Brian Boitano 1988 Olympic Freeskate

[PLANETEARTHSUNIVERSE]

southpark

[FrostCrush]

Still love this as much today as when I watched it live! Constant speed and fluidity which is missing from alot of men's figure skaters in the modern day. Still love him😊

[edavidramos]

Thumbs up if you're a man and this made you cry.

[Josquinquin]

Over two decades later, this is still one of the most exciting programs by a male skater, ever. Boitano's jumps were accurate, beautifully executed and thrilling to behold. One of the all-time greats!! Bravo!!!

[MrABrokeS]

south park sent me here

[RoyalLocket28]

Great speed throughout!!! Bravo !!!

[signeseeker17]

A FLAWLESS performance, perfect in every aspect. The gold standard for men's Olympic skating in every way. Never saw anything like it before or ever since.

[KathyKlamisme]

I love how he lands all of his jumps, his positions are just awesome!

[ebennett7]

Still works for me! My favorite men's program ever!

[Will18elmo]

Like if you heard of this guy from the South Park Movie ;)

[puppyjeeper]

so thats who brian b is lol

[TheDemonChild1]

If south park thinks he's fucking awesome.

I think he's fucking awesome

[szqsk8]

I love how Brian flips his hands in the air @4:40 during his spin cuz he knows he just nailed it and he wanted the audience to know it and they respond enthusiastically. I still get goosebumps when I watch this!

[denzennako]

So what would Brian Boitano do

If he were here today,

I'm sure he'd kick an ass or two,

That's what Brian Boitano'd do :P

[thedrfoust]

@denzennako :P

[pelicanus11]

WOW he has such fluidity and Speed!!!

[blindsumo21]

im 14 and im at junior nationals for my first time. in three years i could beat him, but i got to say he is good

[bradyachin]

How perfect. Wow, wow, wow. Such power and confidence.

[maidmoira]

both of the brian;s are terrifffffffffffiiiiiccccc

[maidmoira]

i think both brian's from in or little continent,are smashing

[u4ism]

Boitano's skating is technically perfect but totally lacking in choreography. What a bore!

[HattieLovesCattie]

@u4ism I enjoyed his short prog more choreography wise.

[szqsk8]

@indiatree

On the jump Dick Button (who always HAD to find something negative to crab about back then) is referring to you can see BB is a little forward on the landing by the cloud of ice crystals when he lands. Its barely a two-foot landing, not enough to even register with the Judges I would think since the rest of the program was flawless up to that point. I would like to have seen his scores though.

Wasn't much a 'Battle of the Brians. In my opinion Boitano was the clear winner.

[indiatree]

When Dick Button was calling this program live on ABC, he said that Boitano's second triple Axel had a "slight touch down." I am assuming that meant there was a slight two foot landing. Is that true? I can't tell from the video, but it doesn't look that way to me. What is the general consensus about that?

[cphipps79]

@indiatree Dick said in a later interveiw that he was mistaken about the 2 foot landing, He said it appeared that way but wasn't. Alot of people say it was and alot say it wasn't. The judges gave him credit for 8 clean triple jumps which included that 3axel. So they seen it as clean.

[indiatree]

@cphipps79 Thank you so much for the information.

[youvegotsyd]

Thumbs up if you're watching this because of South Park. :)

[szqsk8]

This was the greatest! I remember watching this live and getting chills knowing this was Brian's night.

[TheCopper05]

@szqsk8 I remember watching it live on ABC that night. I had the same feeling. I watched this program, and I

felt this was one or the best program ever. Then I seen Brian Orser's program, and I seen that one bobble he

made. Then that one judge gave him a 6.0. I thought they are going to give it to Orser, but Brian Boitano did it.

[tippitytop1]

This was mankind's best men's skating performance ever performed

[Chacha5678]

brian boitano doesnt take shit from anybody

[diiiiiiiinamite]

I never ever tire of watching this beautifully, well balanced, choreographed programme. He was an absolute mega shining star that night. Thank you Brian for all the joy I have received watching this over the years, you were amazing!

[EfWerra]

He's my dream.

[szqsk8]

Still gives me chills to watch this. The best!

[supersonicdrawer]

thats what brian boitano'd do

[koolaidnhemlock]

the best

[mlc2005]

His jumping was so crisp, and what made him so exciting is that he had the flawless jumps, but he also had the spread eagles and the death drop that were the "best in the business" as Dick would say :)

[will74lsn]

I am still wondering how it could have been a 5-4 decision! Boitano's program was better than Orser's program in every aspect: the jumps, the spins, the choreography, the interpretation, the speed and power. THe ending with the split jumps, the 2A and the butterfly is just amazing, such energy and control. One of the most memorable performances ever!

