Paul Wylie, "JFK", World Pro Artistic Program 1992-1993 Landover

Olympic silver medalist Paul Wylie performance to the Theme from "JFK" composed by John Williams, directed by Oliver Stone, at the 1992 World Professional Figure Skating Competition in December 1992. Shown by NBC in 1993.
"One of the greatest pieces of choreography I have ever seen." - Sandra Bezic, choreographer

[@craigaholic1]

To this day, no other male figure skater has commanded my attention in the way that Paul Wylie did. He won over my heart at the 1992 Olympics and then with this program, which was my very favorite, I was just riveted and he made me a fan for life. It is sooo hard to believe that was 22 years ago. I miss his skating. He was wonderful in technique but even moreso in heart and spirit.

[@rythymb1]

Yes I second that. Instant love when I first saw him skate. Even to this day no one can come close to him. Great coaches too they were great this is what you get. Lost interest in skating when he left. Thanks to you tube for all the videos of him. What a guy God bless our Paul he made skating so much fun to watch. Thanks to all his hard work he really won our hearts.

[@bonblue4993]

You took the words right out of my mind. One of the best skating programs ever!!!

[@focusnow4846]

Had to chime in and take it a step further…lol

[@bonniesilberstein-kj8nz]

Paul Wylie is the best I've ever seen. Artistically, there will never be anyone better!

[@barbaralindemuth3855]

Hecwas an excellent technical skater as well

[@josoverthehill]

From the first time I saw this routine, I was transfixed. THIS was what music interpretation on the ice was all about. To this day, it is in my all-time top 5 faves, and STILL gives me chills when I see it, almost 30 years later. What a master.

[@carolynbennett2735]

They don't skate like this anymore!! He is awesome!!!

[@brendameyer4166]

Proof that the best skaters don’t need cold pieces of metal but warm hearts as proof of their greatness.

[@sheilabarnhart5175]

Brenda Meyer I think the current rules prevent this kind of choreography. Skaters today don’t exhibit this level of purity in edges and body line. Sometimes simple is best, which is never rewarded. As Dick Button used to say, Paul Wyle’s spread eagles were worth any triple jump.

[@dougcook9813]

Moreover, he was gracious, professional and a true gentleman who allowed his skating rather than his words to speak.

[@kaliqoventalidor3898]

I remember watching this live and have never forgotten it. Just brilliant.

[@lesleywallace8773]

Same here.. outstanding!!

[@phoenics1908]

I have always loved this performance... that final salute just slays me everytime... and the footwork!

[@dougcook9813]

As far as I'm concerned, Paul Wylie was in a class all by himself. His skating and persona give me chills to this day (October 2018).

[@karenharris722]

One of my favorite programs for sure. I'm so glad it's on KZbin!

[@reginasims6492]

Simply stunning. They don’t skate like this anymore.

[@amyheinl4788]

One of the best figure skating performances ever

[@lauramartha3]

I count him as one of the half-dozen rare skaters who got "inside" their music. The programs he created as a "professional" are memorable to this day (2018). He not only had the more gorgeous technique (edges, extensions, scratch spins, footwork, etc.), but he chose the most inspiring music and matched every movement of his body to it (Apollo 13, Carmina Burana, Schindler's List, etc., etc.). Wylie, John Curry, Stephane Lambiel, Daisuke Takahashi.....and on up to Yuzuru Hanyu: just a very few male singles skaters were able to get "inside" their music: they were dancers, not just skaters. I keep going back to watch the programs of John Curry, Paul Wylie, Lambiel (Ne Me Quitte Pas + he is still creating new and brilliant programs in his ice shows in Europe). I feel bad for the very young fans who don't know the brilliant skaters that came before Hanyu.

[@lifeskater9899]

Exactly! Paul told the story completely. A simply normal day at the outset, that changed to panic, fear, horror, then transitioned into saluting a fallen President. All of his programs were brilliant, but JMO, this one's his signature.

