Rudy Galindo - 1996 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Men's Long Program

San Jose, California, USA - 1996 United States Figure Skating Championships, Men's Long Program - Rudy Galindo skated the program of his life here in front of his home town audience, earning two 6.0s for Presentation and upsetting Todd Eldredge for the National Title. This would be a skate to be remembered for years to come. The arena was electric, chanting "Rudy, Rudy" as Rudy left the Kiss N Cry area with his coaches, his sister Laura Galindo and John Brancato. Note: Since 1990, Rudy has suffered the losses of 2 coaches, Jim Hulick and Rick Inglesi, his father, and his brother, George. The 2 ladies he hugged after finding out he won the National Title were 2 of the skate moms whose kids he has been coaching. What was hard to believe was that 2 of the 9 judges gave him 2nd Place ordinals in the Long Program. Interviews with Rudy, Todd Eldredge and Dan Hollander follow.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Rudy
• Galindo
• Eldredge
• Hollander
• 1996
• figure
• skating

[intldawn]

Oh, a more deserving champion, there is none. Tears are streaming down my face seeing this again, so many years later. What a brilliant skater.

[miketennis19ny]

This performance was really something.  I will never forget it.

[nightswimmer99]

Rudy will always have fans who remember this moment with joy, hall of fame or no. He even looks a bit like Marcelo Gomes, who danced the role of Rothbart for ABT with such sensuality... wonder if he was inspired by Rudy?

[3Axel1996]

@MrMcMusic01 Don't forget he was the 1987 Jr. World Champion in Men's as well.

[MrMcMusic01]

@grafgirl27 But, Rudy Galindo competed in pairs and singles. He has a junior world pairs title with Kristi Yamaguchi as well as 2 senior national pairs titles. When you add that to his singles National Men's Championship and world bronze medal, that should get you into the all. There are people with less "baggage" and less accomplishments who are in the hall of fame. I still believe there is some bias, there.

[TheKwanboy]

I never tire of watching this performance. It also gives me chills over and over again! When I need to get into a good mood, I only need to watch this! :()

[grafgirl27]

@MrMcMusic01 I love Rudy but I think it would be difficult to put him in the Hall of Fame based on his career. What are his achievements, a U.S title and World bronze. I dont recall anyone before with those achievements making it. Even Tim Wood, a 2 time World Champion who was robbed of the Olympic Gold took 20 years to get in.

[MrMcMusic01]

This never gets old and always brings chills and tears to watch. It's sad that, for the 3rd time, the powers that be chose not to induct Rudy into the hall of fame. This would have been the perfect time and place, too, since the championships were back in San Jose. I guess the bias still reigns.

[getrealandsee]

@mlc2005 This video is about Rudy:)-:)

[mlc2005]

@getrealandsee: Wow, you managed to contribute a comment on youtube that didn't involve bashing Kwan with patronizing and inaccurate opinion.

The medication was working for you 8 months ago, and I suggest you start taking it again. Please! :)

[mlc2005]

@3Axel1996: Thanks for the reply. I had not thought about sponsorship, and I can see that being the case (sadly). As far as male skaters being asked to modify their behavior, well, that's really messed up as far as I'm concerned. Has the USFSA not noticed that skaters like Galindo and Weir are two of the most popular skaters in the sport; I think fans appreciate skaters who are genuine and don't try to be fake on the ice. Artificial presentation, for me, is always evident on the ice. Be real!

[3Axel1996]

@mlc2005 It tends to be the fact that figure skating is a family sport and a sport for all ages. Much like in other major sports, there's a reputation and an image that must be kept up. The USFSA is OK if you are gay as long as you don't flaunt your sexuality. There's been talk that certain male skaters have been asked to modify their demeanor at competitions so that they appear to be more masculine to the public. And there's also the fear of losing sponsorships...