Christopher Bowman 1991 US Nationals SP

[ja3399]

Kurt Browning was a contemporary and rival of Christopher's. I remember Kurt saying that when he first saw Christopher skate, he thought he would never, ever, beat him. Christopher was so gifted, and he owned every audience, even if it was only two people. We now know that Christopher battled drug demons, and, after many years, he lost the fight. He is gone now, but not forgotten. Sad, sad, sad. Wherever he is now, I hope there is skating or flying there. Christopher, RIP. We remember.

[tinymavy]

He seems like a CoP skater..more choreography than most men of that era!

[swerveon]

wow - he was so beautiful.

[frandunc]

It sucks he was passed over again for the USFA Hall of Fame. He deserves better.

[mhughes72]

My Mom always loved this program the best-hope you are together in heaven, RIP both, love your daughter Mary

[lepsgrisha]

Прекрасное катание! Браво! Светлая память!!!

[rockstarmommyokc]

I forgot how great he was...thanks for posting this.

[kennethherb]

he was fantastic and so handsome..its just so tragic..i loved him as a teenager!i hope he is at peace at last.

[alaoopie77]

anyone have his 1989 World championship long program?..

[yodabeesh]

I have ALWAYS loved this SP from Christopher Bowman. This music suits him well... dramatic, lots of flair, and his charisma and joy really shine through. These were good days for him.

[ElaineSamuela]

Does anyone know -- did Christopher take Ritalin when he was growing up?

[MissFit29]

He probably should have.

[Imnoteveryone]

Hey Lou,

And you have proof of this? How? Did you know the man personally? Did he tell you?

Never mind. You are an a--wipe like the rest who automatically assume all male skaters must be gay. Right 'cause why would a ''real man'' get into this sport?

Uh it couldnt have something to do with the fact that there are a lot of pretty girls at the rink in short skirts is it? Oh wait! I guess that makes me a closet lesbian for noticing. Thank you Dr. Lou--youve solved a huge mystery *eye roll*

[novembermiss]

Was both angry and sad, watching the men's finals last night at Nationals, that NBC did not feature any sort of tribute to Christopher--nor was his name mentioned once by either Dick Button or Scott Hamilton. I would have liked to see some footage on this two time national champion, two time world medalist, and two time Olympian who brought so much joy to his fans and to the sport. Great skater, and so glad we have at least some of his great performances on youtube--thanks for posting this.

[tellito1]

i am agree with you, he deserves a tribute in this nationals, because he was an extrordinary competitor, the finest mens champion from the US nobody , compares him!

[diiiiiiiinamite]

I live in the UK and always followed with great interest and joy Christoper Bowman's amateur career, such an exciting skater and one of my favourites... a joy to watch. Here in the UK, we don't forget our past sporting heroes, so was very disappointed to read he was overlooked at your Nationals...Hopefully in the near future they will see fit to do a tribute programme for him, if not SHAME on them....Thank you for the memories Chris, your true skating fans will never forget you.

[novembermiss]

Apparently, there actually was a video tribute of some sort, as well as a moment of silence, at the nationals, I'm told--someone on youtube responded that you could have heard a pin drop in the arena when everyone paused to honor Christopher's memory. Unfortunately, the major TV network (NBC) chose not to televise this, so most of us in the audience never saw it. Neither commentator mentioned him either during the telecast. As a fan, I was hoping to see something during the broadcast.

[Imnoteveryone]

supposidly there was a ''moment of silence" for cb but NBC didn t televise it or so I was told. :? Bastards!

[15chris69]

ABSOLUTELY AGREE! He was brilliant!!!

[delpa1986]

No amount of medication, exercise or surgery could keep you eternal. So, dont u feel bad about death coz youll get there.

Think about it. Be nice to all while youre living well coz when its gone, its gone. U just never know when.

[fatskateman]

death is a part of gods perfect plan... the constant possibility and its complete inevitability. Chris was so young and could have given so much more. But it is what it is and we will miss him.

[roslynn2008]

Magnificent! I love his jump technique, musicality and fluidity over the ice. A natural artist!

[car22car]

"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen."

[car22car]

Christopher Bowman's tragic & untimely death can be attributed, in large part, to the stigma associated with mental illness & the consequent widespread ignorance of behaviors that indicate the presence of bipolar disorder, a brain chemistry imbalance that is no one's fault and no reason for shame. Had Christopher been properly diagnosed much earlier in life, there's no doubt that his life would have played out in a much different and infinitely better way. May his death not be in vain.

[car22car]

Had the general public been much more educated and informed about bipolar disorder, Christopher would likely have been diagnosed much earlier in life. To perpetuate the secrecy, silence, shame and stigma associated with bipolar disorder is to dishonor his memory as well as ensure that others will suffer the same fate. I do not believe that this is what Christopher would have wanted.

