John Curry - 1976 Olympics - Free Skate

John Curry's Free Skate from the 1976 Olympics

[@Jay6459]

I appreciate this so much more than today's power jumps and programs that have NO artistic value. John Curry gave heart and soul to his talent.

[@sandrajude1137]

I have probably watched this clip 100 times. I remember seeing it back in the day on TV 1976; he was the best. No arm-flapping or just skating around the rink for speed--every step, every turn leads to the next move. Sublime.

[@robertsmale3714]

100% agree. He’s still the best artistic skater ever. He was brilliant.

[@PaoloPalarini]

And Toller, Robin and Yuzuru...where do you set them. But about the general situation, you're fully right

[@sdcashman45]

He had the truest skating line. Never matched.

[@kiwisunshine9631]

Wow, so amazing to watch! Such clean and tidy moves, and so elegant, unlike we see in todays skating world. Such an absolute pleasure to watch! Thank you!

[@Fatima502]

40 years ago today. Never forgotton

[@ohioweatherguy]

Greatest performance in the history of figure skating. Above anything ever seen not only in men's skating, but also ladies, pairs, and ice dance.

[@PaoloPalarini]

Generally, I agree with you. But I think that also Jane & Christopher, Toller, Robin, Tessa & Scott, Gabriela & Guillaume, Evgeny, and Yuzuru were not so bad..... I felt wonderful emoticons with them, too

[@nbenefiel]

Jumps are jumps. It’s this kind of beauty that is the hear and soul of figure skating. Today only Jason Brown skates like this.

[@sandragn3361]

I was going to comment on this if no one else did! Jason can't get the quads, so doesn't win :( It's far too technically oriented. But I still watch the competitions in case I clock another Curry or Brown ...

[@tdpclar]

Still, after over 40 years now, arguably the greatest moment in Olympic figure skating. One can attest by all the superlative comments always given by the viewers of this program. John Curry will never be equaled.

[@dwo5330]

I would say inarguably. And, yes, John Curry will never be equaled. No one has come close in 45 years and counting! He will always be the greatest figure skater who ever lived. We should all be so thankful that his performances are still here to perpetuate his extraordinary talent, vision, and contribution to the sport.

[@MEMORIA1316]

He was amazing! Nice to see him smile. Rest In Peace, John. 💐❤️

[@lindadibenardo3143]

Perfect in every way. Every move executed to full extension and to the music tempo. Artistic skating is interpretation, he was a master at it.

[@mylittledogshoppesouthpark1350]

WOW! I remember that broadcast and how much that performance Still Don Quixote is the best routine I have ever seen. I skated at Sky Rink in New York City during the late 70s and knew he skated in that same ice. Many miss you and thank you for your elegance and artistic grace. I still smile and shed some tears. RIP.

[@debbiethomas3687]

Even now, 42 years later, I can't listen to this piece of music without seeing him in my mind's eye.

[@mostevilbitch]

Exquisite.

[@davidkennedy6251]

Perfection, a joy to watch.

[@russcohen3779]

I wish skating was what it once used to be graceful and artistic we need a John curry

[@henryfrenzel6025]

Wow what an artist!!!

[@sashamars1418]

Omg! I was barely alive in 1976, I feel so lucky to have stumbled upon this… despite the poor video quality, it’s breathtaking! I’m instantly hooked! Even after 40 years, his every movement is still fresh and beautiful. Discovering John Curry is truly an eye opening experience for me. I wonder if any of his skating techniques and artistry is being taught to young skaters today, or is it even possible to teach such a thing?! RIP John Curry!!

[@renel2788]

they don't have skating like this anymore. It's all about the jumps. This is perfection !

[@gimichi]

Simply legendary!

[@rickram1961]

John Curry one of the all time best men's figure skaters

[@DoctorSyn11]

One of?

[@louisericketts6738]

Normally when I watch skating I’m slightly on edge praying they don’t fall. I never felt like that with John Curry because he was so confident on the ice, One just relaxed and enjoyed his beauty and grace.

[@Kate1Chopin]

How balletic. Amazing precision and grace.

[@DoctorSyn11]

Nobody has equalled that except perhaps Belita who was in an earlier generation

[@Sonneteer1]

Ballet on Ice. Truly captivating. No one else has ever been able to emulate this magnificent skater.

[@bettycurry6752]

Thanks for letting us relive this wonderful performance…..👍💝

[@mrsalmostpersuaded]

Never surpassed. It doesn't matter how fast, how high, how mamy quadruples, this was pure musicality and art on ice.

[@gumusluk16]

Beautiful to watch...

[@rohansrider]

Should have got straight sixes for artistic impression. So sad he died so young.

[@pamalford8319]

Just pure skating. Beautiful.

[@abrahamlora329]

Sublime.. should’ve been 6.0’s across for artistic impression..

[@johnorlando9839]

I think they were reserving them for Toller since he was the best free skater up to 1976.

[@stevelee4952]

Watched this so many times. So proud, so beautiful, so proud.

[@michaeljenkins7024]

I can't even pretend to know anything much at all about ice skating, but, still - wow! - he was so graceful! I'm British and I'd never even heard of him before I watched this. Before my time, but then so was Robin Cousins, and I've pretty much always known who he was. I suppose perhaps his ill-health before his early death might have forced him from public life before I could become much aware of who he was. Still, he should be more celebrated now in the UK. What a talent! (On a different note, I did find it amusing that one of the moves in ice skating is called a 'Spread Eagle'!)

[@sedekiman]

Figure skating is a sport. How wonderful it is to see all the technical elements presented in such a glorious package. Doesn't happen today. I always used to watch skating, but now it is all about technique and no artistry; so I don't watch!

[@PaoloPalarini]

Well,....in part I agree with you. But what do you think about Yuzuru, Gabriela & Guillaume, Tessa & Scott ?. I felt so many emoticons with them, too.

[@jennygibbs7801]

Best ice dancer ever.

[@hazelpickard6821]

He made it look so elegant and easy i luved watching him skate

[@maureenbampkin1817]

Fabulous dancer

[@johnorlando9839]

In 1976, Cranston was considered to be the best free-skater as he had won those portions of the competition in previous world championships while Curry had been inconsistent. Since Cranston was still to skate, I believe they left higher marks open should Cranston deserve them. Cranston, though, faulted, but still won the bronze in Innsbruck.

[@judiparrotte2436]

Beautiful

[@xandresousa]

When ballet and figure skating come together

[@johnorlando9839]

As John prepared for his final 2 Axel, you can see Coach Fassi lift his arms in anticipation and then clap enthusiastically when the jump is completed.

[@AntonioMunoz-wc8zb]

Bestttttt

[@Iwatchstuff1000]

Every time I hear a skater is using Don quixote I think “why would they even try it!”

[@vistaprime]

if I could go back through time I would show these guys Nathan Chen doing 6 quads in a program on my smart phone. But I guess they'd find the smart phone more incredible than the quads.

[@user-nh5ei3ws2b]

Всех больше исполнение этой программы мне нравится на ЧЕ 1976 г. Он там стремительнее что-ли? Или снимают с более выгодного ракурса?

[@fitfinlay999]

Rule Britannia

[@delsmith568]

Ballet on ice