Pairs figure skating practice at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex typically draws a handful of people. Not this week.
Crowds packed in early to catch a glimpse of Olympic contenders Caydee Denney, Jeremy Barrett, Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig during their daily practice sessions.
Capacity inside the practice rink maxes out at almost 500 people. Rink officials put Thursday's crowd closer to 800, with about another 200 turned away.
Wesley Chapel resident Denney calls the large crowds a "great training tool."
She credits hometown support with giving her a competitive boost.
"I saw people standing on chairs and I was like, 'Oh my gosh,' are they really up on top of chairs right now. But it was a thrill," Denney said.
Coach Lyndon Johnston agreed.
"It's a little bit like skating in a fish bowl. But you know we've been trying to warn the athletes this could be what it's like at the practices in Vancouver," Johnston said.
In the crowd sat Carolyn Mitchell for the fourth day in a row.
"I think it's probably the most exciting adventure I've ever had because my favorite part of the Olympics is pairs figure skating," Mitchell said.
Eleanor Warren said attending a practice was worth the trip from Venice.
"Aren't they fabulous?" she said.
For younger spectators the hour-long practice served as a reminder to dream big. As 9-year-old Haley Beavers leaned over a railing watching and wearing her skates pointed out, "I think if they can do it, I can do it."
Today marks the last chance for people to sit in on a practice session. It starts at 1:10 p.m. and rink officials recommend people arrive about two hours early if they want a seat.
The Vancouver Winter Olympic will be Feb 12-28, with the pairs figure skating competition Feb. 14-15.
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