, cheering Mirai on. The same went for Turkish skater Tugba Karademir and her parents, who gave up their lives in Turkey to move their daughter to Canada to train. I'm happy to see the cameras flash to the parents in the crowd, because they're just as much champions as their children. 

Stay tuned for what looks to be a thrilling end to the ladies competition in Vancouver!

In the meantime, read some inspiring Olympic stories from Scott Hamilton, Mark Johnson, Erin Hamlin and more on our Winter Olympics page.

Also, watch Scott Hamilton's winning short program from the 1984 Olympics in Sarajevo! 

Photo: Jessica Bloustein

There have been quite a few inspiring firsts at the Olympic arena in Vancouver this past week!

Monday's ice dance final provided what I think is the most significant of those firsts thus far. A pair of young Canadian ice dancers ended an 80-year streak of Russian and European dominance in the sport of ice dancing (and a 34-year Olympic streak). As Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir stood atop the Olympic podium Monday night, proudly belting out Oh Canada, I jumped up and down for them in my living room! They won, fair and square, with an unparalleled grace. Next to them stood their gushing training mates and the silver medalists, Americans Meryl Davis and Charlie White.

The end of the Russian winning streak in ice dancing is only a symbolic achievement though. It seems to me that the real sea-change in the sport is in the emerging acceptance of the more aggressive, boundary-pushing, dynamic North American style of ice dance that Virtue, Moir, Davis and White brought to the competition this year. What was traditionally the most conservative of the figure skating disciplines is now a more free and inspiring brand of skating, thanks to their efforts.

At the same time, I think the American team of Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto are to thank for opening the door in the first place. They are pioneers in a way, as they were the first North American team in the last two decades to give the judges pause to say, wait, North American ice dancing is pretty darn good! I thought they deserved bronze Monday over Russia's Oksana Domina and Maksim Shabalin, but it was a close call and they ended up fourth. They were proud of themselves, and that's all that matters.

In an interview after the competition ended, Tanith told reporters "we just wanted skate for our hearts and for each other."

You can read about more of figure skating's pioneers in Blades of Glory: Skaters Who Changed the Sport, a very interesting piece from Divine Caroline.

Next on the Olympic schedule, the moment many of you have been waiting for (I know I have!)...the start of the ladies singles competition! There has been a lot of chatter about how fantastic the line-up is going to be, and in seeing some of the clips from practices in Vancouver this week, it does not look like these talented ladies will disappoint us.

South Korean skater Kim Yu-Na, the 19-year-old reigning world champion and a superstar in her home country, is the favorite going into Tuesday night's short program. She's coached by 1988 Olympic silver medalist Brian Orser. Close on Kim's heels are Japanese powerhouses Miki Ando (2007 world champion) and Mao Asada, who may be attempting a triple axel—which is not often performed in the ladies event. The last notable skaters to successfully attempt a triple axel were American Tonya Harding and Japan's Midori Ito, both in the early 1990s.

The three favorites will also face competition from Canadian champion and reigning world silver medalist Joannie Rochette. Tragically, Joannie lost her mother to a heart attack just days before the competition in Vancouver. My heart ached for the puffy-eyed skater as I watched part of her practice session Sunday. According to news reports, her mother was her greatest supporter. Just days after her death, the support Joannie is receiving from thousands of fans and fellow athletes here at these games has given her the unofficial title of "daughter of the Olympics."

While the 24-year-old is facing the hardest skate of her life, I can't help but know that being on the ice is exactly what she needs. Though my own tragedies have paled in comparison, I found that when I was distraught, a good hard skate was the best medicine. The ice, while sometimes hard and unforgiving, has an inherent magic that can soothe the deepest of aches. You forget your cares and lose yourself in the freedom of gliding.

The Americans, Mirai Nagasu and Rachael Flatt, are looking confident in their practices, and while they aren't favored for a medal, they may well surprise us all!

