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John Kerr (figure skater)

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John Kerr
The Kerrs in 2009.
Full nameJohn Kerr
Born (1980-06-02) 2 June 1980 (age 44)
Broxburn, Scotland
HometownEdinburgh, Scotland
Height1.74 m (5 ft 8 1⁄2 in)
Figure skating career
Country Great Britain
PartnerSinead Kerr
Began skating1989
Retired6 April 2011
Medal record
Figure skating
Ice dancing
Representing  Great Britain
European Championships
Bronze medal – third place 2011 Bern Ice dancing
Bronze medal – third place 2009 Helsinki Ice dancing

John Alastair Kerr (born 2 June 1980 in Broxburn, Scotland)[1] is a Scottish former competitive ice dancer who represented Great Britain with his sister Sinead Kerr. Together, they are two-time (2009, 2011) European bronze medalists and the 2004–2010 British national champions.

The Kerrs retired from competitive skating in April 2011.[2]

Career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

John Kerr started skating at the age of nine after watching his sister.[3] He competed in singles skating until he was 17, landing jumps up to the triple Lutz. After his partnership with Anna Syrett ended, he teamed up with older sister Sinead. They skated as juniors for one season, then moved up to the senior level. The Kerrs finished 2nd at the British Nationals in 2000 and were on the podium every year afterward. Despite this, in 2003, they lost their funding from Sportscotland.[4]

2004–2006

[edit]

During the 2003–4 season, the Kerrs won their first British title and went on to a top ten finish at their first Europeans and 14th at the 2004 Worlds. They were the first British ice dancers to make the top ten at the European Championships since Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.[5] They improved to 8th and 12th, respectively, in 2005.

In 2006, the Kerrs were chosen to represent Great Britain at the 2006 Winter Olympics, where they finished 10th. Suffering again from a lack of funding, they were forced to find creative training options: "when we trained for the 2006 Olympics, we'd often have to do it during a public session. Our coach would go around saying 'Move to the sides please. They're going to the Olympics.' The best way to avoid paying for ice time, and we couldn't afford to pay, was to ask politely if people would let us past."[3] Following the 2005–06 season, they began to receive funding from both Sportscotland and UK Sport which allowed them to make a coaching change.[3] They moved to New Jersey, in the United States, to train with two-time Olympic champion Evgeni Platov.[6][7]

2006–2009

[edit]

The Kerrs continued to move up the ranks, and established a reputation for performing innovative and unique programs.[8] They worked with Christopher Dean in 2007–08 and Maya Usova and Evgeni Platov in 2008–09.[9] They had their best season yet in 2008–09, winning bronze medals at both their Grand Prix events for the first time in their career and finishing third at the European Championships. They were the first British dance team to medal at the event since Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean won the title 15 years earlier.[10]

2009–2010 season

[edit]

The Kerrs had a mostly successful campaign in 2009–10, winning medals at both Grand Prix events and qualifying for their first Grand Prix Final, where they finished 4th. They were fifth at the European Championships, 8th at the 2010 Winter Olympics and a career-best 5th at Worlds.[11]

2010–2011 season

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Although they had originally planned to retire following the 2010 season, the Kerrs eventually announced that they would continue to skate competitively.[12] Liking their exhibition music so much, they decided to rework it into a free dance with choreographer Peter Tchernyshev.[13] Their assigned events for the 2010–11 Grand Prix series were Skate Canada and the Rostelecom Cup. They had also planned to compete once again at the Finlandia Trophy; however, Sinead Kerr suffered a shoulder injury which forced them to miss the event.[14] They finished second at Skate Canada[15][16] and withdrew from the Rostelecom Cup due to Sinead's shoulder injury.[17] They returned to competition at the 2011 European Championships where they won the bronze medal.[13][16]

On 29 March 2011, the Kerrs announced on their website that they would be unable to compete at the 2011 Worlds because of Sinead's recurring shoulder injury.[18] They officially announced their retirement from competitive skating on 6 April 2011.[2][19]

Post-competitive career

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The Kerrs have taken part in many shows around the world and are considered among the more popular ice dance teams currently performing.[20] In December 2011, the Kerrs began performing with Stars on Ice.[21] In late January 2012, they served as ambassadors for the 2012 European Championships in Sheffield, England.[21] The Kerrs also skate as part of the Ice Theatre of New York and, in November 2012, they taped an appearance in an episode of Glee.[22]

In addition to show skating, Kerr works with Galit Chait's coaching team in Hackensack, New Jersey. He is co-coach of Israel's Allison Reed / Vasili Rogov.[23] Kerr has also done choreography, including a program for Kyoko Ina / John Zimmerman.[24]

