(Originally published July 30, 2007)

Figure Skaters: Tougher than Bear Grylls?

Anyone who has read Momzilla: Notes from the Sidelines knows that Momzilla has something of an obsession with Bear Grylls of BBC's Man vs. Wild.  After watching Bear rub his body with snow to warm up after an icy dip in a frozen lake, it occurred to Momzilla that Bear might make an excellent figure skater.  On further investigation, however, it may be that figure skaters are actually tougher than Bear.  And this has nothing to do with the recent revelations that Bear may have slept in motels instead of lean-to's padded with pine needles from time to time.  (Truth be told, the ability to locate a motel seems like a reasonable survival skill in itself.)

No, this revelation stems from the chapter of Bear's career when he suffered a spinal fracture and was sidelined in rehab, unable to return to full physical activity for more than a year.

Compare this, if you will, to Senior U.S. pairs skater Derek Trent, who suffered a vertebral fracture in October 2006 and went on to compete at Skate America (October 2006), Skate Canada (November 2006), Midwestern Sectionals (November 2006), and U.S. Nationals (January 2007).  Check him out at Skate Canada 2006. (courtesy youtube.com)

Now, of course, it is impossible to make a direct comparison between the injuries, as Bear had three fracture sites and Derek only one.  Fanzilla is simply pointing out that the figure skater managed to perform -- admirably -- with a broken back.  So if Bear is going to fulfill Momzilla's fantasy and take up figure skating, he just may have to toughen up a bit.