COLORADO SPRINGS — "We decided we'll go out of the box and try it virtually," Fleming said.
It's not a packed house at the Broadmoor Open Skating Competiton, but to Olympic Gold Medalist and three-time World Champion Peggy Fleming, it is still very much a competition.
"This event, we wanted to turn the table and give competitors the opportunity to skate beautifully and have a good time," Fleming said.
Getting creative in the time of COVID-19, the Third Annual Peggy Fleming Trophy has found a new spin on the highly-anticipated event.
"You're only allowed to do four jumps, three spins, one step sequence, and signature move," Fleming said.
In total, 18 of the best male and female figure skaters have submitted 3:30 minute videos showcasing their artistic abilities to be judged in real-time Friday.
"I think it's probably more relaxing because you're in your home rink," Fleming said. "You have your coach there, I don't know who's filming, probably your coach. But you're in a comfortable environment and they have something special to share with audiences."
Held online on the U.S. Figure Skating Fan Zone beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, it's a chance to keep the spirit of the sport on ice.
"We have so many talented skaters coming up and I don't want people to be unable to see them," Fleming said.
The hope is for the event to help create a blueprint that U.S Figure Skating and other organizations can model until it's safe to return to full competition.
"This is a good example of what can be done and we hope to push the future of skating forward," Fleming said.