Stay tuned for the ladies short program Tuesday night. In the meantime, you can read some inspiring Olympic stories from Scott Hamilton, Mark Johnson, Erin Hamlin and more on our Winter Olympics page. Also, you can watch video recaps and read more analysis of Friday's competition on NBCOlympics.com.

Watch this video of one of my all-time favorite skaters, Dorothy Hamill, skating her gold-medal winning performance at Innsbruck in 1976! Dorothy Hamill, coincidentally, is mentoring national champion Rachael Flatt.

Photo on this blog: Jessica Bloustein

Quite a few people have confessed to me lately that they are confused about the difference between ice dancing and pairs skating.

That's a valid question, and the answer is actually fairly simple. Instead of moving in unison as pairs do, ice dancers move in harmony.

Their steps are mostly mirrored, and a good dance partnership is one in which they can maintain that harmony without breaking their flow—much like their off-ice counterparts, ballroom dancers. Also, ice dancers do not perform jumps or complex spins as singles and pairs skaters do. An ice dancer's main focus is on footwork.

In that way, it makes for a completely different beast than singles and pairs skating. To make it work, dancers have to concentrate all their energies on flow, edges, momentum and give-and-take between partners. That also makes it hard to judge, especially if you are not immersed in the sport. What separates the champion ice dancers from the mediocre is not as clear-cut as the criteria of singles and pairs.

It is beautiful to watch though, and always inspires me to embrace my inner grace. I always stand taller and step lighter after watching an hour or so of ice dancing. Good dancers look as if they glide so effortlessly that it seems their blades barely touch the ice. I used to ice dance a bit myself though, and that ease of grace is deceptive. It's very hard! I fell more times trying to do the Paso Doble and the Quickstep on ice than I ever did trying double axels and triple salchows! I also tripped my dance partner many more times than I did my pairs partner.

Russian teams have dominated ice dancing for decades. In the last ten years or so though, their hold on the sport's top prizes has been loosed slightly by the likes of Americans and Torino silver medalists Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto, and 2007 world champions Isabelle Delobel and Olivier Schoenfelder of France.

In Vancouver, the ice dancing kicked off Friday night with the first of three evenings of competition: the compulsory dance. This event tests the competitiors skills in completing required patterns on the ice. The International Skating Union has an approved series of dance patterns with ballroom influences, and competition officials choose one for the compulsory dance ahead of time for every contest, so that skaters may prepare. This year, the Olympic compulsory dance was the Tango Romantica, which features an abundance of leg flares and sharp edges.

Unlike the short program, the standings after the compulsory dances are not necessarily indicative of the final results. In other words, if you don't place as high as you'd like, you're not completely cut out of a chance at a medal. After the compulsory dances, reigning world champions Oksana Domina and Maksim Shabalin of Russia are in first, followed closely by Canadians Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, Americans Meryl Davis and Charlie White. Belbin and Agosta are in fourth. France's Isabelle Delobel and Olivier Schoenfelder are in sixth. Delobel is back on the ice competing a mere 5 months since she gave birth to a son, Lois. It is rare to see a competitive skater who is also a mother!

Sunday night will feature the "original dance" portion of the competition, where skaters are free to choreograph their own steps, but must complete required elements—it's equivalent to the short program for pairs and singles. Monday night will be the final night, with the free dances, where pretty much anything goes. You'll really get a flavor of each couples individual style then, and it makes for a compelling night of skating!

Check back on Sunday and Monday for my commetary on the climax of the ice dancing competition! Feel free to comment below or on Facebook about what you thought of the competition. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

In the meantime, you can read some inspiring Olympic stories from Scott Hamilton, Mark Johnson, Erin Hamlin and more on our Winter Olympics page. Also, you can watch video recaps and read more analysis of Friday's competition on NBCOlympics.com.

For an example of great ice dancing, watch the video below of 1984 Olympic ice dance champions Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean of Great Britain. Their free dance in Sarajevo, skated to Bolero, is regarded as one of the best ice dance programs in the history of the sport. I am wowed by it every time I watch it!

