Carlo Fassi
Encyclopedia
Carlo Fassi was a well-known Italian
figure skater
and international coach whose students included several World and Olympic champions.
.
As a competitor, he won the European Championships in 1953 and 1954, and also won the bronze medal at the World Championships in 1953. He was the Italian men's champion for 10 years.
Fassi took up coaching after the end of his competitive career. From 1956 to 1961, he coached at the Olympic Stadium in Cortina, Italy, and for four years served as the trainer for the Italian World Team. One of his first students was a young German skater, Christa von Kuczkowski, who became his wife and mother to his three children: Riccardo, Monika, and Lorenzo.
Following the 1961 plane crash
that killed the entire U.S. Figure Skating team and many of the top American coaches, Fassi moved with his family to the United States
, where he soon became established as a top international coach. He was based first at the famous Broadmoor Arena
in Colorado Springs, then for a time in Denver, Colorado
before returning to the Broadmoor in the early 1980s, and finally, following a brief return to Italy, at the Ice Castle rink in Lake Arrowhead, California
.
His students included World and Olympic Champions Peggy Fleming
, Dorothy Hamill
, John Curry
, Robin Cousins
, and Jill Trenary
. He also coached Scott Hamilton
and Paul Wylie
in the early stages of their careers. Skaters from all over the world came to train with Fassi, giving his training camp a strongly cosmopolitan and international atmosphere.
Besides being an excellent technical coach, Fassi had the reputation of being a master of political dealings in the figure skating world, with the ability to bring his students to the attention of the judges. He was such an icon in the sport that when the comic character Snoopy
adopted an alter ego as a figure skating coach (appearing, for example, in the 1980 TV special She's a Good Skate, Charlie Brown
), it was clearly modelled upon Fassi.
Fassi died of a heart attack
at the 1997 World Figure Skating Championships in Lausanne
, which he was attending as the coach of US skater Nicole Bobek
.
He was inducted into the Coaches Hall of Fame by the Professional Skaters Association in 2002.
and her coach Frank Carroll
alleged that Fassi had conspired to "rob" Fratianne of the gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics
by masterminding a deal with Eastern-bloc judges to swap votes for his own pupil Robin Cousins
in the men's event with those for the East German champion Anett Poetzsch in the ladies' event. The allegations been become so well-known that the story has subsequently been repeated as if it were actual fact. On the other hand, Sonia Bianchetti, referee of the men's competition at those Olympics, has denied that the judging of either event was incorrect, and pointed out that only two of the nine judges on the ladies' panel were from Eastern-block countries -- while five other judges also gave their first-place votes to Poetzsch. Benjamin Wright, the American referee of the ladies' event, instead blamed the method of tabulating scores that was in effect at that time for Fratianne's defeat. While the story of Fassi's machinations will probably never be proven, the widespread acceptance of the allegations is indicative of the power and influence in the sport which he is supposed to have had during his lifetime.
It is also notable that Fassi had at least five students of his own competing in the ladies event in Lake Placid: Emi Watanabe
of Japan, Susanna Driano
of Italy, Claudia Kristofics-Binder
of Austria, Kristiina Wegelius
of Finland, and Karena Richardson of Great Britain.
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
figure skater
Figure skating
Figure skating is an Olympic sport in which individuals, pairs, or groups perform spins, jumps, footwork and other intricate and challenging moves on ice skates. Figure skaters compete at various levels from beginner up to the Olympic level , and at local, national, and international competitions...
and international coach whose students included several World and Olympic champions.
Career
Fassi was born in MilanMilan
Milan is the second-largest city in Italy and the capital city of the region of Lombardy and of the province of Milan. The city proper has a population of about 1.3 million, while its urban area, roughly coinciding with its administrative province and the bordering Province of Monza and Brianza ,...
.
As a competitor, he won the European Championships in 1953 and 1954, and also won the bronze medal at the World Championships in 1953. He was the Italian men's champion for 10 years.
Fassi took up coaching after the end of his competitive career. From 1956 to 1961, he coached at the Olympic Stadium in Cortina, Italy, and for four years served as the trainer for the Italian World Team. One of his first students was a young German skater, Christa von Kuczkowski, who became his wife and mother to his three children: Riccardo, Monika, and Lorenzo.
