“RIP”: Kathy Johnson Clarke Mourns the Death of Figure Skating Coach Frank Carroll at 85

The figure skating world is yet to find an exit gate from the addictive scintillating moves that had been most common in the 1980s and 1990s. In those artistic moves and fluent verse of sports on the skating shoes, two names came out largely- one was Michelle Kwan, and the other was Frank Carroll. The 43-year-old Michelle Kwan is now far away from the skating rings, serving her responsibility being the United States Ambassador to Belize. However, her coach Frank Carroll has set sail for a further distance, in heaven as he passed away today. His death has shaken the American sporting sphere, including gymnastics. Kathy Johnson Clarke, one of the prominent gymnastic voices, has paid her respect to Frank Carroll. 

On her long note, the Olympian celebrated the life Frank lived with the figure skating world. “What a life, career, bright light, and positive force in the world of figure skating!” remained her primary residence to garland that life. Subsequently, Kathy Johnson mourned with a heavier tone, penning, “My deepest, most sincere condolences to all my skating friends and Frank Carroll’s family, athletes, and fans! R.I P.” According to the update from the US Figure Skating Association, Carroll aged 85 years when he died. 

Starting in the 1960s, Frank Carroll retained the coaching position at a time when the figure skating sport was facing a lack of notable presence. In his lengthy tenure in the position, the coach gifted three world champions in the women’s and men’s singles category to the fans. With Michelle Kwan, Evan Lyaseck and Linda Fratianne joined that league. Along with that, Olympians like Gracie Gold, Timothy Goebel, and Denis Ten formed a formidable pair of mentees. 

However, under his tutelage, Michelle Kwan achieved two Olympic medals, five world championships, nine national titles, and innumerable fans who still count her as the best American figure skater ever. But Frank Carroll found his most satisfactory moment when Evan Lyaseck earned the Winter Olympic gold medal in 2010. The contained coach could only say, “It’s not something I coveted after a while. It was something I thought maybe would never happen.” Until his retirement in 2018, Lyaseck remained his only protégé to earn an Olympic gold medal. Now, on Frank Carroll’s death, several names have lined up to celebrate his life and achievements. 

Frank Carroll leaves behind a world of fans 

In Michelle Kwan’s success throughout the years, another name heavily worked, and that is Lori Nichol, the Canadian figure skating champion and choreographer. With the experience of working with Frank Carroll closely, the 61-year-old termed him as the ‘hilarious gentleman’. Simultaneously, Lori described the deceased Hall of Famer as “a rare and glorious combination of high intelligence, discipline, courage and kindness.” The world has experienced these qualities in reality in every chucking and witty reply from the legend in his time with the glory. The International Skating Union also remembers him in a similar light. 

In its poignant note on X, the international skating body wrote, “The ISU is deeply saddened by the loss of Frank Carroll. His dedication and passion have left an indelible mark on the sport and all of us.” Meanwhile, the US Figure Skating authority jotted down as “Frank was instrumental in the careers of numerous Olympic and World champions and many future Hall of Famers.” Yes, Carroll Frank’s qualities often seem to be otherworldly, finding no match in the vicinity. May his soul rest in peace!