Photo on this blog: Jessica Bloustein

American Olympic champions Brian Boitano and Scott Hamilton have a new little brother, newly crowned 2010 Olympic Champion Evan Lysacek!

The 24-year-old skated a flawless, technically sound program Thursday night during the men's finals in Vancouver, to become the first American man to win gold since Brian Boitano did in 1988 (coincidentally, also in Canada). I have rarely seen a skater want it more than Evan Lysacek did. Every bit of his skating was motivated—all of his energies were positive. That kind of drive is beyond inspiring. He deserved every ounce of that gold. 

Silver medalist Yevgeny Plushenko had the drive too. He lost to Lysacek by just over a point, due to some minor technical and artistic deductions, but his skating was admirable. Scott Hamilton called him a "cat," because he always lands on his feet. Any other skater would have fallen after the fumbled take-offs he did during his long program. But he held on to those jumps as if his life depended on it! In the end, he seemed proud of his performance, which in and of itself was an amazing feat, after three years off the ice.  

Daisuke Takahashi took home the bronze last night, becoming the first Japanese man to ever medal in Olympic figure skating. Takahashi not only skated brilliantly, but he should serve as an inspiration to all competitive skaters. After a horrible fall on his quadruple toe-loop at the very beginning of his program, he shrugged it off and finished without a flaw. Speaking from personal experience, that is really HARD to do.

I remember skating under immense pressure at high-stakes competitions. If I fell on or popped the first jump, my focus also took a huge hit. I would be at a crossroads: either I give up, or I keep going to a respectable finish. If there's one lesson I learned, it's not over til it's over. Fortunately, more times than not, I was able to regain focus and motivation after an error. And more often than not, I'd still win the gold! Takahashi could have given up after that first quad. But he didn't—and he made history.

The same challenge presents itself to skaters who have had a rough short program. Going into the long program, it's easy to think, "well, I screwed up already so it's not going to get any better no matter what I do." No! Don't think that way! Why not think, "well, I have nothing to lose, so I'm going to go out there and show them I can do it." Sure, you may not win gold, but you will have scored some serious courage points!

American Jeremy Abbott had a disastrous short program that left him in 14th place going into Thursday's final. He was visibly nervous, and probably not thinking too positively. Coming into the long program, he looked just as nervous...not a good sign. He fell on his first quad and bobbled on another jump, but otherwise skated quite well. He told the Detroit Free Press that after he fell on his quad he paused and said to himself, "You have to fight for the rest of this program. You can't just give up and die here, you can't let this go."

I'm excited for his future in figure skating.

Many congratulations to Evan Lysacek and the other medal finishers! For great video recaps of Thursday's competition, check out NBCOlympics.com.

Come back for the ice dance and ladies singles events coming up next week! These two competitions are shaping up to be, well, inspiring. 

And in the meantime, you can read some inspiring Olympic stories from Scott Hamilton, Mark Johnson, Erin Hamlin and more on our Winter Olympics page.

I often think of making a comeback to the sport of figure skating, after nearly a decade away from competition.

I did make a brief comeback to skate in an exhibition a few years ago. I was going through a tough time in my personal life. The ice called me back as an escape and I needed it. The experience was brief but completely refreshing, reinvigorating, and I emerged a new, more confident person.

The top three male figure skaters after the short program, Russia's Yevgeny Plushenko, America's Evan Lysacek and Japan's Daisuke Takahashi all made comebacks too. They've returned to Olympic ice refreshed, renewed and hungry for gold—all three in different ways for different reasons, but all inspired, nonetheless.

The leader after the short program, Yevgeny Plushenko, was the only skater to successfully land a quadruple jump Tuesday. His program was smooth and inspired, and after it ended, he made motions with his hands as if he were sheathing a sword after battle. A little over the top perhaps, but symbolic of a confident skater returning to a place he truly believes he belongs. The Russian skater won the gold in Torino 4 years ago, and is back in competitive skating after a 3-year hiatus. His long and successful career started at the age of 11, when he left his parents to train thousands of miles away.

