Belousova and Protopopov, Kilius and B䵭ler, 1964 Worlds

[chulo2602]

Marika Kilius and Hans Juergen Baeumler - probably the most charismatic pair skaters ever !

[bassadewon]

Just found this clip. I was only 19 when these two couples were vying with each other for top honours. Kilius and Baumler were without peers. Only when they turned professional did the Protopopovs take over their mantle, staying at the top of their chosen profession for so many years. The only skaters, in my opinion, who came anywhere near either of these two couples were, naturally, Torvill and Dean.

[vstasov]

Great video. Thanks.

[k9henrydog]

I remember this was a "shocker"! I think it marks the first time the Russians utilized the Soviet Block judging to muscle 5-4 a decision. Who knows how the poor Czech and Polish judg3es really felt about it. Hard to deny the speed, athleticsm, personality, and extremely close skating of the Germans.