Paul Wylie (USA) - 1994 World Professionals, Men's Artistic Program

Landover, Maryland, USA - 1994 World Professional Figure Skating Championships, Men's Artistic Program - Paul Wylie of the United States. Darn Tom Hammond misread Paul's lips at the end. Paul said, "Thank you very much," not "that was a flop"!

[@Doos1410]

When figure skating was still about the whole package. Now a days it’s more like a jumping contest. I love the old skaters so much. And Paul was such a good performer. His skating and interpretation of the music was so spot on and elegant.

[@wileecoyote671]

I'm likely in the minority, but I consider this the most moving skating program of all time, a true work of art. The music/story and choreography is as mature and emotionally heavy of any routine ever conceived, and Paul did it justice. There are countless little details in this program that make it ever so stylish and effective. His face sells it. He fills every note of music and even the quiet moments like the opening spiral in silence into 3 flip. The footwork sequence is a masterclass in interpretation, so effective with its counter movements, unexpected direction, and dramatic stops from high speed towards the side barriers, complete with nuanced choreography - so intense. The ending sequence is emotional and honestly just gorgeous. The slow spiral with the arms coming forward with the music is just musical perfection, and that fast back spreadeagle with a severe boitano angle is breathtaking, the arm placement especially effective. Every now and then, skating transcends sport and is a true work of art. This was an expensive masterpiece.

[@laurafinkelstein9181]

Well said indeed. I remember watching this on TV, tears stream down my face because the choreo matched the core spirit of the film music.

[@colleengaskill2792]

This is why I think Paul Wylie is the greatest skater.

[@mikeg8375]

So talented... such good basic skating skills, such good interpretation of the music. He was always my favorite to watch growing up, you just don't see this type of performance quality very often. I wish these professional competitions still existed like they did during the 90s, it gave us a chance to appreciate great skaters like Paul and Brian Boitano even after their amateur days were over.

[@theresabollman8061]

USA loves Paul, he is such an eloquent skater.

[@summerwilmer3899]

love him! he skates with so much passion!

[@joycepietryga3818]

this guy is so good. so artistic.

[@angiemaniaciskatingfan723]

He won this portion of the competition over Brian Boitano, and rightfully so.

[@kristihardin-smith3515]

The beauty of Paul's skating was always his artistic interpretation and his skating skills. His edges, footwork, and stretch/extension are without parallel. His jumping technique is great (especially after he medaled in 92 and got a huge confidence boost). This is my favorite program from him. He felt every note and emotion of this misic.

[@angiemaniaciskatingfan723]

I love how artistic figure skating used to be!!

[@karenroseberry1445]

I agree! Figure skating is so wonderful to watch! !

[@theresabollman8061]

Beautiful job!

[@juliemotl7725]

His skating told a story like no other. His artistry and passion to me were unparalleled. I wish skating now would go back to those elements.

[@tyboogie1982]

That was magical

[@dianaharshberger1167]

Best skater in my opinion! So emotional and it makes me cry.

[@andrewphillips2179]

Paul Wylie always performs his dramatic routines on the ice

[@debbiehanson9201]

I remember that at the time, Paul corrected the announcer---what he said was, "That was for them," meaning the victims of the Holocaust.

[@jorgeluizlima4257]

what does flop mean? please ...

[@karenstevenson4356]

Failure