If he wins after the long program Thursday night, he will become the second man in the history of the sport to win Olympic gold twice. The only other man to have done so is Dick Button, who won in 1948 and 1952.

American Evan Lysacek is in second place after the short program, having delivered the performance of a lifetime. His scores put him neck and neck with Plushenko, but he finished behind because he did not attempt a quad. His comeback wasn't from a hiatus, but from a devastating performance in the short program at the Olympics 4 years ago. His coach, the legendary Frank Carroll (who also coached Michelle Kwan), told reporters recently that he'd never seen a skater train as hard as Evan did in preparation for this competition. It is inspiring to see that all his hard work paid off in a flawless performance. If he can turn in as good a performance on Thursday, he could give Plushenko a run for his money.

Japan's Daisuke Takahashi (in 3rd place) also staged a powerful comeback—from a devastating knee injury that could have been a career-ender. The 2007 World silver medalist was forced off the ice in 2008. He was only able to return in July of 2009, after several surgeries. But you'd never know it from his performance in the short program Tuesday night. It was smooth and flawless, with a huge dose of personality thrown in. His training and motivation have clearly fueled an inspired comeback.

The stage is set for an intense night of competition for the men's long program. Plushenko, Lysacek and Takahashi are only separated by mere tenths of a point, so it's anyone's game. American Johnny Weir (currently in 6th), Japan's Nobinari Oda (in 4th place) and Switzerland's Stefan Lambiel (in 5th and also staging a comeback from injury) could also be a threat, standing a good chance of pulling up and securing a spot on the Olympic podium.

Meanwhile, it was a heartbreaking night for American national champion Jeremy Abbott, who let his nerves get the best of him. He's in 15th place right now, but the good news is that he's young, talented, and poised to make an inspiring comeback of his own somewhere down the line.

Photo on this blog: Jessica Bloustein

Check back Thursday after the men's long program for my take on the competition! For complete short program results and more analysis, visit NBCOlympics.com.

And in the meantime, you can read some inspiring Olympic stories from Scott Hamilton, Mark Johnson, Erin Hamlin and more on our Winter Olympics page.

Take a look below at Yevgeny Plushenko's winning performance at the Torino Olympics in 2006:

There you have it, folks! A well-deserved win for 31-year-old Shen Xue and 36-year-old Zhao Hongbo and China's first-ever Olympic gold medal in pairs competition.

Their performance wasn't flawless, but it was enough. It was impassioned, technically sound (except for a minor bobble on a lift), and joyously skated. Well-deserved, and 18 years in the making!

While Shen and Zhao will wear Olympic gold, it is their coach, Yao Bin, in my opinion, who had the most inspiring story of the evening. Thirty years ago he and his pairs partner Luan Bo were the first Chinese pairs team ever to enter the World Championships. At the time, Chinese citizens had been relatively sequestered from the rest of the world, and few Chinese skaters had ever tried pairs skating. Yao Bin and his partner came in dead last with an awful performance. He told reporters that he remembers being laughed off the ice.

That kind of humiliation could crush the strongest of souls, but instead Yao Bin turned it into motivation, and created a world-class Chinese pairs skating program that earned every ounce of gold and silver that it won in Vancouver. Yao Bin also coached silver medalists Pang Qing and Tong Jian, who came back from a disappointing short program to win the silver with a flawless free skate.

As the pairs competition concludes, I want to address an issue some of our Facebook fans brought up about short program scores that seemed unfair. Why did some pairs teams place higher than others, when they made more mistakes? That's a very good question, and one that is tough to answer, even for someone who has been in that situation, like me!

During the short program Sunday night, two pair teams, Russian and Ukrainian, fell on their side-by-side jumps. In the new scoring system, they both got points for attempting the maneuver, but no points for completing it. How then, might you ask, did they manage to get higher overall scores than Americans Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig, who skated a perfect short program? 

