Lisa-Marie Allen was another Sun Valley area resident who participated in the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics along with previously profiled Judy Blumberg (also a figure skater). The 1980 U.S. Olympic Figure Skating team was referred to by some as the "Dream Team". Yet another connection to Sun Valley is Linda Fratianne who was also a member of that Dream Team.
What Olympics did you participate in and in what event(s)
----1980 Lake Placid, Ladies Figure Skating, 5th place
Have you been back to the host city? If so, what was that like for you (memories, experiences, etc.)?
-I've been back 3 times, once as a motivational speaker and twice for reunions. All three return visits to Lake Placid have been extremely fun and educational, as 1979 and 1980 were a fantastic, almost surreal time in my life. I didn't really get to see the town and meet the wonderful community on the first two trips.
Have you stayed involved in the Olympic movement? If so, in what ways?
With the financial and commercial success of the Los Angeles Games in 1984, the Olympic movement took on a new life and became what we have now, a world wide phenomenon! In 2002 I was a member of the team that conceived and choreographed the opening and closing ceremonies under the direction of Kenny Ortega and Sarah Kawahara. I am also a Nationally ranked US Figure Skating Technical Specialist and skating coach.
Describe your experience(s) in the Opening & Closing Ceremonies. What stands out?
Our opening ceremony was a wee bit different than what it has become. Back in 1980 I believe the budget was in the range of $100,000. compared to today's budget of millions. I remember sitting on a school bus in the parking lot FREEZING waiting for the athletes procession. Our wardrobe was provided by Levi Strauss that year and I must say, not warm! The entire ceremony was about an hour long with the athletes joining in at the last. Scott Hamilton carried the flag for the US and th
e ceremony took place on the high school football field. Very exciting but very cold!!!!
Our closing ceremonies took place in the arena right after my event finished. Unfortunately, I only heard Chuck Mangione playing as I was in the doping center trying to give a urine sample!
Describe your experience(s) in the Olympic Village.
As always, the Ladies event took place on the second week of competition which posed a challenge to stay focused on my job at hand. I had a great time getting to know athletes from the US, France and Australia. The dining hall was the place to be and I had a weakness for the donuts. My roommates in the village were Kitty Carruthers, Sandy Lenz and Sheryl Franks and we were housed in the trailers that filled the exercise yard of the facility that shortly after the Games became the NY State prison. I remember having a great time entertaining new friends in our "suite" of rooms and also being entertained in the village by major recording stars and up and coming dance troupes. It was really a sense of community both in spirit and love of sport.
What was the biggest surprise about your Olympic experience?
I learned how to speed skate on the Olympic Oval during the Miracle Hockey Game!
What is the single best experience as an Olympian whether it was during the Games or afterwards?
I can't come up with just one! I loved my 1980 competition experience, getting to fly on Air Force One to the White House for a Presidential visit was quite thrilling, but I loved 2002 even more. Having the opportunity to return in a different capacity so many years later, now knowing the significance of being involved in such a HUGE production gave me such respect for ALL aspects of the Games. Meeting YoYo Ma and Sting was a highlight for sure. My many tasks included casting and managing the 500 volunteer skaters that participated in the ceremonies as well as choreograph and skate in them. Multi-tasking at the highest level!
What does it mean to you to be an Olympian?
I am proud and honored to be a part of an alumni that represents something larger than life. My husband Peter insists that we Olympians have a secret handshake, but we don't, just a love of sport.
Here is my contact information: Patti
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