Re: LATimes | Kwan Makes Switch to Another Coach

LA Times:

Kwan Makes Switch to Another Coach 
 
Helene Elliott 

Two-time Olympic medalist Michelle Kwan, eager to restore triple-triple jumps
to her program, switched coaches and is taking lessons from Rafael Arutunian, a
noted jump technician.

Kwan ended a decade-long association with Frank Carroll before the Salt Lake
City Olympics, where she added a bronze medal to the silver she'd won in 1998.
The Manhattan Beach resident began working with Scott Williams in September
2002, then won her fifth world title and seventh U.S. title this year. Deciding
she'd benefit from intensified training, she sought help two weeks ago from
Arutunian, with whom she'd worked in Olympic years. Kwan plans to pursue her
eighth U.S. title next month in Atlanta.

"He's always interested me because of his different approach," Kwan said of
Arutunian, who formerly coached Sasha Abt. "He's very aggressive." Kwan said
her collaboration with Williams "worked out perfect for last year," when she
had a light competition schedule, but added, "I need to start training hard and
skate more. I have to keep on pushing myself and keep moving because the
competition is becoming extreme, with triple-triples and triple axels. I have
to keep up with the times." 

Kwan will head the women's field at the International Figure Skating Challenge
on Friday at Auburn Hills, Mich. Sasha Cohen of Laguna Niguel, who has won
three Grand Prix events this season, will also compete. 

â Helene Elliott