To understand this seemingly unfair call, you have to look more closely at each team's performance. Not only does each team get points for attempting and completing the elements, they also get points for quality of execution. Moves like a "split-twist" (the man throws the woman in the air, she rotates two or three times, and he catches her on the way down), earn points for very small qualitative aspects—if she rotated fully, if she was able to do a wide enough split, and how high she was thrown, the smoothness of the catch. In the case of the Russian and Ukranian teams, the elements that they successfully completed were technically superior than the elements the Americans completed, and thus earned more points overall.They just threw higher, spun faster and performed higher-scoring maneuvers.

The same was true of the difference between gold and silver in the long program for the two Chinese teams. Pang and Tong skated cleanly, whereas Shen and Zhao made some minor mistakes. But Shen and Zhao had earned extra points to make up for the mistakes with the level of difficulty of their jumps, spins and sequences. It helped as well that they had a large lead over Pang and Tong going into the long program.

Obviously, the scoring system isn't perfect—it's still a judged sport after all, so some subjectivity can creep in. If officials awarded medals for heart, the results would fall differently. But to me, it really reinforces the necessity of skating for the love of the sport, rather than for glory and gold. I've had plenty of experience skating what I thought was the program of my life, and going home without a gold medal. It's disappointing, but you retreat happy and raring to show them all up next time.

The American pairs turned in solid performances. They seemed like they were more thrilled to be out there on Olympic ice than anything else. I was particularly inspired when Amanda Evora (partnered with Mark Ladwig) looked into the camera while she was waiting for her scores and said simply, "everyone who believes in us, thank you."

Come back tomorrow after the men's short program for my take on the results. It's shaping up to be a thrilling competition. And in the meantime, you can read some inspiring Olympic stories from Scott Hamilton, Mark Johnson, Erin Hamlin and more on our Winter Olympics page.

Three years ago, at the 2007 World Figure Skating Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Chinese pairs skaters Zhao Hongbo and Shen Xue finished a flawless long program.

As the audience erupted in applause and cheering, Hongbo knelt down on the ice to propose to Xue, with whom he'd been skating for 15 years. They won their third world championship that day.

Tonight in Vancouver, on Valentine's Day, the married couple returned to the ice after a three year-retirement. And it looks like they never left. Their flawless performance not only earned them the highest short program scores in the history of the official judging system, but in my opinion, is a shining example of proper pairs skating.

I used to compete in pairs as well as in singles skating. That's me, in the photo above, when I was 12 years old. I weighed something like 70 pounds and had legs as thick as pipe cleaners. My pairs partner was two feet taller than I. Our coach had paired us up, hoping that we could make it to sectionals that year.

We did end up making sectionals (we won the bronze!), but it wasn't easy. We were both originally trained to skate alone, and that made it hard for us to grasp the concept of pairs skating. We had our share of bruises and black eyes from flailing limbs and falls. At first, we looked like two singles skaters who happened to be skating a routine together. To get it right, we had to learn how to skate all over again, as a pair.

That's how you can tell winners from losers in this discipline of skating. Successful pairs skaters skate as one fluid unit. Every move you make has to be in unison, or as close to it as possible. You have to be so in tune with your partner that you can practically read his or her mind. If you can't manage to develop that relationship with a partner, not only will you not do well in competition, but it can actually be dangerous. (I'm talking about injury more serious than a black eye.)

To develop that kind of an almost psychic bond with a pairs partner, you don't necessarily have to be a romantic couple off the ice. But a great number of champion pairs skaters date or get married. Either way, the longer time a pair skates together, the more they evolve as one on the ice. If you've followed pairs over the years, it's inspiring to watch them transform and grow.

That's what separates pairs like Shen and Zhao from the other pairs in the competition, particularly the American pairs. The Chinese pair have been skating together for almost two decades, compared with the American champions Caydee Denney and Jeremy Barrett, who have only been together for a year and a half. Denney and Barrett's scores were on the low side, not only because they made one mistake, but in my opinion, but because they looked like two singles skaters out there together. Shen and Zhao, on the other hand, were completely in synch, and it was breathtaking!

