The word from ... Kurt Browning

Of all the remarkable skaters who have emerged over the years, it seems Canadians can't get enough of Kurt Browning.

The four-time world and Canadian champion from Alberta turned professional nine years ago. On April 16, he returns to Halifax on his 12th Stars on Ice tour.

At 36 years of age, he says he's not quite as strong or as flexible as when he competed on the world stage in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Nevertheless, his seemingly effortless talent, humour and showmanship continue to make him an audience favourite.

SKATING TODAY: 'When you do it right, it's great. It's fun to come up with something different each year, it's a challenge. But it's not like singing - it's a demanding, physical sport. Unfortunately, there's a shelf life for my body.'

SLIP, SLIDING AWAY: Even a great skater like Browning has his bad days. Performing in Oklahoma recently, he fell three times during one number.

'I fell. Three times. I was just skating too, it wasn't even during a jump or on a spin. But even when it's not great out there, you can never give up for the audience.

'You've gotta keep going.'

FAVE SKATERS: Olympic gold medallists Jamie Sale and David Pelletier. 'I really like those kids - they give it from their hearts.'

PRETTIEST JUMPER, HIM OR HIS WIFE': Married to Sonia Rodriguez, principal dancer with the National Ballet of Canada, Browning picks his wife. 'As exciting as it is to jump and spin 18 feet across the ice, for sheer elegance I've got to give the nod to my wife.'

FAVE MOVIES: Shrek, A Bug's Life, Monster's Inc., Blazing Saddles, Caddyshack. 'I like funny, corny stuff.'

TV: A Trekkie, Browning tunes into Enterprise.

READING: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. 'I find it intriguing that one mind could conceive of that big a world.'