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Canadian skating legend surprises Durham coach
Kurt Browning pays Nancy Eastman a surprise visit in new TV series
| Source: |
Durham Region |
| Date: |
October 10, 2013 |
| Author: |
Chris Hall |
AJAX -- Standing on the ice in an Ajax rink, talking to her charges
with the Ajax Rising Stars skating club, Nancy Eastman paid little
attention to the man slowly skating circles around her.
It wasn't until the familiar figure circled a little closer that she
recognized her long-time skating hero was standing next to
her.
"I finally clued in. He looked like Kurt Browning and then, ‘Oh my
God, that is Kurt Browning'," recalled Ms. Eastman of her September
2012 encounter with the Canadian figure skating legend.
"I just grabbed him and hugged him."
Instead, it was carefully scripted encounter for an upcoming episode
of the television show Walk The Walk. The six-part documentary series
celebrates and honours the good work being done by everyday community
heroes by surprising them with a visit from a superstar celebrity they
have long admired from Canada's Walk of Fame.
Ms. Eastman was originally asked if she'd like to take part in a
documentary about those who help others with disabilities and she
agreed. When asked who her favourite skater is, she immediately said
Kurt Browning.
A short time later, he skated into her life.
"I had no idea what was going on. It was the best day ever," said
Ms. Eastman. "It was like winning the lottery for me."
During his lengthy stay at the rink, Mr. Browning spent time skating
with all the students and chatting with Ms. Eastman, who has coached
three of her students to the world championship level.
"He was just an incredible guy, so nice," said Ms. Eastman. "If I
wanted him to be there for four hours, he would have stayed. It was
fun and an experience I'll never forget.
"Skating has always been my passion," continued the 30-year coaching
veteran, "and I don't expect any recognition for what I do. I do it
because I love it."
Walk The Walk, featuring Ms. Eastman and Mr. Browning, will air on
Saturday, Oct. 12, at 10:30 p.m. on Global.
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