Hey everyone, this is the second episode of a three-part story we're calling out on the ice.

So if you haven't listened from the beginning, go back to part one and start from there.

Previously on Blind Landing.

No amazing male athlete ever was really capable of changing the reputation of the sport.

Once figures getting got the feminine label of being a quote, girl's sport, there was no going back.

For decades there's been a stereotype about male figure skaters being gay, but that doesn't mean the ice rink has always been a safe space for queer people.

I compartmentalized a lot of stuff and it wasn't a great thing, but I had to do it.

In part one, we heard about how figure skating earned its reputation as a gay sport and took you through its most deeply closeted years, up until the early 90s.

And that? That's when the closet doors started to crack open.

I'm Ari Saberstein.

I'm Frisch Leiker.

And this is Blind Landing.

Out on the ice, part two.

Welcome to our continuing coverage of the 1996 US Figure Skating Championships.

Later tonight we'll have the men's short program.

The year, 1996, the place San Jose, California, the event, the US National Figure Skating Championships.

And the skater that everyone is talking about, the one who has a shot to win gold, is the last person anyone expected.

And in his seven previous appearances here at the Nationals, he has never stood on the medal podium.

Trying to do that for the first time in San Jose, here is Rudy Goendo.

So Chris, who is Rudy Goendo?

And why was it such a surprise that he was in contention to win the 96 Nationals?

Back in 96, he was just a skater on the outs and had face set back after set back in his personal life.

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