[indiatree]

@will74lsn I read this somewhere and I don't know if it is true. Although Orser and Boitano both had military inspired programs, Boitano's was more literal in its translation. There was some semblance of the Cold War still going on in 1988, and the eastern bloc nations did not like Boitano's very literal use of this military theme. They felt it was insensitive/inappropriate and this could account for the low marks he received from those nations.

[safehaven11]

Between Brian Boitano and Brian Orser, even though I am Canadian, I think Brian Boitano deserved the gold for sure. His program was beautifully choreographed and no mistakes at all no two foot or step outs. This program was much cleaner than Orser. Boitano's skate was beautiful to watch and it was outstandingly stellar.

congratz

[Simbeat]

what would brian boitano do now? :/

[T1AOSUPERGUY]

@Simbeat ...lol southpark...thats the only reason i looked up brian boitano

[nuttyjunior]

@T1AOSUPERGUY lol same

[torrentsandtornadoes]

Incredible performance. It's kind of funny how both Boitano and Orser were wearing general/battle-like costumes. It's like they were at war with one another, hehe.

[nosuchpersonvideo]

@torrentsandtornadoes Well, wasn't called the Battle of the Brians because they were picking tulips. Olympic gold was on the line!

[alcestus]

Happy birthday, King of Ice!

[DS315]

I have never seen a video with 0 dislikes. =)

[Mr888JKing]

What would Brain Boitano, if he was here to day ? I`m sure he would win the olympics too. Cause that what Brain Boitano do.

[runly1]

JEBUS!!! Brian is so powerful!!!!!!!! Thanx for posting.

[guitarfreak992]

i heard he did 2 soy cow and a triple lutz while whereing a blindfold

[guitarfreak992]

i heard he did 2 sow cow and a triple lutz while whereing a blindfold

[md65000]

The 1980 Hockey Team, Dan Jansen in 1994, and this performance by Brian Boitano are the most exciting olympic moment I've ever seen.

[majskolven3]

what would brian boitano if he was here right now? he would kick an ass or two!

thats what brian boitano'd do!

[TheBrodyDay]

@majskolven3 lmao i was going to write the same thing,

[dsfddsgh]

If Brian had come along just a few years later he would have been nailing the quad too. But when Brian was skating in the early to mid 80's there was no need for a quad.

[Scroozin]

In 1988, the 1968 Gold Medal performance seemed antiquated. In 2008, the 1988 Gold Medal performance still seems pretty damn good! Sure, a few kids can hit a quad now, but they don't do multiple triple axels in combination. Brian, in his heyday, would still be a legitimate champ today!

[cphipps79]

@Scroozin TOTALLY AGREE!!! His program here is what we measure against all over programs, because to us, THIS is what its supposed to be! And no man skating today, has the quality of triple jumps Brian did 22 years ago. He would be getting positive grades of execution for all the jumps he did haha its amazing

[rabranch32]

I remember watching this performance during the Olympics, of course not knowing what the outcome would be at the time, and when it was done, my eyes were shining from the emotion and brilliance that Brian showed that day. This is the first time I've seen it on over 20 years and my reaction is exactly the same! Breathtaking!

[endingsociety11]

LOL

[bboylilizzi]

WOW  O_O

[koolaidnhemlock]

the best!! recognize!!

[metsdudenj]

The best performance in figure skating history by the best male skater in figure skating history...and probably the most humble champion ever. Super nice, super humble and super talented. Bravo Brian! You were magical that night!

[wayniac917]

When Brian Boitano was in the alps,

Fighting grizzly bears,

He used his magical fire breath,

And saved the maidens fair.

[sharrrkbate7]

@wayniac917 so what would brain boitano do if he were here today i'm sure he'd kick an ass or two thats what brian boitano'd do

[wayniac917]

@sharrrkbate7 that episode is awsome

[EminemFan202]

What would Brian Boitano do?

[libralady1010]

He was so well trained and had such a good attitude about it. Excellent technical skating only this time he combined wonderful artistry as well. Think only Dorothy Hamill's 1976 Olympics was in the same class. Superb!

[manderson610]

That flying sit spin...oh my god!!! :D

[wseabuck]

Well I always wondered and now I know what Brian Boitano would do...simply marvelous.

[kennynowicki]

He defies gravity at 3:53 into the program, Love that move.

[cphipps79]

Ya know what is amazing to me. 22 years later. This is what we consider the best men's gold winning performance in history. Every four years we always compare all the men's performances to this! And his program has really stood the test of time. Not only was it his performance, but how he handled the entire situation with great class and style. As he stepped down to the 2nd place podium to hug and congratulate Brian Orser. Talk about being a gentleman. Plushenko could REALLY take a lesson.

[nestersg]

No offense but Yagudin's 2002 was better. That amazing footwork, the passion and artistry...unfortunately his performance was overshadowed by a judging scandel.

