Skating struggle tough to figure

Figure skating hit a plateau of sorts after the last Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Canadian pairs skaters Jamie Sale and David Pelletier were everywhere once they were awarded gold medals after the judging scandal that rocked the sport.

The problem with that kind of attention is the inevitable backlash and need for an equally compelling storyline to maintain interest.

Because Sale and Pelletier took about 15 seconds after the furor died down to decide they were turning pro, there was suddenly a vacuum in the International Skating Union. Their biggest draw was pulling out and the post-Olympic season has suffered.

Tack on a war and a major international health scare and you have the recipe for disarray in a sport that was growing exponentially.

But former world champion Kurt Browning says all is not lost.

The Canadian icon -- who is headlining the annual Stars On Ice tour that stops in Winnipeg tonight at the Arena -- thinks specific changes can allow the sport to evolve in a way that will survive the turmoil.

But he admits it's been a struggle.

"It's been tough the last two years," Browning said recently between shows along the U.S. leg of the tour.

"The people are scared in the States. That's the lifestyle of the planet right now, and it's affecting it."

Browning said the judging uncertainty has also made some fans think twice about investing their emotions in a sport that's burned them in the past.

"There's stuff happening in the sport that's making people in general lose interest. People are asking tough questions, and I'm hoping changes will allow people to enjoy the sport again."

Browning was one of the key players in the introduction of a new federation to compete with the troubled ISU. He says it's the only way for the skaters to take control of their sport.

Part of the reason for strong sales for Stars could also be the addition of Sale and Pelletier to the tour. The dynamic duo have continued to push themselves, and they aren't content to sit back and let innovation pass them by, Browning said.