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![]() "If I had never won a single medal, I'd still be skating in a rink somewhere. There wouldn't be an audience or camera flashes or autograph seekers, but I'd still be skating."
— Brian Boitano |
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When Brian Boitano, U.S. and world figure skating star, dueled Canada's skating champion Brian Orser for the 1988 Olympic gold, it was a clash of skating titans laced with the drama of the legendary rivalry between the U.S. and Canada. The Boitano-Orser match-up captured the world's attention, attracting record-breaking crowds. Figure skating, an Olympic event since 1908, had developed into one of the most anticipated events in the Games and a centerpiece of television coverage. Despite a field heavy with stars, Boitano took first in the compulsory event. Orser responded by winning the short program. With the gold medal on the line, Boitano unleashed a spectacular long program that bowled over the judges. Boitano brought home the gold, Canada's native son took the silver, and the "Battle of the Brians" became Olympic legend. Name: Brian Anthony Boitano
Born: Mountain View, California, 1963–
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