SynchroNice / Third Edition / 2018

SYNCHRO NICE 149 It was during our stay in Granada where we bumped into the, for many ice-skaters very familiar judge, Leena Laaksonen. She was present as the Technical Controller at the Autumn Cup. Normally it’s very hard to get a hold of one of the judges or technical controllers… They have time-consuming tasks and a strict program to live by during competitions and are also restricted from communicating with any media or press during the competition. Shortly after this first Autumn Cup however the judges and technical controller had some spare time left, as there weren’t that many teams to judge. So, we grabbed that opportunity and asked Miss Laaksonen if she would like to do an interview with us, for our next SynchroNice. With a warm and friendly smile she complimented us on the previous magazines and agreed to cooper­ ate in an interview. Leena, being certainly one of the most popular ISU judges/technical controllers, gave us a nice view into her thoughts and contemplations. Leena, from where we can judge, you’re a very popular official. It also looks like we see you more often than other judges at compe- LEENA LAAKSONEN ISUJudge titions. Are there enough judges at ISU? Haha yes, I believe there are but the fact is, I am a free­ lancer translator and mainly occupied by translations for TV, like subtitles for TV programs. Being a freelancer translator has its advantages and also enables me to work wherever I like in the world. So, I don’t need to sit in an office certain working hours. That is why I am able to do this many competitions and be involved in figure skating.