The German team of Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy—the current world champions—put up scores not far behind Shen and Zhao. It looks like it is going to be a battle between the Germans and the Chinese in tomorrow night's long program.

I have to note as well that I was particularly impressed with the performance of the other American team of Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig, currently in 10th place. While they're not as good technically as the top teams, their chemistry on the ice was lovely to behold. They skated to music from the soundtrack of Love Actually, with a grace that can only come from a pair that has skated together for as long as they have. It took them 8 years to achieve their dream of making it to the Olympics, and though they're not favored to win, they are performing like champions.

Stay tuned for my take on tomorrow night's pairs results! I'm anticipating an exciting and inspiring evening of competition.

Photo on this blog: Jessica Bloustein and skating partner

In the meantime, you can read my preview of the men's competition coming up on February 16 and read some inspiring Olympic stories from Scott Hamilton, Mark Johnson, Erin Hamlin and more on our Winter Olympics page.

Below is a video of Canadian pair team Jamie Sale and David Pelletier, who won gold in Salt Lake City in 2002. Their performance is one of my favorites, and a great example of a near perfect pairs team!

I have had few greater experiences in my life than the feeling of finishing a flawless figure skating program in competition.

In those brief moments after my music ended, it never mattered to me whether I would win the gold once I got off the ice. I radiated proof positive that my hard work paid off in a great performance, and that was a winning feeling!

I'd bask in that feeling, and time would slow for just a few seconds. The applause of the audience would become mute as the triumphant rush of endorphins pulsed through my veins. I'd spot my applauding family in the audience, curtsy to the judges and glide off the ice. I'd feel each inch of ice pass smoothly beneath my blades, and I would know what pure joy felt like.

I was a competitive skater for over ten years. I never actually fulfilled my 12-year-old self's dream of going to the Olympics, but in the end, the lessons I learned and the love I had for the sport made me feel like an Olympic champion anyway.

Even though I only skate recreationally now (I can still do that ole' double salchow!), I'm continually inspired by the grace, beauty and athleticism of the world's best skaters. They bring me back to the euphoria of my skating days.

If you're like me, and can't wait to watch them take the ice in Vancouver, here is a skater's take of how the competition is shaping up! I'll start with a preview of one of the first events of the Olympics:

The Men
It looks like it will be the battle of the quadruple jumps this year. The top-ranking men in the world all have them in their programs, where they can score lots of points—rotating four times in the air is not an easy thing to do! I did triple jumps, and they were hard enough. I can't imagine squeezing another rotation in! It takes a lot of guts.

The United States has a decent chance at gold this year with reigning world champion Evan Lysacek. Lysacek is one of Coca Cola's Ambassadors of Active Living, who aim to inspire people to lead active and healthy lifestyles. The 24-year-old skater was looking poised and confident at U.S. Nationals in January, where he placed second to newcomer Jeremy Abbott. But he has to remain focused and flawless in Vancouver if he wants to beat reigning Olympic champion Yevgeny Pluschenko of Russia, as well as inspiring up-and-comer Patrick Chan of Canada.

The other American skaters, Jeremy Abbott and Johnny Weir, also have a decent chance of medaling. Weir has the technical ability, but also has an artistry that can charm the judges, as well as those of us at home. He's on the rebound from a serious loss of confidence and personal problems that knocked him off course in the last year, which could also creep back and hinder his chances in Vancouver.

Jeremy Abbott is a fresh-faced 20-year-old with a bright future ahead of him. he is focused and consistent, and watching him skate, you just know he's not there for the medals and glory, but for pure love of the sport. If he skates well this week, he could not only medal now, but also stands a good chance of doing so at the next Olympic games in 2014.