Following the 1961 plane crash
Sabena Flight 548
Sabena Flight 548, registration OO-SJB, was a Boeing 707 aircraft that crashed en route to Brussels, Belgium, from New York City on February 15, 1961, killing the entire United States Figure Skating team on its way to the 1961 World Championships in Prague, Czechoslovakia.The flight, which...
that killed the entire U.S. Figure Skating team and many of the top American coaches, Fassi moved with his family to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, where he soon became established as a top international coach. He was based first at the famous Broadmoor Arena
Broadmoor Hotel
The Broadmoor is a 5-star/5-diamond luxury hotel and resort, located in southwestern Colorado Springs, Colorado. Built in the early 20th century as the "Grand Dame of the Rockies", it was one of the finest resort destinations along the Rocky Mountains during the age of railroads. It continues to be...
in Colorado Springs, then for a time in Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado
The City and County of Denver is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Denver is a consolidated city-county, located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains...
before returning to the Broadmoor in the early 1980s, and finally, following a brief return to Italy, at the Ice Castle rink in Lake Arrowhead, California
Lake Arrowhead, California
Lake Arrowhead is an unincorporated community and a census-designated place in the San Bernardino Mountains of San Bernardino County, California, within the San Bernardino National Forest, adjacent to Lake Arrowhead Reservoir...
.
His students included World and Olympic Champions Peggy Fleming
Peggy Fleming
Peggy Gail Fleming is an American figure skater. She is the 1968 Olympic Champion in Ladies' singles and a three-time World Champion...
, Dorothy Hamill
Dorothy Hamill
Dorothy Stuart Hamill is an American figure skater. She is the 1976 Olympic champion in Ladies' Singles and 1976 World Champion.-Early life:...
, John Curry
John Curry
John Anthony Curry, OBE was a British figure skater. He was the 1976 Olympic and World Champion. He was famous for combining ballet and modern dance influences into his skating.-Early life:...
, Robin Cousins
Robin Cousins
Robert "Robin" Cousins is a British retired competitive figure skater. He is the 1980 Olympic Champion, the 1980 European champion, a three-time World medalist and four-time British national champion. He later starred in ice shows and also produced his own...
, and Jill Trenary
Jill Trenary
Jill Ann Trenary is an American figure skater. She was a 3-time U.S. champion and won the World Figure Skating Championships in 1990....
. He also coached Scott Hamilton
Scott Hamilton (figure skater)
Scott Scovell Hamilton is an American figure skater and Olympic gold medalist. He won four consecutive U.S. championships , four consecutive World Championships and a gold medal in the 1984 Olympics....
and Paul Wylie
Paul Wylie
Paul Stanton Wylie is an American figure skater and 1992 Olympic silver medalist.-Biography:Born in Dallas, Texas, Wylie began skating at the age of three. At age eleven, his family moved to Denver, Colorado, where he began to train with Carlo Fassi...
in the early stages of their careers. Skaters from all over the world came to train with Fassi, giving his training camp a strongly cosmopolitan and international atmosphere.
Besides being an excellent technical coach, Fassi had the reputation of being a master of political dealings in the figure skating world, with the ability to bring his students to the attention of the judges. He was such an icon in the sport that when the comic character Snoopy
Snoopy
Snoopy is an fictional character in the long-running comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. He is Charlie Brown's pet beagle. Snoopy began his life in the strip as a fairly conventional dog, but eventually evolved into perhaps the strip's most dynamic character—and among the most recognizable...
adopted an alter ego as a figure skating coach (appearing, for example, in the 1980 TV special She's a Good Skate, Charlie Brown
She's a Good Skate, Charlie Brown
She's a Good Skate, Charlie Brown is the 19th prime-time animated TV specials based upon the popular comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz...
), it was clearly modelled upon Fassi.
Fassi died of a heart attack
Myocardial infarction
Myocardial infarction or acute myocardial infarction , commonly known as a heart attack, results from the interruption of blood supply to a part of the heart, causing heart cells to die...
at the 1997 World Figure Skating Championships in Lausanne
Lausanne
Lausanne is a city in Romandy, the French-speaking part of Switzerland, and is the capital of the canton of Vaud. The seat of the district of Lausanne, the city is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva . It faces the French town of Évian-les-Bains, with the Jura mountains to its north-west...
, which he was attending as the coach of US skater Nicole Bobek
Nicole Bobek
Nicole Bobek is an American figure skater. She is the 1995 U.S. Champion and World bronze medalist.-Biography:An only child, Bobek was raised by her Czech mother, Jana, and her friend Joyce Barron...
.
He was inducted into the Coaches Hall of Fame by the Professional Skaters Association in 2002.
