CELEBRITY TRAVEL CORNER

A conversation with one of Canada’s iconic skaters, Kurt Browning.

VAN HALEN’S HIT SONG, “JUMP,” would personify Kurt Browning’s life and how he conducts it. Combining athleticism with unbridled passion, the four-time Canadian and four-time World Champion figure skater is in the Guinness World Records as the first person to land a quadruple jump in competition. Browning achieved this amazing feat at the 1988 World Championships in Budapest.

Jumping has been an integral part of Browning’s life since he was a toddler. While growing up in Caroline, Alberta, he had to make a choice between playing hockey or figure skating. His father couldn’t afford both. Inspired by watching Toller Cranston on TV, Browning loved doing jumps and chose figure skating.

At 53, he still performs around the world with Stars on Ice and other specials. In addition to his skating repertoire, Browning has been a choreographer, commentator, judge, mentor and producer for TV networks and skating productions. Browning’s latest venture is Head Judge for the popular returning CBC series, Battle of the Blades, which pairs hockey players with figure skaters in a highstakes figure-skating competition.

Awards and accolades have followed him throughout his career including the Lou Marsh Trophy for top Canadian Athlete, Order of Canada and inductions into Canada Sports Hall of Fame, Skate Canada Hall of Fame, World Figure Skating Hall of Fame and a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame. Though Browning participated in the 1988, 1992 and 1994 Olympics, a medal was his one elusive career achievement.

Married since 1996 to Sonia Rodriguez, a dancer with the National Ballet of Canada, Browning has two sons, Gabriel and Dillon. It’s unlikely they will follow in their father’s footsteps, which is fine with Browning. Just being a dad is priority No. 1. “I’m kind of wallowing in ‘Dad-ville’ right now,” says Browning.

Browning is content jumping and gliding from family, skating and TV responsibilities while still executing a perfect and graceful landing.