The men will skate their short programs on Tuesday, February 16. The next Olympic men's champion will be crowned on February 18th. NBC will air coverage, with Scott Hamilton, Sandra Bezic, Tom Hammond and Tracy Wilson as commentators.

I'll have more to say about the men's competition as events unfold, so check back! Also, stay tuned for a preview of the ladies, pairs and dance events coming up as the games begin!

Photos: Jessica Bloustein

In the meantime, read some inspiring Olympic stories from Scott Hamilton, Mark Johnson, Erin Hamlin and more on our Winter Olympics page.

CBS Films hits an inspirational nail on the head with their new movie out in theaters today, Extraordinary Measures.

It's based on the real-life story of John Crowley, a corporate whiz-kid on his way to the top, who suddenly drops everything to quest after a miracle cure for a rare genetic disease (Pompe disease) that is killing his children.

Brendan Fraser plays John Crowley, the super dad who goes to "extraordinary measures"  to save his kids. Along the way, he meets Dr. Robert Stonehill—based on the real life Dr. William Canfield and played by Harrison Ford—whose research on Pompe disease is revolutionary, yet whose quirky ways are reactionary.

They team up for a race against science, drug companies and time.

But that's just the surface of this film. It goes deeper, asking viewers the question, what wouldn't you do for your kids? I'm not a parent, but I was inspired by that message: that unconditional love sometimes makes you take extraordinary measures, no matter the cost.

It's not a movie that kids would take to, so go see it instead with your spouse, a loved one or a friend. You probably won't need tissues, but bring them just in case!

Enjoy! 

Get some more Reel Inspiration, for recommendations of movies that will lift your spirits!

Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful...

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is having the chance to settle in by the fire, or by the light of the Christmas tree...maybe sipping from a hot mug of peppermint hot chocolate...and turn on a great holiday movie!

We here at Guideposts know you love your Christmas movies too, so we asked you for your favorites. Here they are:

A Christmas Carol (1951)
There have been many film adaptations of Charles Dickens' classic, but you love the one starring Allistar Sim. Follow the old grump Ebeneezer Scrooge on the one-night journey that changes his life and brings out the true Christmas spirit. I also love The Muppets Christmas Carol (1992) and Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962).

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Do you believe in Santa Claus? You certainly will believe in him and the magic of Christmas after you've watched this film. An attorney attempts to defend the identity of a man who believes himself to be Santa Claus in court. As the trial goes on, the lives of the attorney, and a curious little girl (played by Natalie Wood) will change! A more modern version of this story was remade in 1994, starring Richard Attenborough, Dylan McDermott and Mara Wilson.

It's a Wonderful Life (1947)
"Everytime a bell rings, an angel gets its wings." ...Who could forget the valuable lessons learned in this long-time favorite, starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed? Clarence the angel has his work cut out for him one Christmas Eve, when George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) decides that life is not worth living anymore. What ensues is an inspiring string of goodwill and charm that will delight the whole family.

A Christmas Story (1983)
Would Christmas be the same without a leg lamp? Most likely. But not without this more modern classic about a young boy, his family, and an American Christmas. This is a comedy through and through, and you'll still laugh at the same jokes each time you watch it. But more than that, it's a movie about the strength of the nuclear family in American society.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
If you haven't seen this one, watch it this year! This is a Christmas movie requirement! Odds are you've seen it already, and love it. Follow the whole Peanuts gang, including Snoopy, Linus, Sally, Lucy, Pig-Pen and Schroeder on a musical quest to find the true meaning of Christmas. Along the way, you might find a few surprises and a lot of good-hearted laughs!

Are there any others you liked? Share them in the comments section below.

Get more inspiring movie recommendations and reviews here!

If you and your family are like mine, you're looking for a good movie to go see this Thanksgiving break! Well, I found one. Try The Blind Side.

You'll be working off all that turkey you ate during this film, because you'll be up on your feet cheering throughout the entire thing.

