|
Millions of people
worldwide watched Torvill and Dean's dazzling
performance |
1984: British ice couple score Olympic
gold |
England have
Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have been crowned the Olympic ice
skating champions after scooping gold in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia.
More than 24 million people watched the British couple score maximum
points at the Zetra Stadium for their slow, sensuous free dance
performance of Ravel's Bolero.
It was an overwhelming St Valentine's Day victory for the duo in an
event traditionally dominated by Soviet skaters.
The couple from Nottingham received a standing ovation from the 8,500 spectators in the
arena and flowers rained onto the ice after they completed their stirring
four-minute performance.
They scored 12 out of 18 possible sixes for their free dance and the
maximum possible of nine sixes for artistic impression.
Torvill
smiled as the gold medal was hung around her neck and Dean had to fight
back tears as he stood on the Olympic podium to receive his award.
"Tonight we reached the pinnacle. I don't remember the performance at
all. It just happened," Dean said.
"But I think it was the most emotional performance we have ever given.
What just happened out there - getting the medals - that is what we've
worked for so hard for so long."
Torvill added: "I just don't believe it. I don't think we'll get to bed
tonight at all. I just want to say hello and thank the people of
Nottingham."
Natalya Bestemianova and Andrei Bukin, from the Soviet Union took the
silver medal while the American skaters Judy Blumberg and Michael Seibert
picked up the bronze.
Princess Anne, who has been in the front row for all their Olympic
performances, congratulated the pair on their victory.
The Queen also sent a telegramme commending the British couple on their
outstanding achievement.
Throughout the Olympics they have picked up three sixes for the first
time in the tournament's history and another four for their Original Set
Pattern Dance which, with their gold finish, gives them a career total of
107 perfect marks, more than any previous skaters.
Torvill and Dean now have only their world championship to defend
before starting a lucrative professional career.