I just read the news on Icenetwork.com that 2011 U.S. Pairs Champions John Coughlin and Caitlin Yankowskas have called it quits. This news comes as a shock to me because this team just had a breakthrough finish at the World Figure Skating Championship in Moscow less than a week ago when they finished a strong 6th in their World Championship debut. That finish was the highest one for an American team since the 2006 Worlds in Calgary, following the 2006 Olympics, when Rena Inoue and John Baldwin finished 4th. It was the highest finish from an American team in a non-Olympic year since 1997 when Kyoko Ina and Jason Dungjen finished 4th. In late January, Caitlin and John mesmerized audiences with their breathtaking rendition of Ave Maria, dedicated to John's late mother Stacey, winning their first National title. (Click HERE to see the video.)
I am baffled by this split. Caitlin and John seemed to just have begun to tap into their potential as pairs skaters. They were terrific this season, and I was already looking forward to their programs next season. This is quite unfortunate, not only for their fans, but for U.S. Figure Skating in general. This is the third split from a top-U.S. pair in a short period of time. Last summer, the split of 2-time U.S. Champs (2008, 09) Keauna McLaughlin and Rockne Brubaker was announced. Shortly after this year's nationals, the split of last year's U.S. Champs, and Olympians, Caydee Denney and Jeremy Barrett was announced. And now Caitlin and John.
No reason for a split was indicated, but it is my assumption that since this has been an emotional year for John, with his mother's death only a year ago, maybe he feels that he is ready to move on? He continued skating for his mother, and proceeded to win a national championship. Maybe he's emotionally spent and feels he's accomplished all of his goals? The icenetwork article says that John is "evaluating his options" before making future plans, but wants to stay involved in the sport. (My guess would be as a coach, since he's already active in that now). Caitlin is searching for a new partner. Only time will tell if more details on their split is revealed. I suppose it doesn't matter, as more information won't change the outcome.
As disappointed as I am, I can only trust that John and Caitlin have made the right choice for them personally (even though professionally, it seems obvious that they've cut a promising career far too short). I wish them both the best of luck. We will always cherish the memories that they gave us at this year's U.S. Nationals.
I can't find a video of their short program from Greensboro, but found one from their bronze-medal winning effort at last fall's Cup of China.
John and Caitlin's "Oblivion" by Astor Piazzollo:
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