Shawn Sawyer

Shawn Sawyer was born in Edmundston, New Brunswick where he started skating at age nine. The three-time (2005, 2006 & 2008) Canadian national bronze medalist is known for his incredible flexibility and spirals and unlike most skaters, spins clockwise. Sawyer’s performances are dynamic and fluid, filled with tight spins, original moves, and unorthodox musicality. Sears Stars on Ice is thrilled to have Shawn join the 2011 star-studded cast as they tour Canada this spring.

Starting out his early career Sawyer won the bronze medal at the novice level at the Canada Winter Games in 1999, followed by the national novice title in 2000. He skated on the Junior Grand Prix the following season and won the bronze medal at his first event.  At Nationals, he placed 4th in the junior level. On the JGP the following season, he qualified for the Junior Grand Prix Final, where he placed fifth, and then won the national Junior title. This earned him a trip to the World Junior Figure Skating Championships, where he placed 11th after performing an entirely new long program.

As a junior skater, Sawyer trained at the Minto Skating Club in Ottawa under coach Alexei Tchetveroukin. He had been training the Biellmann since learning in New Brunswick at age twelve, and he performed the spin in exhibition at Nationals in 2002 after winning the junior title.

At the 2004 Cup of Russia, Sawyer's first senior international event, he placed just off the podium. At nationals, Shawn won the bronze medal, earning him a trip to the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships. In the 2005-2006 season (the Olympic season), Sawyer placed in the middle of the fields in his two Grand Prix events. Earning a bronze medal finish at Nationals, earned Sawyer a spot to the Olympics and to Worlds. He placed 12th at the Olympics in Turin and 21st at Worlds, held in Calgary.

The 2008-2009 season started off with two back to back competitions for Sawyer. He opened the season at 2008 Skate America where he placed fifth and then continued to 2008 Skate Canada International where he again placed fifth.  In the 2009-2010, Shawn was awarded the silver medal at Skate America, but placed 4th at Canadian Nationals, narrowly missing a trip to the 2010 Olympic Games by two spots.

Shawn Sawyer - Achievements

• Sport New Brunswick's Male Athlete of the Year 2002
• Olympic team member for the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino
• Three-time (2005, 2006 & 2008) Canadian National bronze medalist
• 6th place at the 2003 Junior World Championships
• Gold Medalist at the 2002 Junior Men's Canadian Championships
• Gold medalist at the Belgrade Junior Grand Prix Event in 2002

Q & A with Shawn Sawyer

What is the most rewarding part of figure skating? 

Being able to travel and perform in various cities around the world.

What’s your next career move? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

I am working on my own art exhibition and in 5 years I would love to have my own art gallery.

What are the top 5 songs on your ipod?
Born This Way (Lady GaGa ), You Know I’m No Good (Amy Winehouse ) , Strut (Adam Lambert) , Uprising (Muse) and Working for the Weekend (Lover Boy)

What is your favourite meal to cook?

Peanut butter sandwich (I really really really cannot cook)

What is your favourite Stars on Ice memory?

Doing our good luck goodies before each shows.

What has been your favourite country to visit and why?

Japan, because I always feel so relaxed and joyfull when I go there.

How do you spend your time when you aren’t on the road? 

I usualy spend a lot of time painting in my studio.

Most memorable career moment?

Competing at the Olympic Games!

If you could compete in an Olympic sport other then figure skating, what would it be and why?

I would pick diving because I wear the Speedo very well!

If you hadn’t become a professional athlete, what do you think your current career would be?

I would be a stressed out university student!

Who is your idol?

Batman

If you could have dinner with one person, who would it be and why?

With myself as a child so I could tell myself to never let go of my dreams and goals.

If you could be an animal for one day, what would it be and why?

A parrot because I could fly and play tricks on people with my voice.

If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life what would it be and why?

Cheese pizza.