Emanuel Sandhu speaks to MyBindi
Written exclusively for MyBindi West

Vancouver:

In addition to being a 2 time Olympian, 3 time Canadian men's figure skating champion and Senior Men's world champion, this determined athlete is also an accomplished dancer, musician and model. Skating was not his first choice as Emanuel began dancing at the ripe age of 3 taking classes in ballet, flamenco, and later hip hop and jazz to name a few. His talents landed him at one of the worlds most renowned ballet programs as a student of Canada's National Ballet School. At the age of 8 his mother (Enza Sandhu) enrolled Emanuel into skating hoping her son would take up hockey. However his artistic talents pointed him towards figure skating and thus began many years of intense training where he would practice dance in the mornings and figure skating in the evenings. In 1988 this relative unknown in the skating circuit rose to fame overnight as an inexperienced 17yr old placed 2nd to Elvis Stojko in the Canadian Men's figure skating championships. A very controversial decision by Skate Canada left him off the 88 Olympic squad citing lack of experience. In 1999 Emanuel made the difficult decision to leave his hometown of Richmond Hill to train full time in Vancouver. The move paid huge dividends as over the next 5 years, he was the Reigning Canadian champion in 2001, 2003, 2004,2005 including a number of 1st place and top 10 finishes throughout the world.

Born on Nov 18, 1980 in Toronto Canada, Emanuel is the eldest of 3 brothers. His mother is Italian and his father is East Indian from Punjab. On paper it would seem that Emanuel had the best of both cultures growing up but when asked about his childhood, the skater replied,

"Very difficult, extremely difficult." He explained how many of his schoolmates and family didn't think he was normal because he was in dancing, ballet and figure skating. " I was constantly hurt by what kids would say and act towards me, and the racial slurs, the teasing and the taunts, jokes and the insults. And of course my family life wasn't any easier as my parents were in constant turmoil. "

So as a way to escape the realities of home and school, Emanuel looked to his skating and dancing and practiced longer and harder. His perseverance work paid off as he caught the eye of lifetime coach and mentor Joanne Mcleod and quickly took the national skating team by storm.

Since coming to Vancouver, the skater advised that he has really been embraced by the south asian community and looks forward to getting involved in more events where he can be a role model for the younger generation. He is the recipient of Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award and has helped paved the way for other figure skaters coming out of India. Just recently, the International Skating federation recognized India as a skating nation with some young skaters training in the junior circuit. Emanuel has also incorporated the sounds of some classical Indian instruments as well as influences from a combination of different countries from around the world. When asked about the possibility of an East Indian outfit, the skater did not rule out the possibility. Determined to shed is Olympic jinx, the skater has gone back to his roots and his love for dancing which he will be incorporating into his programs as he vies to become an Olympic medallist (hopefully Gold)

Quick Facts:

Favourite Food : Garlic Naan & Lamb Korma
Favorite Colour : Olive Green
Favorite City: Vancouver
Favorite Artist: Madonna
Favorite pastime: singing

Due to his multiple talents and interests, I asked Emanuel to list in order of preference:

1. Olympic Gold Medallist
2. Grammy Award Winner
3. Winner of SoYou Think You Can Dance
4. Winner of Canada's Next Top Model