Canadian Lori Nichol elected to World Figure Skating Hall of Fame

OTTAWA, ON: Skate Canada is pleased to congratulate world-renowned choreographer Lori Nichol on her induction into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame (WFSHF) for  2014.

The announcement was made by the hall on Friday, March 14.  She joins Switzerland’s Denise Biellmann as this year’s inductees to the Hall, based in Colorado Springs, CO.

In making the announcement, the WFSHF nominating chair, Lawrence Mondschein, said “I am thrilled to have two outstanding additions to the World Hall of Fame. Lori Nichol is a choreographic genius who for well over a decade has, and continues to be, an inspiration to all who have been touched by her work. Denise Biellmann, the first Swiss woman to be inducted into the hall, perfected one of the most admired spins in all of figure skating.”

Leanna Caron, President, Skate Canada, acknowledged Nichol’s far-reaching contribution to the sport of figure skating. “Lori’s skills as a choreographer have reached well beyond our national boundaries, and she has truly been revolutionary to the sport.  Her approach to choreography is unique; creating technically difficult programs that seamlessly integrate with the musical nuances and yet reflect each individual skater or team is truly remarkable. We are proud that she is now not only a member of Skate Canada’s Hall of Fame, but the World Hall of Fame as well.”

Nichol has choreographed programs for 10 Olympic medalists, including three gold, representing five nations. Two of her famous signature programs include Jamie Salé and David Pelletier’s 2002 free program Love Story and Joannie Rochette’s 2010 free program to Samson and Delilah. She was named to the Skate Canada Hall of Fame in November of 2012.