WHERE ARE THEY NOW: PAUL WYLIE

The Olympic Silver Medalist may have his hands full these days with two daughters under the age of three, but Paul Wylie also took some time out recently to MC The Ice Theater of New York's recent gala honoring JoJo Starbuck and Ken Shelley.

This is what he had to say about the event:

"The Gala event felt like a family dinner. It was great to see so many friends and to honor Kenny and JoJo, who've been friends and heroes to me and to so many skaters and fans over the years. Seeing the progression of their careers on video, and hearing from them as young people, their hearts and motivations, the true joy they found in skating was only matched by the excitement to see them together again on the ice at Chelsea Piers and at the podium to accept their award. It was clear then as it is today: they are co-laborers and best friends. Everyone who has met them mentioned one of the keys to their success was that they made the work of skating fun. They serve as role models to skaters (and people) of any generation, especially those who need to learn how to laugh and enjoy the gift of skating!"

When I asked Ken about his connection to Paul, he explained, "When he was very young we came to Dallas and did a show. He (also) skated a little bit out in California when he was growing up and doing pairs and worked with (Starbuck and Shelley coach) John Nicks."

For more from both Ken and JoJo about their big night, please check out my Skate of the Art column in the upcoming issue of International Figure Skating Magazine.