date published: April 9, 2007
Sasha Cohen
by Josh B. Wardrop
Just 22 years old, Sasha Cohen has earned a slew of awards for her exquisite figure skating—including a U.S. Figure Skating Championship gold medal and an Olympic silver medal. Currently on hiatus from pro competition, Cohen is exploring a career in acting, but laces up her skates again for the 29th annual Champions On Ice, arriving in Boston on April 22.
Q: This is your seventh Champions on Ice. What keeps you coming back?
A: I love the people—it’s great to have the chance to train
with your friends and your competitors. I get to see friends like Rudy Galindo and
Johnny Weir. The travel is sometimes rough, but it’s always exciting to perform.
Q: How’s Hollywood treating you?
A: I’m having a great time. I did an indie film recently [Moondance
Alexander] where I play a mean girl, which was lots of fun. I just wrapped the film
Bratz, and I’m taking classes and going to auditions all the time. Acting
is a real passion for me.
Q: You cameo as yourself in Blades of Glory with Will Ferrell. Does he have potential
as a skater?
A: That was such a fun film to do. I think it’ll give the sport a
big boost. As for Will…he’s hilarious, but it takes years to get comfortable
on ice.
Q: Have you had the chance to spend much time in Boston before?
A: Absolutely—I’ve been to the North End, and done lots of shopping
on Newbury Street. I don’t really quite get how Boston is laid out, but I
really like the city!
Q: What do you feel you have left to achieve as a skater?
A: My goals have changed a bit. It used to always be that if I won an event…if
I won Olympic gold, that it would define me. Now, I think more about enjoying the
skating itself.