[@rowanaforrest9792]

I'd have to add Scott Hamilton and Kurt Browning to this list. They rarely did drama, but they did get inside their music and make the most of it -- great entertainers once they turned pro.

[@TobiasTurkelton]

I remember watching this live... I was SO moved, just blown away by his FOOTWORK... I've never forgotten it. Weird mental path got me to look it up on here tonight and I'm just as moved and amazed all over again! I was an avid, rabid figure skating fan for decades (until the jumps/athleticism began to matter more than the artistry and grace) and Paul was always tops in my book - a master! Lucky enough to have seen him perform in person several times too, but THIS performance will always stick with me.

[@tyaegerphoto]

Still my favorite figure skater of all time. Paul Wylie is Kenneth Branagh on ice - sheer poetry, drama and magic in his ability to make an audience feel. I still get chills watching this performance.

[@bonblue4993]

I completely agree with you! PW was stunning - every move maxxed to the nth agree. His stretch was amazing and he told a story. These days, the music is lousy and it's just about the jumps which is so very sad. Skating is about artistry which is sadly lacking these days.

[@TakeBackAmerica2012]

One of the most memorable skating performances ever. I remember seeing this live on TV. Just awesome!

[@andreaberryhill6654]

Oh, that was brilliant! Beautiful, emotional, technically difficult, expressive... truly moving.

[@rachelq3037]

I loved this when I first saw this performance and it is still mesmerizing in 2018.

[@SheenaRea]

Same here... I've never forgotten this one. So beautiful!

[@nicolassanabria4386]

When these current skating fans are talking about artistry and saying Yuzu, Mikhail, Shoma ... THIS is true artistry in skating

[@dianepopnick5850]

The first time I saw Paul Wylie in person he skated this number. I was so overcome by the beautiful artistic performance. His interpretation of the music is the best I have ever seen. I saw Paul Wylie skate several times afterward. Each time his performance made my a huge fan. I definitely miss seeing him skate.

[@rythymb1]

Love everything about him. Love it when he runs on the ice. Even his bunny hop is special. Miss him can't be replaced even all the new ones coming up. If I could do just a little bit that you did I would be happy. You make this difficult sport look so easy. Remember we are still making comments regarding your skating even after all these years. Have a happy life. Huge fan here.

[@lifeskater9899]

Also, that Program was transitional with emotions within the 4 mins. Tranquility at the start, then fear, where did those shots come from, pandemonium (he's running), anxiety (drums during his Sit Spin), recovery, His Inside Spread Eagle into JFK Jr's salute to his dad? Brilliant!. Sold it to the audience. Masterful and awesome choreography. Those were the days of true, and impactful skating.

[@Itstonytime77]

His jumping technique is so good I love the way he checks his jumps with his chest up high! Perfection!

[@rowanaforrest9792]

For me, even more great are his spins (speed, extension, impeccable lines, and tight centering). My favorite, though, is his spread eagles (inside or outside edge). They're to die for!

[@agneslong2323]

One of my all time favorite programs. I don't even care about the jumps. So much drama and expression in his graceful delivery.

[@AthenaisC]

Omg, it's 2023 and I still get goosebumps. ❤

[@rowanaforrest9792]

Same in 2024 :D

[@caseystrapp281]

his performance of this program at the '92 pro am was even better. he hits the flip, and check out those artistic impression marks.

[@LifeBeautifulMess]

Hope, love and joy! This is why, when I was 17 in 1992 I fell in love with figure skating watching him in the Olympics and learned to skate myself working my way to double jumps at the old age of 19

[@rythymb1]

Good for you. Fun huh?

[@thebookkeeper8404]

I am crazy about this amazingly talented fella. I was stunned to find out about all the adversity in his life since his skating days. I believe it was a TED talk given by him. His attitude seemed great. I wish him all the best and thank him for all the enjoyment he has given me over the years.