Coaches and influences

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The Kerrs' favourite skaters are Isabelle Duchesnay and Paul Duchesnay.[25] They sometimes chose music unusual for a competition,[26] e.g. Muse or Linkin Park, explaining, "We always like to look outside the boundaries of what people think they're going to get in an ice dance competition."[27] They began working with Platov in June 2006 and trained in New Jersey, initially at Floyd Hall and then moved to the Princeton Sports Center in Monmouth Junction.[26] Their choreographers included Platov, Tatiana Druchinina (2007–08 free dance), Peter Tchernyshev (2010–11 free dance), and Robert Royston (2008–09, 2009–10 original dances), and their costume designers included Natella Abdulaeva.[26][28]

Personal life

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Kerr's mother, Maeve, is a retired nurse; father Alastair is a general practitioner.[29] Besides his sister Sinead, he also has a brother named David. John Kerr has worked as an actor, appearing in various television shows.[30] In April 2013, he became engaged to former ice dancer Nadine Ahmed, born in Miami, Florida.[31][32] They married on 21 June 2014. Their son, Zayn Alastair Kerr, was born in Florida on 9 January 2017.[33]

Programs

[edit]
The Kerrs at the 2008 Skate America.
Season Short dance Free dance Exhibition
2010–2011
[34]
Original dance
2009–2010
[20][35]
2008–2009
[36][26]
  • Lindy Hop (40s): The Boogie Bumper
    by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
  • West Coast Swing (40s): Minnie The Moocher
    by Cab Calloway, Irving Mills
  • Lindy Hop (40s): The Boogie Bumper
    by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
2007–2008
[37][26] 		Scottish dance: Enigma:
  • The Landing
  • Turn Around
  • Gravity of Love
2006–2007
[38]
  • The Last of the Mohicans
    by Trevor Jones
2005–2006
[39]
  • Cha Cha: Speak Up Mambo
    by A. Castellanos and I. Marin
  • Rhumba: El Raton
    by Romero
  • Samba: Batacuda
    by Carlinhos Brown
The Porridge Men:
  • Coronach
  • Gulravage
  • Planet Porridge
  • Coronach
2004–2005
[40]
  • Foxtrot: Baby it's Cold Outside
    by Frank Loesser
  • Quickstep: Mr. Pinstripe Suit
    by Scotty Morris
  • Like I Love You
    by Justin Timberlake
  • Cry Me a River
    by Justin Timberlake
  • Pop
    by Justin Timberlake, Wade Robson
2003–2004
[41][4]
  • Man with the Hex
    by Jay Thomson, Atomic Fireballs
  • Lover Lies
    by Jay Thomson, Atomic Fireballs
2002–2003
[4]
2001–2002
[4]

Competitive highlights

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The Kerrs with the other medalists at the 2011 Europeans.

(with Sinead Kerr)

Results[42]
International
Event 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11
Olympics 10th 8th
Worlds 14th 12th 11th 11th 8th 7th 5th
Europeans 10th 8th 8th 5th 6th 3rd 5th 3rd
Grand Prix Final 4th
GP Bompard 3rd 3rd
GP Cup of China 5th
GP Cup of Russia 9th 5th 4th WD
GP NHK Trophy 4th 2nd
GP Skate America 5th 5th 3rd
GP Skate Canada 7th 2nd
Finlandia 1st 1st
Nebelhorn 7th 4th 1st
Golden Spin 6th
Karl Schäfer 2nd
Ondrej Nepela 4th
National
British 2nd 3rd 2nd 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st
Scottish 1st 1st
GP = Grand Prix; WD = Withdrew

