Skater Christopher Bowman Dies

Specific details of his death have yet to be released, but, quite frankly, they don't matter. He is already missed.

He was a two-time US champion figure skater, a two-time World medalist, and a two-time Olympian.

Most remember him as a showman, full of surprises – with the athletic ability and flamboyant artistry of Rudy, Philippe, Surya and Michael all in one. Lovingly nicknamed: “Bowman the Showman,” Christopher was the ultimate embodiment of natural talent.

Here's proof: The YouTube skating video of his "What a Wonderful World" routine, followed by an absolutely insane encore.

He persevered through disappointments, pulled himself up and past poor choices, and reminded the skating world that labels and competition predictions do not supersede the will of the skaters.

During one of his most memorable routines, he surprised the judges by holding off all his technical moves until the last thirty seconds of his program. I remember Dick Button calling the program with something like: “Well, he landed that jump cleanly, but I think it’s too little too – wow! Oh… wow…” Chris exploded with triples to close his routine.

Favored by the teenaged girls of the late eighties and early nineties, Chris sported charming good looks and a confidence that couldn’t be faked. Through his triumphs and struggles, he remained ever in the hearts of figure skating enthusiasts all over the world.

Watch his incredible long program from the 1992 Olympics here, and remember one of the world's greatest unbridled figure skating talents.