Rest in Peace, Heine Salchow

Following the tragic events of September 11th, the world was full of uncertainty. People uncertain about their safety, uncertain about their purpose, uncertain about whether they would ever laugh again.

It was in this darkest of hours that I thought maybe I could give us someone to believe in, someone to inspire, someone to erase uncertainty. And that someone was 10-time World Figure Skating Champion Heine Salchow.

Together with fellow classmate Chris Dennis, and a stockpile of video equipment that should have never been at our disposal, we set out to film our Intro to Screenwriting final project 'Lord of the Rink.'

It was not required that we film this project, our only obligation was to write it. But I knew 'Lord of the Rink' wasn't just a story that needed to be read, it must be seen! This was the epic tale of a fallen champion, his heir to the throne, and a bitter rival who would stop at nothing to ruin everything. Murder, romance, redemption, and a long program that would make Tara Lipinski stand up and cheer!

I still remember our first review:

"Disgusting, insulting, offensive. Someone might find this funny, but I don't" --Dr. Larsen, our instructor.

Sadly, in a post-'Blades of Glory' world, Heine Salchow is no longer needed.

It is with great pride and tenderness that I say goodbye.

[Here are the only remaining images I could scrape off an old hard drive. Fragments of a world long forgotten, these pictures offer but a glimpse as to why I received a D].

'Heine's style of skating broke all barriers and influenced a new wave of energetic, athletic skaters.'

'There's remarkable balance in this program, both untamed and pure. In a word: Salchow.'

"We might be skaters, but skaters are not who we are."

10-time World Champion Heine Salchow trains with skating's freshest face, rising star Rudy Valdanado.

The 'Russian Ram' Vladimir Kovalev.

"With me, Mother Russia has created the perfect man, the perfect weapon."

'From the ashes of my career comes the birth of another.'

Disguised as Rachel Valdanado, Vladimir Kovalev performs alongside Rudy Valdanado at the World Figure Skating Championships.

"You have taught me how to skate. Now I teach you how to die."

"Rudy's gone....He was killed in front of the world, at the championships."

"Heine, we need you to come back with us, skate against Vladamir. Face him one last time."

10-time World Champion Heine Salchow trains with long-time coach and former champion Frtiz Cramlick.

Gonna fly now.

One skater to rule them all.