It's not really uncommon - but not incredibly common, either, especially in eligible skating, since it's a lift that doesn't rotate. Wotzel and Steuer come to mind as skaters that used it both in exhibitions and in professional competitions. Abitbol and Bernadis have used it in eligible programs, however, I believe.
I can't remember the exact name of it, but it's incredibly difficult and takes a lot of trust on the part of both partners! Good to see Maria and Alexei trying new things.
In a message dated 10/16/2002 6:09:17 PM Pacific Standard Time, juncox@... writes:
Pic #3. It loaded and enlarged for me fine. Hope none of you have any trouble.
Sort of scary. We`ll probably never know what the judges think of it, but I`m curious about what the commentators will say.
I`ve seen Brasseur/Eisler use a similar lift, but they AFAIK they only used it once (in a pro competition).
If this is a common lift that I should recognize, will somebody please wise me up?