TaraRulz.com | Tara Lipinski: Always A Champion

USA Today Live Chat
Transcript by Angie

I have seen you perform in Lake Placid since the start of your tour with Target Stars on Ice and I know that this past November you were unable to do your triple jumps because of your recent surgery. How are you feeling and how is your recovery going? Are you back doing your tripe jumps yet?

Tara: My recovery is going well. I'm not doing triples yet. My right side is still hurting, that is the side I had surgury on. It is difficult at times.

Why did you decide to turn pro, when you would have to sacrifice the oppurtunity to skate at the olympics again? And do you feel that after all this time, that you feel you made the right decision?

Tara: I accomplished everything I wanted to... I had to sacrifice a lot of things, like on the family and is was hard on my body. Skating at that high level torm my hip up.
Since turning professional, have you had time to think about what you might want to do when you stop competing? Any boyfriends?

Tara: I have a lot more free time. I am building a house. And I am too busy for boyfriends, sorry.

You appear to be multitalented,what can we expect from you in addition to the skating ? Does your agent recognize all the possibilities ahead of you, you were fascinating on that soap opera!

Tara: I hope to come out with something new and different each year. I try to vary my routines.

I read you are in the movie Vanilla Sky, congratulations that is so cool your now on the big screen. I think all of your other acting jobs have been great too. What was it like being in the movie and did you get to meet Tom Cruise? and are you going to be doing some more acting after SOI?

Tara: I have been reading a lot of scripts and considering my options. I to grab on to something soon. That was very cool to meet Tom. The movie comes out in September. Look for it.

Does it take an equally proportionate body to be extremely successful at such a young age? I ice skated till I busted my knee on the ice at 15. My body is not proportionate. I'm all legs and short bodied. I have to sit on a pillow to drive my car. Does it make any difference in such a well-balanced sport?

Tara: Everyone has a different type of body. Jumping does take a toll on you. I don't have perfect skating body, either but you work through it.

When you were skating competively, were you and Michelle Kwan friends?

Tara: We competed hard all the time. There was no rivelry off the ice. We don't keep in touch or anything now.

DID YOU EVER LAND A QUAD OR A TRIPLE AXEL IN EITHER COMPETITION OR IN PRACTICE? DO YOU THINK ANY OF THE LADIES IN AMATEUR SKATING WILL START RAISING THE TECHNICAL BAR BY TRYING TO LAND MORE QUADS AND TRIPLE AXELS?

Tara: No, I have never tried the triple axel. I have come close, but never landed one. It will always keep going, people will always try to do more.

Tara, are you planning to go to college, if so when and where.

Tara: I am still thinking about it. I just graduated from high school. I am looking into it, but I am not sure where I will go.

What do you like to do on your days off between Stars on Ice shows?

Tara: Relax. Sleep in. Get a massage. Have a nice dinner.

What is your all time favorite book?

Tara: Tough one. I love 'Momma's Day'.

Tara, this is a totally silly question: don't you just love the dresses you get to wear with SOI? I really love the red dress you wear this year with the black sequins. Do you have a favorite?

Tara: I love the dresses too. Our costume designer is great. He makes us look good. That is one of my favorites. It has 6,000 beads!!

Who do you predict will win the gold medal in Salt Lake City?

Tara: I don't know. It is too early to tell. People change their routines. You never know who will come on strong.

How is your healing hip coping with daily performances with Stars on Ice?

Tara: It is the hardest thing I have ever done. Since I am still touring, it is taking longer than it should. Touring does not help. I want to stay will SOI as long as possible.

How has the increase in endorsement money and corproate sponsorship changed the shape of women's figure skating?

Tara: I don't know. There are a lot of endosements. There are now great opportunities for women. The sport is really growing. Especially with SOI, we try to help grow the sport.

Of all the "stars" you have and are working with, who would you say you are most pleased to be skating with and which skater from the past would you most liked to have skated with?

Tara: Scott Hamilton is awesome. Kurt Browning is also great to skate with.

Who is your biggest figure skating "hero"?

Tara: There was not one skater. My mom was already there for me, good days and bad days. She is my everything.

How did you end up on the Young and the Restless? And how long is your contrack with Y&R? Best of luck and success in the future, on the ice and Y&R.

Tara: I did it for a year. I did a walk on and it all worked on great. I am now looking at other possiblities for this summer.

We were so glad to see you win at Nationals here in Nashville. I hope Nashville will hold a special place in your heart, because we love you! You float like a butterfly on ice! Congratulations! How have you handled all the pressures of the training and the media at such a young age? Are you glad to be back with both parents?

Tar: Thanks for the nice words. My parents have a lot to do with my attitude. I grew up with it. I try to be myself and genuine.

Are you going to have a new website made?

Tara: I have www.taralipinski.com. I keep my diary there and we try to keep it updated. I have a lot of fun with it.

Come see Target Stars on Ice. It's a great show and it is Scott's last year. Thanks to all of the fans who have supported me, through the surgery and everything.