what we know so far – Legendary Canadian figure skater Cranston dead at 65
Toller Cranston (April 20, 1949 – January 24, 2015) was a Canadian figure skater and painter.
He is the 1971–1976 Canadian national champion, the 1974 World bronze medallist, and the 1976 Olympic bronze medallist. Despite never winning Worlds due to his poor compulsory figures, he won the small medal for free skating at the 1972 and 1974 World Figure Skating Championships.
Cranston is credited by many with bringing a new level of artistry to men’s figure skating. …
Cranston was also a commentator on CBC television for figure skating events. However, in 1991, the CBC fired him, citing concerns from the Canadian Figure Skating Association that his often brutally frank and opinionated commentary was denigrating to Canadian skaters. Cranston filed a lawsuit against the CBC that was eventually resolved in his favor. …
He was brutal. But also very funny. Fans loved his colour commentary.
He was an outspoken critic of bad judging. And spoke passionately in favour of allowing back flips in competition, banned after Terry Kubicka included it at the 1976 Olympic Winter Olympics.
In Toller’s honour, check this round-off triple back handspring.
related – the comparatively boring Progressive SKATING & GYMNASTICS SPECTACULAR 2014.
Thank Dave Adlard for the link.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 