It's the inspiring true story of Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher, who went from a homeless teen to the much beloved adopted son of a wealthy Memphis family, and a star football player at Ole Miss.

Sandra Bullock turns in a very impressive performance here as Oher's adoptive mother, Leigh Anne Tuohy—one that has already gotten buzz for possible awards this year. It's a different role for the veteran actress, and she assumes it quite naturally.

Country singer Tim McGraw and newcomer Quinton Aaron (who plays Michael Oher) also turn in great performances, vaulting the movie up there among the great inspirational football movies of the last few decades. (Think Rudy, We Are Marshall and Remember the Titans).

While the football action scenes are fantastic, the movie really isn't about football. It's more about the value of family, and the crucial role it can play in anyone's life. This movie will make the perfect compliment to your own holiday celebration, when you're giving thanks for your own family and it's blessings.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and let me know what you thought of The Blind Side!

Watch my review of The Blind Side below. Get more Reel Inspiration here!

Also, read Leigh Anne Tuohy's tips for a successful life.

"Where the Wild Things Are"

Rarely is there a movie about kids or for kids that truly captures the essence of childhood—those crazy, confusing, yet wonderfully imaginative years that we've all experienced.

Typically, movies about kids and for kids come off as if they are from an adult's perspective: a grown-up looking back on life as a child. The experience of watching a move like this can spark a little nostalgia—you're looking back on your yesteryear.

But watching a movie like Spike Jonze's new Where the Wild things Are, for about two hours, you become a child again. The pulse and feel of the film literally strips away your adult sensibilities, and you can once again regard life as a carefree child.

I sat on the edge of my seat throughout the film with wonder in my eyes, wanting to join in the "wild rumpus." It's a wonderful and inspiring feeling, to just let go like that.

The movie's original soundtrack is second to none, the costumes and digital animation are nearly flawless, and the young boy who plays the main character, Max, shines.

Spike Jonze and screenwriter Dave Eggers adapted this film from author Maurice Sendak's much beloved 1963 classic children's book, Where the Wild Things Are. They've taken the nine or so written lines and the wonderfully detailed images and expanded on the story to fit big-screen proportions.

If you plan to take your child to see Where the Wild Things Are (it's rated PG), I'd recommend reading them the book first—both for their own enjoyment and to familiarize more sensitive children with the subject matter.

I'd love to hear what you thought of the movie! Feel free to share your comments below!

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"Julie & Julia"

I went to see this new film, starring Meryl Streep as the late, great Julia Child, on a Tuesday night. Afterward, I went straight home to my kitchen, and didn't stop cooking until Wednesday morning.

I left the theater half-starved from drooling over all the delectable dishes whipped up in the movie, and inspired to recreate them myself.

But beyond the obvious culinary delights of the movie, there is an inspiring message: if you believe in yourself, you can do anything you set your mind to. Add a dollop of butter, and you've got a pretty tasty recipe for success.

The film follows two storylines that converge on that message. The film is based on the real-life blogs of writer Julie Powell and on My Life in France, the memoir of Julia Child.

Julie Powell is turning 30 and stuck in a spiritual rut. She decides to start a blog (the Julie/Julia project) and cook every single recipe in Julia Child's first cookbook, Mastering The Art of French Cooking in one single year. The image of Julia Child becomes a spiritual guide, and Julie Powell transforms her life for the better.

At the same time, the film flashes back to Paris in the 1950's, where a younger Julia Child is struggling in the same rut as Julie Powell. She decides to attend an elite cooking school and undertake the writing of a large recipe book, which would become Mastering the Art of French Cooking. The result is a personal transformation that vaulted Julia Child to fame as a household name.

This is the first mainstream Hollywood film to be based on a blog. Oscar-nominated director Nora Ephron (Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally) made it work well! Amy Adams' characteristic bubbly performance enriches the plot. And Meryl Streep's portrayal of Julia Child...well, let's just say I caught a whiff of another possible Oscar-nod!

Read more about Julie Powell in Cooking Up Something Good!

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