Click HERE to read an article that was published on Icenetwork.com last week about 1996 U.S. National Champion Rudy Galindo's upcoming induction into the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame. I am so proud of Rudy for his achievement! He deserves to be recognized for his accomplishments as an amateur skater, both in singles and in pairs.My family has had a soft spot for Rudy, ever since he captured our hearts in a thrilling, unexpected victory over reigning champion Todd Eldredge at the 1996 Nationals in Rudy's hometown of San Jose. His freeskate to "Swan Lake", and the emotions that followed as Rudy found out he won the championship, are two of my favorite moments in all the years I've been watching the sport. I still get chills when I watch the video.
Rudy's story of overcoming a split with his one-time pairs partner, Kristi Yamaguchi, with whom he won 2 National titles, loss, hardship, and poverty to become the best skater in the nation and the third-best skater in the world, catapulted him into stardom. Rudy's story was published in a book soon after his winning season. He continued to delight audiences on the professional circuit and on Tom Collins' Champions on Ice tour for many years.
I had the pleasure of seeing Rudy skate live twice, once back in 2002, and another time more recently at The Caesar's Tribute: A Salute to the Golden Age of American Skating in Atlantic City in December. Both times, Rudy performed his iconic "Village People" medley, featuring the songs "In The Navy", "Macho Man" and "YMCA." He was terrific!!
Rudy combines impeccable skating technique with beautiful lines, unique spins, and plenty of personality and passion. Below is a video of Rudy skating in the 1997 Legends of Figure Skating Competition, the year after his retirement from amateur skating. Rudy skates to the theme from "Ice Castles," an inspirational skating movie with a music perfectly suited to Rudy's elegance and grace.
Enjoy!!
Rudy's "Ice Castles":
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