[Pregolegs]

If the 1988 Boitano had competed a few days ago, with his program modified to fit the current code of points, he would have smoked the competition!

Talk about great technique and basic skating skills!

[OceanbornAngel]

Despite what some of Plushenko's supporters have said, Figure Skating is really about the total performance, the delicate intricacies of a skater's program, not the jumps. I hate those that say a skater needs to win the competition because they have a Quad/Triple Axel.

[webslinger48]

Back then, we didn't have the internet so we had no idea beforehand who won this. In honer of that, I watched men's skating last thursday without checking to see who won beforehand, and the thrill was well worth it. Kudos to all of these great skaters.

[gmjfra]

This really brings back memories. I remember watching this performance and the only feeling to describe it was awe. Truly amazing.

[dressagejdg1]

The look on Brian's face in the middle of the final spin says it all. (The one at the end too!) He was amazing. I've watched mens skating ever since this performance and never seen anything I liked as well.

[TheHaloTrickster]

Phenomenal. He included so many elements that have all but disappeared from the competitions. Each element flowed seamlessly into the next. If any one performance is singled out as a master class of men's skating, Brian's in Calgary would have to rate as one of the best of all time.

[WheresMyKoppy]

No one does a spread eagle like that, or a death drop... Only two of the elements I think you may be referring to. Definitely one of the best of all time...

[ChrisMagoo99]

The best of the best. No one is better.

[ChrisMagoo99]

By far the best performance I have ever seen. Brian Boitano's marks should have been all 6.0's The best of all male skaters ever.

[ChrisMagoo99]

By far the best skater of all times. I could watch Brian Boitano's 1988 gold medal performance over and over again. I would have given him all 6.0's

[WheresMyKoppy]

While there are skaters out there who have duplicated some of Boitano's signature moves over the years, there hasn't ever been anyone who could/can lean back as far he can on that move! 'Worth the equivalent of any triple jump', Dick Button said.

[npe1]

They held back the marks because Orser skated after him. But, Boitano should have got 6.0s for this performance.

[Kharlamov16]

He skates better than Plushenko and Yagudin!

[MrLoneWolf009]

What would Brian Boitano do, if ke came to this town again?

He'd probably kick an ass or two, that's what Brian Boitano'd do...

I now know the meaning of this song

[cabel67]

The BEST LP EVER from the BEST SKATER! And I've seen many before and since this program. Very difficult coz of constant music/rhythym changes. Kudos to Carmine Coppola, the composer, the father of director Francis Coppola (The Godfather) and Nicholas Cages's grand-uncle.

[1Mastermind1990]

Brian once did a triple axle that rewound time but Chuck Norris once did a roundhouse that made a time rift, thus making it possible for him to go to any time he wants...

[cactuscrj]

Still gives me goosebumps - 2:17 is my favorite part. Every move is executed in perfect tandum with the dramatic score. My only hesitation with this program is the first moments leading to the first 3A - hard to believe this is included in SB's coreography - there's like 45 seconds of pure nothing - no expression, just movement on the ice... That's where Orser never skipped a beat. Nontheless, this was the most amazing program of all time - and as was said, one that will never be beat...

[cactuscrj]

actually 2:15

[JMCannon]

Brian Boitano certainly kicked an ass or two!

[gibsondanny]

Thats what brian boitano would do

[candylaurenkaryn]

Brian Boitano is the best skater of all time, no mistakes.....

[Kharlamov16]

I agree with you. I'm Russian and I'm not impressed with Plushenko. When I see Brian Boitano's performance I can't say my skaters skate as beautifully. A lot of respect for Brian. He's the best.

[igorsinyutin]

@Kharlamov16 yes i agree with you!!!!!

[tippitytop1]

this performance is mankind's greatest men's free skate figure presentation and it will never be beat

[ajb1776]

I remember watching this live. The Battle of the Brians is one of the most famous rivalries in sport. What pleasure Brian Boitano and Brian Orser brought to the 88 Olympics. Theirs was the sporting event of the year.

[DefendOurConfessions]

Boitano is a complete bad ass!

[lunasea7]

BRAVO!! This is close to perfection and expression of Boitano after he finished skating is also one to remember. Excellent.

[MichelleKwanForever]

This is as close to perfection as gayskatingfan has said. If anyone wants to nit-pick, it would be on the second axel, but very nice! :)

[visceraltuning]

Yes, Brian did have a tight but, none the less, good landing on that 3A. That flash of ice is the exact same thing that is seen during the landing of Patrick Chan's 3A during his 2008 Nationals LP, which comes from landing so far forward on the blade. Of course, the camera angle used to tape Chan's performance in 2008 removes all doubt to the casual observer, while the 1988 taping of Brian's performance does not afford him that benefit.

[gayskatingfan]

This program is about as close to perfection in motion as you will ever see in the sport.