[car22car]

A great deal is known about bipolar disorder, but because far too many are ignorant of it, no one in the skating world -- or the world in general -- was able to help Christopher Bowman, a person in the public eye for most of his life, arrive at a diagnosis soon enough to save him.  The evidence was there for all to see, but we weren't paying attention. We failed him.

[novembermiss]

I'd forgotten how beautiful he was on the ice--he might have been known as the "showman" but that in no way should trivialize his considerable gifts both technically and artistically. All around great skater, and so handsome too. He should have had so much more and better in life, if not as a coach, then as a commentator. RIP, Christopher--you were much loved by skating fans.

[mhughes72]

Dear Christopher, You were one unique athlete. There have been no others quite like you. Rest in peace. Mary Hughes

[waddleduckie1]

Little fact is know about Bipolar and its connection to Chris Bowman so many people need to please back off and give his family some needed comfort and a break from this extensive publicity since the crises happened without warning. Thanks!

[sl4712]

that's a skating mom.

they're more common than you know.

[leighwood20]

Most men skaters these days train and train and train all day with the latest gadgets and techniques, points, etc. and get to the big competitions and skate wooden, as if to please their parents or coaches. The real genius of Christopher Bowman was that he skated the big competitions with his heart, and no one can touch that, ever.

[MadCatLadyInTraining]

Christopher Bowman was diagnosed with Bipolar in 2004. It is so sad he did not get that diagnoses years ago before his self medicating devoured his life.

Please if you suspect you have an illness seek treatment. Find what combination of therapy, medication, and complimentary treatments gives you the best life possible. A little girl is without her Dad today because he didn't get the help he needed when his problems became obvious :(

[WHATTHEBUCKSHOW]

SO SAD!! he was a wonderful skater and personality for the sport! BUCK

[zuzuspetals04]

he was a partier and drank. he said tht he hanted to be the partier from hell but not die. which is a weird statment

[jbphotog712]

OMG! I googled him recently because I wanted to see what he was up to and now I see this. Chris, you will be missed by millions of figure skating fans. Rest in peace.

[leighwood20]

He had so much sex appeal, oh, and yeah, he could skate.

[carladieg]

Chris Bowman, an inspirational skater, a person who gave us excitement, enthusiasm and fun. We are grateful for the memories you left behind. May your spirit find exceeding peace, love and contentment on the other side.

[sschimel]

As a recovering addict, I'm completely saddened by it, but I understand it. I know first hand how hard it is to break the addiction cycle. I've seen some people do it, but I've seen others try and and fail and some of them didn't live long enough to try again. I became a counselor to try and help, but it is very draining to watch people fall back into it.

[syzygy2539]

Chris - a babe, a wunderkind, a skater to take your breath away. You lived fast and left us far too soon and, oh, how we will miss you. Thanks for the memories. RIP

[MNguy26]

Damn shame. Addict or not...helluva preformer.

[hotwriter36]

He could have been a great Olympic coach. Only 40 years old. The tremendous weight gain didn't help him, either.

[AllenAtlanta2]

What a waste of life, talent and so much potential. Maybe his experience with drugs will serve as a lesson for others.

[moosekalkjieow01]

Chris graced the ice with his talent and love for skating. He was truly special. Thanks for the memories Chris. Bless you and RIP.

[randallsd]

what a sad loss. hope his family and friends remember his great achivements on the ice. rest in peace great star.

[dcamonkeys13]

What a great performance that was. Chris Bowman was always a favorite skater of mine, and I was sorry to hear of his death. He always seemed plagued by demons, either real or imaginary, and I find it unfortunate that he was never really able to shake them and live up to his full potential as a skater. We fans will mourn him, and I hope that he's at peace now.

[BeautyNDetroit]

"I don't know the key to success, but I know the key to failure is trying to please everybody."

-- Bill Cosby

R.I.P Chris :(

You will be Missed!!

[europants]

I just checked out a recent photo of him. He totally blew-out. What a mess. I give him a 6.8 for the double chin.

[jdred1]

RIP Christopher Bowman.

[irongirl181]

Well said KDub1963. Why are we so hard on each other all the time? Chris Bowman did more in his 40 years than most people will do in a lifetime. Even with his personal struggles. So all of you people with rude comments and perfect lives, what have YOU done?

[KDub1963]

Thanks irongirl181. I see people pointing fingers all the time, and it's very easy to do that especially on a site like this. But I also know that life can really kick your ass, especially when you don't expect it. Best to mind your own business and keep yourself on the straight and narrow--one never knows when trouble is going to knock on your own door. And I think when you are an ass like some of these people here, it's closer than they could ever imagine.

[irongirl181]

So true KDub. Life and all of its challenges can make you humble.

[SEFYH]

R.I.P. Christopher!