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "John Kerr". Eurosport. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  2. ^ a b "John and Sinead Kerr to retire from competitive skating". BBC News. 6 April 2011. Retrieved 6 April 2011.
  3. ^ a b c Harris, Nick (19 March 2009). "Go on Dancing on Ice? Not for a million quid...". The Independent. Archived from the original on 13 June 2022. Retrieved 6 February 2011.
  4. ^ a b c d Mittan, Barry (25 February 2004). "Sinead Kerr and John Kerr: Kerrs Prove Critics Wrong". GoldenSkate.com. Archived from the original on 22 May 2008. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  5. ^ Kempf, Susanne (2005). "Always sticking to their guns, Part I". AbsoluteSkating.com. Retrieved 7 February 2011.
  6. ^ Elfman, Lois (15 July 2008). "Kerrs aim for deeper edge". IceNetwork.com. Archived from the original on 19 July 2008. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  7. ^ Eley, Melanie (2008). "Summer cocktails with the Kerrs". AbsoluteSkating.com. Retrieved 23 December 2010.
  8. ^ Lamont, Tim (5 February 2010). "Vancouver 2010: John and Sinead Kerr, Britain's ice dancing medal hopes". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  9. ^ Golinsky, Reut; Zeitlin, Anna (2008). "Fan meeting with the Kerrs". AbsoluteSkating.com. Retrieved 23 December 2010.
  10. ^ Walker, Ruth (15 February 2009). "Scottish brother and sister John and Sinead Kerr have put Britain back on the ice-skating medal podium for the first time in 15 years". The Scotsman. Retrieved 22 December 2010.[permanent dead link‍]
  11. ^ "Ice Skating: Career best from Kerrs". The Scotsman. 27 March 2010. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  12. ^ Eley, Melanie (2010). "The Kerrs: "Let's call this our extended curtain call"". AbsoluteSkating.com. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  13. ^ a b Flade, Tatiana (29 January 2011). "Pechalat and Bourzat dance to first European title". GoldenSkate.com. Archived from the original on 20 February 2011. Retrieved 6 February 2011.
  14. ^ Rutherford, Lynn (31 October 2010). "For Kerr siblings, it's one last dance". Icenetwork. Retrieved 6 October 2011.
  15. ^ Herrmann, Suzanne (22 January 2011). "John Kerr – A Season Just For Us". AbsoluteSkating.com. Retrieved 6 February 2011.
  16. ^ a b "Kerrs claim bronze at Euro Figure Skating Championships". BBC Sport. 28 January 2011.
  17. ^ Flade, Tatiana (26 January 2011). "Pechalat and Bourzat grab lead in the Short Dance". GoldenSkate.com. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013.
  18. ^ "Ice dancing siblings forced to hang up their skates". STV. 30 March 2011. Archived from the original on 1 April 2011. Retrieved 6 April 2011.
  19. ^ Salmond, Catherine (27 April 2011). "Ice dancing duo going out in blades of glory". The Scotsman. Retrieved 4 May 2011.
  20. ^ a b Rutherford, Lynn (17 August 2009). "No kilts for Kerrs on road to Vancouver". IceNetwork.com. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  21. ^ a b Elfman, Lois (3 January 2012). "Kerr siblings happy to join 'Stars on Ice' family". Ice Network. Retrieved 3 January 2012.
  22. ^ Brannen, Sarah S.; Meekins, Drew (21 November 2012). "The Inside Edge: ITNY skaters filled with 'Glee'". IceNetwork. Archived from the original on 6 January 2014. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
  23. ^ "Allison REED / Vasili ROGOV: 2012/2013". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on 5 June 2013.
  24. ^ Zeitlin, Anna; Golinsky, Reut (24 March 2012). "Sinead and John Kerr: "We'll always be involved in this sport"". Absolute Skating.
  25. ^ Gillougley, Melissa; Eley, Melanie (2007). "The Kerrs: A Scottish Blend". AbsoluteSkating.com. Retrieved 7 February 2011.
  26. ^ a b c d e Mittan, Barry (3 August 2008). "Kerrs Continue to Push Dance Boundaries". GoldenSkate.com. Archived from the original on 25 December 2009. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  27. ^ Vernon, Nadin (2010). "Sinead and John Kerr: "For us it's not a motivation that other people quit"". AbsoluteSkating.com. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  28. ^ Golinsky, Reut (2009). "Kerrs try on for the Olympic season". AbsoluteSkating.com. Retrieved 23 December 2010.
  29. ^ Cummings, Laura (11 February 2010). "The parents who deserve a gold medal". The Scotsman. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  30. ^ Ice Network Profile
  31. ^ Brannen, Sarah S.; Meekins, Drew (16 April 2013). "The Inside Edge: Settlage's new art, Kerr's heart". IceNetwork. Archived from the original on 8 January 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2013.
  32. ^ "Nadine AHMED / Bruce PORTER". International Skating Union.
  33. ^ Brannen, Sarah S. (16 January 2017). "The Inside Edge: Fenway Park a skater's haven". IceNetwork.com. Archived from the original on 31 January 2017. Retrieved 19 January 2017.
  34. ^ "Sinead KERR / John KERR: 2010/2011". International Figure Skating. Archived from the original on 18 June 2013.
  35. ^ "Sinead KERR / John KERR: 2009/2010". International Figure Skating. Archived from the original on 27 May 2010.
  36. ^ "Sinead KERR / John KERR: 2008/2009". International Figure Skating. Archived from the original on 22 May 2009.
  37. ^ "Sinead KERR / John KERR: 2007/2008". International Figure Skating. Archived from the original on 4 May 2008.
  38. ^ "Sinead KERR / John KERR: 2006/2007". International Figure Skating. Archived from the original on 20 June 2007.
  39. ^ "Sinead KERR / John KERR: 2005/2006". International Figure Skating. Archived from the original on 25 April 2006.
  40. ^ "Sinead KERR / John KERR: 2004/2005". International Figure Skating. Archived from the original on 4 April 2005.
  41. ^ "Sinead KERR / John KERR: 2003/2004". International Figure Skating. Archived from the original on 3 June 2004.
  42. ^ "Competition Results: Sinead KERR / John KERR". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on 14 October 2012.
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