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October, 2002
Catching up with Ben as the new season approaches

FF: At the last interview, you had just started wearing Graf boots. Are you still wearing them now?

BF: I am still wearing Graf boots with a new Graf blade (Graf Diamond).

FF: Are you and Doug working on new jump techniques, and if so, which jumps?

BF: I am working on new techniques with Doug; mostly through the summer we worked on the Triple Axel. He has a number of very good strategies to gain mastery of this jump. Also we worked on THE QUAD!!!! (oooooooh! did he say THE QUAD??!!!) Yes, we have worked on the entry, timing, perspective, and soon to be mastery of this highly technical, yet when landed well (simple) jump. I also work with Michelle Leigh twice a week on the program lay out, look, and overall impression. I also work with a former Ice dancer Paul Matheson on edges, posture, and speed- things which I want to work on more in order to have the best look possible out on the ice.

FF: How is competing with Doug (Leigh) as coach differ than with Jan (Ullmark)?

BF. I think the major difference in preparation for a competition has to be the planning and the simulations. Here at Mariposa, we have a simulation once a week either short or long program, in full outfit ( for the girls, even make up), with a six minute warm-up and a starting order (In Edmonton, I did this maybe once a year).

FF: What are your thoughts on the Olympics- both the judging and the men’s event?

BF: My thoughts on the Olympics…first of all, the big one: "Judging". Figure Skating is a challenging sport because from the moment you step on the ice , you are out there being "Judged". The Olympics taught me a very important lesson: "It is only the inner gold medal that matters, performance is a reflection of internal worth, never the measure of internal worth" (adapted from Denis Waitley). Jamie and David are wonderful people with strong internal values, that in itself showed out there on the ice during the performance; but, most importantly it showed off the ice in front of the press. I am excited about the new judging system. I think it is time to step things up, but as a skater, I have got my job to do.

As for the Men's event, I hope to be a part of it in the next Olympics.

FF: Do you have any new goals this year, and if so, what are they?

BF: I have many new goals for the year:

• a. To attain the Quad in both the short and long program.

• b. To become the best athlete that I can possibly be.

• c. To get back on the podium at Canadians.

• d. To enjoy the process.

FF: Do you do any off-ice training?

BF: This is a very good question. I have a great trainer here in Barrie, her name is Anna Ross. We work at Mariposa usually from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. In the summer, we work every weekday. I have a weight program that is designed to peak at various times in the season. I do Plyometrics, Cardio, and sprints as well. I need the off ice especially because of my asthma. In order to make it through my programs I have to be in great shape physically. Off ice training is a MUST for high performance.

FF: Did you take any vacations this summer?

BF. I did not take a vacation this summer. Sure, I took the Oldsmobile up to Wasaga Beach for a few days, but I just figure that I get a vacation 365 days a year doing what I love to do. (FF: LOVE this answer!!!)

FF: Who are your biggest non-skating mentors?

BF: Thank you for asking this question. I have so many it is kind of hard to choose, I might just list a few:

• Denis Waitley: He has changed my life with his teachings in "Empires of the Mind" and other books on personal development.

• Alan B. Sheapard Jr.: The first American in space and commander of Apollo 14. In his life story there are lessons to be learned in how to triumph over adversity.

• Patrick Francey (my former employer at Professional Skate Service in Edmonton): He taught me great lessons about life as well as given me advice in entrepreneurial business. Orville and Wilbur Wright: The two brothers from Dayton Ohio, who one hundred years ago, made the dream of flight a reality through science, imagination, and effort.

FF: What is your favorite skating moment in your skating career so far?

BF: My favorite moment in my skating career had to be going to my first Worlds in Nice. That experience alone was worth waiting and working for.

FF: What is your favorite skating moment, not in YOUR career?

BF: My favorite moment in skating was Kurt Browning's performance in 1991 at the World Championships in Munich where he landed 3 triple-triple combination jumps in the long program. That performance inspired me to take up this sport.

FF: Thanks for your time Ben, and best of luck to you in the upcoming season. We think that you’ll make great progress with Doug!

BF: Thank you for all your support and hope to meet up with you soon.