Broadmoor Open

We had a fantastic week in Colorado Springs, kicking off the new competition season!!! Jordan and I arrived on Monday and picked up Cordero later that evening. Cordero had a very LONG flight from Alaska but couldn't wait to skate and spend time at the World Arena. Tuesday was filled with many practices on different ice rinks through out the town. Jord and Cord practiced hard and had a very packed week of competition. I had many terrific photo opportunities but my hands were always holding something and never a camera! We all had little time to catch up on emails and once we were back in the hotel, we just wanted to rest...

Jordan and I had a "sweet" moment when we arrived at the World Arena on Monday. In front of the World Arena is a huge light board, flashing information and photos of upcoming concerts and events. As I was at the stoplight ready to turn into the parking lot, there was George Lopez flashed behind the American Flag. His face was so big on the light board with his cheesy grin. Jordan looked at me and said, "Grandpa's here!" All week long, we saw his face flashed on the board. I loved it!!!

On Wednesday, Jordan had her first qualifying round skating her Intermediate Freeskate (Long Program). The competition had 5 groups of 15 skaters, the top 4 in each group advanced. Jordan skated in a tough group. She skated terrific with a few minor mistakes and placed 4th!!!

On Thursday, Jordan competed again skating her Intermediate Short Program. It's a separate competition for the girls to skate the short program and the score does not reflect the final standings. She attempted her double axel and skated well.

On Friday, Jordan competed in another qualifying round. She had to skate her short program and place in the top 8 (two groups of 10 skaters). She placed 5th, missing the podium by .14!!! She learned how every element counts! Finally after 4 days of acclimating, Cordero competed his short program and came in 6th. It was his first time competing in the World Arena. A picture would have been wonderful to post but I was too involved keeping track of the points with every skater! None of the Intermediate Men's competitors smiled! It was hard to watch but when Cordero came out he had the crowd going!!! He has a great, energetic program and everyone loved it. He received high marks for his program component score! He is just a great kid and works so hard!!!

On Saturday, Jordan competed in her 6th competition in one week! She skated her long program in the World Arena. She placed 8th in her Freeskate (Long Program) and 10th overall (you add the scores from your short and freeskate for the overall placement). For her first Intermediate IJS event, she did terrific. Cordero also competed and placed 4th in his freeskate and 4th overall, earning him a medal. We had a great time watching the scores post and seeing if he kept his 4th place position.

We also went to the World Figure Skating museum, experience the hotel flood, ate at various restaurants, watched senior pairs, mens and ladies events and laughed all week long. For now two more weeks of training, then off to Philadelphia for the next competition!