[@TheFullcontactfighte]

So powerful and moving and beautiful performance!

[@paskatefan]

My favorite Paul program (of many). Brilliant & poignant!

[@larainevanetten5311]

Beautiful. Poignant. Tells the story of that awful day so many years ago

[@marthaharrris3680]

Beautiful program by this exceptional athlete❤

[@MeganWoodard1984]

There is only one person who even comes close to him nowadays and that's Jason Brown

[@bonblue4993]

I completely agree!!

[@celested9588]

Still gives me goosebumps and tears in my eyes.

[@lifeskater9899]

This program was the total package-artistic, strong, powerful; emotional. I needed a few hankies at his ending pose-that salute as though he was John Jr. I'll never forget it. Who were the lousy judges who gave him 9.9??!!

[@angiemaniaciskatingfan723]

LifeSkater I totally agree. This deserved a perfect score.

[@lifeskater9899]

@@angiemaniaciskatingfan723 Hi, watched it again today. Needed tissues....again.

[@MissFit29]

Oh, goodness, how I miss Landover. And give me this footwork ANY day over the IJS garbage.

[@amygonzalez8381]

I remember watching this and it still gives me goosebumps. He was one of my favorites.

[@KatherineCartwrightCrafts]

I am so happy to have found this video! I remember when Paul skated this live and I have never forgotten it. I think it was one of the greatest skating performances I have ever seen in my life. Thank you for sharing this amazing skate with us!

[@wgrroseberry]

I agree! I just love watching these beautiful performances! They are so wonderful! God bless them for sharing their talents with all of us! Thanks for downloading!

[@noelohashirodriguez]

A true PATRIOT will always print TRUE ART

[@chloemoore4420]

I remember watching this performance on t v n I thought brilliant. I thought Paul and Todd Eldridge should be brothers skating kind of similar I miss this style of skating on the male side seems all of them are focused on getting the Quad or how many Quads they could put in a program forgetting all about artistry. Jason Brown is the only skater I see reminds of joy in figure skating a true free spirit. I would love to see the style of Paul/Todd/Robin Cousins hybrid be brought back to the ice n I would be shouting I wonder if Paul W was coaching and if not he should be

[@dianepopnick5850]

Wow!!!You mentioned my 3 favorite male skaters. Paul,Todd and Robin. I know Paul and Todd currently are coaches I sure miss their skat6and artistry.

[@myfathersdaughter6983]

The greatest

[@tabithasabella8165]

Hey Paul its tab, I wanted to say thank you for being obedient to gods call so many years ago You put your testimony in a girls christian magazine, that magazine found its way into the hands of a young girl, and that young girl.read the article. God worked through you to help me face and overcome so many of my biggest fears. Paul that girl was me. As a believer myself I'm so grateful for a brother and coach, YOU. I love you Paul, I'm so proud of the man and athlete you are. I send you a special hug.

[@Jukka70]

I remember seeing him at the olympics, always thought he was amazing. Then I saw this the year he did it, all on tv of course. And he came out and produced this, and all I could think was, "pure genius". There was always something about his interpretation and feel for the music and putting the emotion into skating. And I won't say that quads have ruined skating, it does have its place. But you can't beat what Paul and Todd brought to skating. Always felt bad that Todd didn't medal. He was exquisite too, and the chance where he did have to medal is where the quads coming out hurt him. These two were some of the best artistic interpreters that we've seen.

