Why Kurt Browning is Upbeat Despite Olympic Disappointment, Skating Star is 'More Relaxed'

Copyright 1992 The San Francisco Chronicle

Kurt Browning lagged behind in the Olympics. Now he is leaving the Olympics behind, at least for two years.

Browning brought to the Olympics three straight world championships and a lot of rustiness caused by a bad back. He left with a disappointing sixth-place finish that could have finished him in the sport.

Instead, he claims he has a renewed determination for the 1992 World Figure Skating Championships, this week at the Coliseum Arena.

"When I got home from the Olympics, I took a couple of days off to think about what happened," Browning said yesterday. "I thought about my training and the injury and, if anything, what could we have changed?

"When it was time to get back on the ice, if anything I was more relaxed. It doesn't matter the result, the Olympics are finished.

"We didn't get down on ourselves -- we meaning myself and and Michael (Jiranek, his coach).

"I'll try to use what I learned from the Olympics. It was not much of a setback."

Browning learned that he can't go for nearly a year without any serious competitions. He did win the Lalique Trophy event at Albertville last November, but that was his only significant competition.

He skipped the Canadian nationals because of the back problems and was given a spot on the Olympic team.

"At the Olympics, I was 100 percent healthy, and I was not worried about the injury at the games," he said. "But the injury kept me out of competitions I needed and that was the worst part.

"Once I stepped back on the ice on December 27, I felt healthy. It was probably missing the competition that hurt me most."

Missing a medal despite being the favorite had to hurt, too. Browning talks as if he won't allow that to affect him at the worlds, which begin today with ice dancing and pairs. He admits to high expectations for this event.

"I have a little bit to prove," he said. "I have a certain reputation at the world championships. I have three in a row and to go for four is very exciting. Yeah, I have something to prove."

Unlike most of the skaters who finished ahead of him at Albertville -- gold medalist Viktor Petrenko, silver winner Paul Wylie, bronze medalist Petr Barna and No. 4 Christopher Bowman -- Browning is vacillating about ending his competitive career.

No decisions have been made and Browning admits he isn't even sure about the eligibility rules. Instead, he leaves such matters to his coach and representatives while he concentrates on the skating.

"It's a very confusing time for all of us," he said. "It used to be clear-cut that you would have to turn pro before you could play bills. And the Olympics always were four years away.

"This is an unusual time. The Olympics are in two years, and you can skate in some (shows) and still have eligibility.

"There are a couple of things to take into consideration,' added Browning, whose place in history was secured when he became the first skater to complete a quadruple jump, at the 1988 worlds in Budapest. "Number one is my health. Also, the opportunities I have. I could try to go for Lillehammer or turn professional.

"On the one hand, I might like to stay on and see what I can do at Lillehammer (site of the 1994 Winter Olympics). There's the fact I did not get a medal and that it's only two years. If it was four, I would not consider it.

"Also, it's still enjoyable. I'm healthy again and I'm rejuvenated."