January 29, 1997
From ABC:
PRIMETIME LIVE
transcripted by Deenie Tyme
Introduction by Diane Sawyer: Katya Gordeeva, after the death of her husband Sergei, alone and unsure, the story of a woman learning to live again. It was a love story on the ice, then tragedy. Who could ever forget her face mourning the death of her husband.
(They show some pictures of Katya skating at the Tribute. Playing Elegy in the background, the male interviewer takes over. Now showing, clips of Katya skating Elegy, Jay starts speaking)
Jay: She could believe she is the only woman in the world to suffer such a loss, she does not.
Ekaterina: Millions of woman like me, all beautiful, but need to move on. (playing Elegy)
Jay: She could have surrendered to her grief, but she didn't.
Ekaterina: In life anything can happen, you have to fight for happiness in life, it just can't happen.
Jay: She hasn't forgotten to smile. (They show Katya smiling after performing Elegy)
(Now shows both Jay and Katya sitting on a sofa facing each other. He is wearing a plaid shirt and jeans. Katya is wearing a satin blouse, with white shawl collar, the remainder of blouse is black. She has on blue jeans, and her hair tied back in a scrunchy)
Ekaterina: I'm not good with triples, you know jumps.
Jay: But Sergei use to throw you in triples.
Ekaterina: Yes, but he threw me for 10-12 years and I learn how to land it, now I have to jump up by myself. It's more difficult.
Jay: Katya, would be the first to say that she was skating through life. (now show video clips of G&G in Man I Love) 4 World titile, 2 Olympic gold. And after having their daughter, Daria; perfect technique transforms to perfect art. Melting MANY hearts along the way. Then 15 months ago, while rehearsing Sergei Grinkov died, only 28, Katya only 24. (now they stop showing MIL, and show Jay and Katya on the sofa again)
Jay: (reading from 'My Sergei') ...'no purpose in life, wondering whiy do I awaken'. (Jay stops reading and looks at Katya) And now...
Ekaterina: (Katya had a serious face when Jay was reading, now she pauses then smiles a little) Now, I know why. And skating helps me with this. Its brought me slowly back. At least to get up for 9AM ice time. Couple months ago, I was just living day by day. Now I know at least to do this tour, and enjoy it.
(Playing SOI guitar concierto and showing opening act. Katya talks about loving the opening of the show. She feels like being with all her friends. Her closest friends. They show Scott Hamilton).
Scott: People are inspired by her strength. It puts her performance in another place, people can relate to her in a special way.
(Playing Bach's Air on G)
Jay: The moment you hit the ice there is a shadow with you, as a pair. Do you find this a gift or a burdern, or both?
Ekaterina: A GIFT! It supports me. I feel Sergei and I hope people will remember Sergei when they see me skate. I will never skate as good. It's weird when I skate, I'm not as satisfied as I was with me and Sergei.
Jay: Can you imagine a day when you will have satisfaction as a single skater?
Ekaterina: I don't know how to answer that question. Don't know if I want the satisfaction as with when I skated with Sergei. I don't even know if Sergei happy with what I'm doing now.
Jay: You don't know if Sergei would want you to do this, what do you mean?
Ekaterina: Maybe, he would want me to be with Daria all the time. Maybe, I'm selfish. I know I can't find anything else to do but skating. I wouldn't know what to do.
(showing Katya kissing Daria at US Pros, Jay says, Daria doesn't worry about mum's skating. It's the costumes)
Ekaterina: Daria says 'I love this pink one, or this shiny one'. It makes me feel good. Judges give 9.9s or 10s, but best when Daria says she likes something.
Jay: Does Daria look like you or Sergei?
Ekaterina: Definitely she has Sergei's face, his smile, his eyes and eyelashes--long. She has little muscles (lots of laughter between Jay and Katya). Sergei was very muscular... When Daria's little muscles get working...
Jay: She springs into action (both Jay and Katya laughing a lot)
Ekaterina: She likes to act, actes, sometimes...
Jay: Like most kids..
Ekaterina: Oh really, I thought it was only Daria (Katya laughing throws her head back)
Jay: Well those are all characteristics of Sergei, what does she have from you?
Ekaterina: Hard to say. I like to act to (Katya looks straight at the camera)... I guess, in front of the camera. (she is laughing again)
Katya and Jay are now on the ice in Denver at McNicols arena. Katya has on red turtleneck sweater and black sweatpants. They are sitting on a bench.
Jay: I just got these second hand skates for $30.
Ekaterina: Really, you bought them right here? You didn't have yourself, yours? Well, you tie them very professionally, very good. (both laughing)
Jay: Well, if I skate as well as I tie them, we'll be OK. (both laughing again)
They step onto the ice and Jay is very good.
Ekaterina: You skated before, you're so good?
Jay: As a child.
Ekaterina: Oh, that's right on a pond. You're perfect. You're doing great!
Jay: Is there a difficulty making a transition from pairs to singles?
Ekaterina: At first, I thought, no one will see me. Sergei always lifted me and everyone sees me. He always presents me so wel. Now look at this rink. So huge building. So many people look at you , so small, I think no one will see so tiny on the ice.
Jay: How did you learn your first jump?
Ekaterina: First time, I didn't take any speed, just like this (she demonstrates a hop/jump on the ice, then Jay tries. Katya lets out a little scream, OHH, when Jay makes a good attempt, he doesn't fall, but its like he 2 foots the hop ;-) When you young, you don't know. You close to the ground, when you fall it doesn't hurt.
Now they show Katya skating to 'No one is alone' on SOI. Jay says, Katya's art is a reflection of her life. Now they show Jay and Katya sitting on the sofa again.
Ekaterina: No one is alone. Always have someone, friends who always support you.
Jay: No matter how dark the forest.
Ekaterina: No matter how dark the forest. Always can find someone there to light up your life.
Jay: (He has a serious-thinking question look on his face). Let me ask you the final question. I didn't intend it and I also wondered whether or not to ask it. .... Do you think that you'lll ever fall in love again?
Ekaterina: (She has a serious look on her face. She sits up straight and rests back a bit in the sofa. Her eyes widen, there is pause and silence, then..)...I think maybe I will...(pause)...and I even hope so. (she sighs heavily)...This is life for.... I think.... maybe I'm wrong.
Jay: I don't think so.
Ekaterina: I don't think so, too.
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