1.   At campgrounds across America last summer, the embarrassed-looking inline skater was a revitalized fitness fanatic.

2.   All seven skaters were paid fees to perform, commensurate with their stardom and talent, but Kerrigan got extra to chat.

3.   But first and foremost, the ladies skaters are stars.

4.   But the Olympic-style skaters are no longer amateurs.

5.   Canadian skaters are chic.

6.   Coming into this race, the Dutch skaters were all favored, even if Gianni Romme shocked his nation by not qualifying for his best event in December.

7.   Coaches keep their skaters upright, even when the skaters are all alone on the ice.

8.   Divided evenly between the sexes, the skaters are mostly competent, mostly eager to turn a solo hobby into a social event.

9.   Eligible skaters are the ones who compete in the Olympics, world championships and other events under the federation umbrella.

10.   Dutch and German skaters will be favored in all other events.