1988 Christopher Bowman OLYMPIC SP

[getrealandsee]

Christopher Bowman...what a gift to the world of figure skating. He was himself and a delight to watch...stayed true to his sport and loved performing. He was as stated at home on the ice in front of an awestruck audience. Some people are only with us for a short time and Chris Bowman left a void that no one can fill. Skate with the angels, Bowman the Showman and thanks for sharing your wonder with us!

[jonzfriend]

I watched Chris pull a quad once in practice - something no one else could do at the time (or would do in competition, anyway.) His coach told him, "Chris, stop jerking around!" I remember him well, the smile, the attitude, the intense strength and determination. I've lost another one before his time. My condolences to his mother and father and sister. This world just wasn't ready for him.

[mhughes72]

His world was more difficlt than he ever let on to the outside...he was a gifted and brilliant boy...

[lepsgrisha]

Браво! Гений! Светлая память!

[debabe7]

Bravo Genius! Bright memory! (Russian)

[pattysue4]

Wow! He's gone now, but hardly forgotten. Godspeed, Chris.

[novembermiss]

It's hard to pick a favorite from all the performances on youtube, but this SP from Calgary is in my top 3. Christopher is at his best here--I remember watching this on TV almost 20 years ago, waiting for the Battle of the Brians to start, and thinking "Who is THIS?" The expression on his face at the end, 3:33, is priceless! Thanks for posting this.

[k9henrydog]

There is an extraordinary and wonderful freedom to be found in skating, but it unfortunately comes at the great price of imprisoning yourself to disciplined practice rigors. There is such FREEDOM in this performance...I think maybe that ability to take us out there with him in his freedom, is what so captivated all his uncountable fans!! best wishes and thanks for commenting!

[frosty7530]

This was great video of Chris! Breathtakingingly talented at his peak! He had "extra charm" that goes beyond technique. He just floated on that ice. What a loss. R.I.P. Beautiful Dancer of Ice. Long time b4 we see likes of u again.

Thanks for posting this extraordinary talent.

[k9henrydog]

It's a priviledge and wonder to have YOUTUBE to keep this, and many other, great skating moments alive for us and future skaters....best wishes

[tomonice]

i think his style is very like stephane lambiel

[pellebravesskylar]

That I wouldn't doubt. The fact that, as Jim McKay points out in commentary for Chris' long program at these same games, he was an actor "since he was six months old" has to be a little troubling. He certainly couldn't have had any decision at that age - so I suspect that what some people are saying may be true. Poor, poor guy.

[pellebravesskylar]

Thanks for the info. I've heard that the meds to treat bipolar disease aren't without their horrible side effects - and sometimes that's the reason many afflicted with the disease don't want to take them. Of course, this results in other problems, too. So sad.

[k9henrydog]

without an autobiography, we will never know...competitive skating is a difficult world to live in, and hard for both skaters and parents to find the proper path!!!

[pellebravesskylar]

What a wonderful skater. I wish he had fulfilled his enormous potential. I read somewhere that he was bipolar which may explain his very sad exit from life. RIP, Chris. I will never forget your handsome face and beautiful skating. You were one of a kind.

[vicencen]

WOW! What skill, what showmanship! Thanks for posting this.

Let us remember to value whatever talents we all may have, and strive to bring forth the goodness in each of us. Let us not live, or die, in vain.

He shall be missed more than perhaps he realized. RIP

[schoolcraft2010]

You know I've loved watching skating for years! I always loved watching Chris Skate - he was awesome - handsome and full of personality! When I read that he had passed...I gasped and my kids were like " What Mom?" I KNEW I could count on YouTube to show them how wonderful he was! Such a loss - I had no idea that he had battled drugs- so very sad!

[k9henrydog]

yes, it is a suddenly sad day!! So sad to have the evil so envelope such a bright and shining star! Shame he could not find just one glimmer of light to find his way out of the darkness........best wishes

[applecheeksgirl]

I can't watch anymore, it is too sad. It;'s good to know so many people appreciated his talent.

[k9henrydog]

Many a tear is being shed!! best wishes

[1814Brandan]

I still can't fucking believe it.....I thought he had finally conquered his demons....maybe this was a culmination of the abuse from previous years. Still, when he was on, he was wonderful, so charming and handsome on the ice. Gorgeous posture.

[relativestobowman]

Nelson and Joyce, this a note from all of us in Chattanooga. We are so saddened to hear of Chris' death... We were all such supporters of his skating.. just wanted to let you know we love you and miss you...

Sandy Nicely,,, daughter of Virgina

[k9henrydog]

We all extend our sincere condolences for his unfortunate passing! He will be remembered forever.............best wishes

[bassethound1]

I'm shocked by the sad news. RIP Christopher.

[giub99]

what a shame, he had so much potential

[biannwilmer27]

Superb! His performance gave me chills. So sad to hear of his untimely passing.

[rjohnsonjr70]

Once a star, always a star. May your star continue to shine bright with your passing. Rest in peace Christopher Bowman.

[rc9775]

a sad loss for the world of skating

[trixiesk8]

We will miss you.

[k9henrydog]

thanks for the headsup.....notes are coming in from all over the world!! a Final Curtain call for Bowman the Showman.....many hearts are sad tonite!! best wishe to you.

[figuresk8r2001]

I love Chris. He is amazing, he just went for it 150% in this program. wow. The line and flow are incredible in this performance.