[kazzy2babe]

I was lucky enough to see Christopher Bowman perform in 1992. He was a terrific skater, full of talent, with tremendous charisma and a magnetic personality. He was a lot of fun to watch on the ice! I had a huge crush on him back then and loved watching him skate. Unfortunately, for Chris and his fans, his private problems prevented him from achieving all that he could have achieved. He was a fan-favorite and will be missed by many of us.

[lou773]

I wonder what his demons were that he couldn't deal with. MY guess is that he couldn't and didn't deal with his sexuality, and as it does to millions of others who deny their being gay, it drove him to suicide-- a long slow suicide. RIP.

[NickHoise]

I'm sure he woke up one day and noticed that being a figure skater was dumb. I'm sure being gay didn't help his self-esteem either .

[patty7beth]

Keep your idiocy to yourself, dips__t.

The guy was straight - a compulsive womanizer, actually, with an unfortunate fondness for cheap hookers.

[youariston]

To all you Chris-haters: you're stupid! "If I had to pick the three most talented skaters of all time, I would pick Chris as one," Brian Boitano, the 1988 Olympic champion, told the Chicago Tribune.

[KDub1963]

Uh...it's a little more complex than that, you 53 year old fool. It's easy to spew out silly, rude comments on an website. I'm sure it would be another story altogether if this were your brother, or son, or cousin.

Obviously it's the choices he made that caused his early demise. But it's the complexities of life and what happens to us, that makes the details tragic and sad. I'm sure we're all glad YOU don't have any problems and therefore somehow feel justified in judging others.

[NickHoise]

I don't judge people I don't know. I don't see the press talking too much about this drug addict loser. He really did us all a big favor by killing himself. Saves us money trying to fix his problem

[KDub1963]

You don't understand how your comments are judgemental...Mr. Two Account Dode? You are not only judging him by name-calling "scumbag" to actually judging that he deserved it. And I really doubt that any of your or my tax dollars would ever go towards HIS rehab. You must either be lacking education or are just a total ass. Either way...Your comments make you come off as an idiot! How's that for a judgement?!

[ratzo54]

you knew him how well

[KDub1963]

I now firmly stand by BOTH of my assessments of you, and I think everyone here will agree on this. And these detirminations were made how? Not merely assumptions based on a news story, or video clips of your accomplishments...but on your very own words. And you too are a complete stranger. WoW! Wonders never cease!

[pagetool]

SAD. He OD'd last night

[NickHoise]

He was not that great. I have never heard of him

[carolinablew]

Tohru1000 although, I share your sentiments on condlences to his family I would not classify him or any other addict as victims. They made that choice. RIP Chris and let's try to get to our young people before they make the decision to try drugs/alcohol and petition for more rehab facilities.

[KDub1963]

You are obviously very young or just very dumb. There is far more to addiction than some simple comment of 'loser'. In the end, addicts are the losers...losing out on their own life, their potential, relationships, etc. But physical addictions are just the half of it. If the personal issues are not dealt with, the addiction will continue.

[MTrencher]

Thank you.

[starleet2001]

Thank you, Chris for the memories. Rest in peace.

[Phoebephalange]

RIP Chris.

[RosemaryWoodhouse]

Bowman the Showman will always be remembered...R.I.P

[mfaler]

Christopher brought so much joy to so many fans. What a tragedy that his life turned out the way it did. He could still be performing today like many of his contemporaries. The skating world has lost a great performer and an even greater talent.

[mdvk]

RIP Chris...blessings to your loved ones

[Tohru1000]

Another beautiful person robbed of life from the evils of drugs and/or alcohol.We should never get ''used''to it,but pray for any future victims.He gave us a beautiful part of his life to remember him by. If only he could have felt as,good on the night he passed away that he looked when he was skating.We will pray for your family and love you,AMEN

[tossmeacarrot]

It's a pity addiction is no respecter of talent. We'll miss him.

[MonicaAugustine]

May his soul rest in peace--

[MINIDRAG33]

Wow beautiful... RIP

[deerecub1977]

perfect rip im sad

[brabon]

rip....chris made it ok for straight guys to dig watching males ice skate....hate when people destroy themselves with drugs

[1voice4you]

Yes he will be, one of the greats in the skating world for years!!!

[onlineangel100]

Can't believe this guy just passed away...he's so full of life and showmanship....what a loss..

[foaatfm]

I was sad to hear the news. He will be greatly missed.

[cpintner]

He will be missed. Great guy!

[bassethound1]

RIP Christopher

[waddleduckie1]

Did you hear about his passing? Its in the news! My condolences to the fans and family of Christopher Bowman! :-(

[fenla]

My love to you always.

[trixiesk8]

This is how I remember him. He will be sadly missed.

[mcbud]

It is indeed one of the best short programs I've ever seen. Great selection of music, cleanly skated, and very artistic.

[metsdudenj]

i still think this is a great skater who deserved to win this title