[@deniseheadlee4165]

Back when a spiral was held for more than 2 seconds! One of the best skaters

[@jenniferscott4900]

Why does this not.have more views and likes it's breathtaking 🥰

[@tabithasabella5212]

Paul, wowie zowie Flawless. I give you not only a 10 but a hug from your little sister in Christ too

[@tabithasabella8165]

Paul as my older brother I'm Christ, let it be known that iam and forever will be so proud of you, screw the crooked jealous judges. You are and will forever be one of the greatest and one of my all time favorite skaters. You don't need a gold medal, you have what god says you are and that is something that they can never take from you As a children of god Paul we are royalty, you already have a title that is imperishable, a medal is just a medal, thats all it is

[@tabithasabella7129]

C'mon Paul you've got this

[@focusnow4846]

Just so you know…Paul Wylie was, and still is, the best artistic male skater of his generation. His “JFK” program was a phenomenal piece of choreography best described as a creative masterpiece unparalleled to-date (2024) since first performed in 1992. The performance stands alone as “greatness on every level, including performance!” Sadly, Paul Wylie never received the recognition he deserved for his extraordinarily amazing artistic talent! As a 75+ yr. old figure skating enthusiast, I’ve watched them all, and Paul was the best in his Era! Yuzuru Hanyu has been the only skater capable of mirroring Paul’s ability and level of artistry that showcased his artistic genius during performances. (Obviously just my opinion.)

[@gailkatz6613]

Jason Brown and Paul Wylie,the two best figure skaters.

[@rebeccadelafuente5466]

I think the reason this touches me so much is that during the marching sequences basically but work sequence when you can tell he’s looking for someone and this is been where it seems like he spins faster and faster and faster he looks really upset as if he was back in 1963 on the day before JFK got shot had an opportunity to perhaps stop it and because of circumstance or whatever couldn’t. Therefore making him and us feel as if we could have stopped something disastrous from happening. The whole last section of the program he looks crestfallen as if remembering what might’ve or could have been. It is absolutely glorious to watch and to experience every single time I see it! I don’t know if he’s a history buff or he majored in history at Harvard, but I seem to notice he picks very American themes: miss Saigon Apollo 13 JFK Schindler‘s list Gershwin etc. spotlighting things that shouldn’t of happened or should never happen again like any good history professor would and celebrating things that should be celebrated and moments that brought us together be at the disagreement over the war in Vietnam the loss of what could’ve been in JFK or the lives in World War II the hope of Apollo 13 and the whimsy of the music of Gershwin. Thank you for being such a history professor! :-)

[@lifeskater9899]

Absolutely! He had the audience 500%, told the story, you felt, and saw his transitional emotions. Now skating's all about Quads, quads and more quads. No emotion, no taking us on a journey, no projection. I miss those Pro competitions and I say bring back Compulsories!!

[@lifeskater9899]

I think he likes sweeping, epic-like soundtracks, that work for him, fills the arena, and places his Elements in their right places, music-wise.

[@tabithasabella5212]

Paul, hey you, I hope you are growing in the faith and are doing so well. I just wanted to share with you what god did for me yesterday. I went up for prayer after church, I've been struggling with my mind rushing, and hearing dark negative voices in my head. I got prayer, Paul its GONE. My mind is quiet and still, the rushing the voices I was hearing are gone, praise god for his grace, mercy and faithfulness. I'm heading back into horseback riding and even though I'll never compeate or do showings the important thing is that I'm getting back on after years of being off. School is good, I'm working really hard.

[@theresabollman8061]

Paul We are so very proud of you! USA, USA,USA!!!!!!!

[@galileocan]

Wow. What more can anyone say...?

[@snowballwannabe3161]

Did he wear colored-pantyhoes over the boot or have a pair of boots of every single color to match the trousers?

[@lifeskater9899]

Probably boot covers dyed to match his trousers.

[@AT-jm4dl]

Amazing performer. No one can creates tension and drama on the ice like Paul could. I wonder who was the real choreographer behind some of Paul's great programs - his coach, the Scotvolds, or Paul himself? It's hard for me to believe that Mary Scotvold created any of Paul's greatest programs, because the routines she gave Nancy Kerrigan were God awful.

[@sheilabarnhart5175]

3A4T 10 consider the original material she had to work with. Nancy’s competition was Tonya Harding. If Michelle Kwan was her competition, would we remember Nancy?