1980 Olympics Controversy
After Fassi's death, U.S. skater Linda FratianneLinda Fratianne
Linda Sue Fratianne is a former American Olympic figure skater who won four consecutive U.S. Championships .-Early career:...
and her coach Frank Carroll
Frank Carroll
Francis M. "Frank" Carroll is an American figure skating coach and former competitive skater. He has coached three skaters to win the World Figure Skating Championships: Linda Fratianne, Michelle Kwan, and Evan Lysacek...
alleged that Fassi had conspired to "rob" Fratianne of the gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics
1980 Winter Olympics
The 1980 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XIII Olympic Winter Games, was a multi-sport event which was celebrated from 13 February through 24 February 1980 in Lake Placid, New York, United States of America. This was the second time the Upstate New York village hosted the Games, after 1932...
by masterminding a deal with Eastern-bloc judges to swap votes for his own pupil Robin Cousins
Robin Cousins
Robert "Robin" Cousins is a British retired competitive figure skater. He is the 1980 Olympic Champion, the 1980 European champion, a three-time World medalist and four-time British national champion. He later starred in ice shows and also produced his own...
in the men's event with those for the East German champion Anett Poetzsch in the ladies' event. The allegations been become so well-known that the story has subsequently been repeated as if it were actual fact. On the other hand, Sonia Bianchetti, referee of the men's competition at those Olympics, has denied that the judging of either event was incorrect, and pointed out that only two of the nine judges on the ladies' panel were from Eastern-block countries -- while five other judges also gave their first-place votes to Poetzsch. Benjamin Wright, the American referee of the ladies' event, instead blamed the method of tabulating scores that was in effect at that time for Fratianne's defeat. While the story of Fassi's machinations will probably never be proven, the widespread acceptance of the allegations is indicative of the power and influence in the sport which he is supposed to have had during his lifetime.
It is also notable that Fassi had at least five students of his own competing in the ladies event in Lake Placid: Emi Watanabe
Emi Watanabe
is a Japanese figure skater of Filipino ancestry. Her father is Japanese, and mother is Filipino. She won eight consecutive Japanese championships and earned the first World Championship medal in ladies' singles for Japan in 1979...
of Japan, Susanna Driano
Susanna Driano
Susanna Driano is a retired figure skater who competed internationally for Italy, her parent's native country. She is the 1978 World bronze medalist. She won the medal after placing 4th in figures and 6th in both short and free programs.While she ostensibly stopped competing after the Olympics in...
of Italy, Claudia Kristofics-Binder
Claudia Kristofics-Binder
Claudia Kristofics-Binder is a former Austrian figure skater. She is the 1982 European Champion.-Results:-References:...
of Austria, Kristiina Wegelius
Kristiina Wegelius
Kristiina "Tintti" Wegelius is a former Finnish figure skater. She currently resides in Canada as a coach and choreographer.-Results:-Navigation:...
of Finland, and Karena Richardson of Great Britain.
Men's singles
| Event | 1945 | 1946 | 1947 | 1948 | 1949 | 1950 | 1951 | 1952 | 1953 | 1954 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Olympics Winter Olympic Games The Winter Olympic Games is a sporting event, which occurs every four years. The first celebration of the Winter Olympics was held in Chamonix, France, in 1924. The original sports were alpine and cross-country skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, Nordic combined, ski jumping and speed skating... |
15th | 6th | ||||||||
| World Championships World Figure Skating Championships The World Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition sanctioned by the International Skating Union in which elite figure skaters compete for the title of World Champion... |
8th | 6th | 6th | 3rd | ||||||
| European Championships European Figure Skating Championships The European Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition in which figure skaters compete for the title of European Champion... |
4th | 3rd | 3rd | 2nd | 1st | 1st | ||||
| Italian Championships Italian Figure Skating Championships The Italian Figure Skating Championships are a figure skating national championship held annually to determine the national champions of Italy. Skaters compete in the disciplines of men's singles, ladies singles, pair skating, and ice dancing.-Men:... |
1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st |
Pairs
(with Barcellona)| Event | 1946 | 1947 | 1948 | 1949 | 1950 | 1951 | 1952 | 1953 | 1954 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Olympics Winter Olympic Games The Winter Olympic Games is a sporting event, which occurs every four years. The first celebration of the Winter Olympics was held in Chamonix, France, in 1924. The original sports were alpine and cross-country skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, Nordic combined, ski jumping and speed skating... |
13th | ||||||||
| European Championships European Figure Skating Championships The European Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition in which figure skaters compete for the title of European Champion... |
9th | ||||||||
| Italian Championships Italian Figure Skating Championships The Italian Figure Skating Championships are a figure skating national championship held annually to determine the national champions of Italy. Skaters compete in the disciplines of men's singles, ladies singles, pair skating, and ice dancing.-Men:... |
1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st |