A Brother's Promise: The Dan Jansen Story (1996) (TV)

Director:

Bill Corcoran

Writer (WGA):

Wesley Bishop (written by)

Release Date:

14 February 1996 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | Sport

Plot:

Based on the true story of Speed Skater Dan Jansen and the loving relationship with his sister Jane...

Plot Keywords:

Brother Sister Relationship | Death Of Sister | Gold Medal | Ice Skater | Medal

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Stephen Bogaert	...	Steve
Jayne Brook	...	Jane Jansen
Len Cariou	...	Harry Jansen
Christina Cox	...	Natalie Grenier
Matt Keeslar	...	Dan Jansen
Justin Louis
Mark Lutz	...	Mike Jansen
Claire Rankin	...	Robin Jansen
Nora Sheehan	...	Mary Jansen
Scott Speedman	...	One of Dan Jansen's Friends

Runtime:

Netherlands:105 min | Spain:88 min

Country:

Canada | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Company:

Warner Bros. Television

Goofs:

Factual errors: When Dan Jansen rides his final 1000 metres race, the coach showing the lap time is standing on the inside of the lanes. This is not allowed - coaches are restricted to a box on the outside of the lanes.

Sensitive Portrayal of Coping with the Death of a Loved One

Beautiful story of Wisconsin native, Dan Jansen, and his real life, agonizing struggle to win the 1994 Olympic Gold Medal in Speed Skating, despite his overwhelming emotional loss with the death of his much loved Best Friend and Family Member; his Sister, Jane.

This story's main focus is to sensitively portray the real life emotional turmoil of grief, that one feels in loosing a special Loved One, and the struggle to productively cope and rise above the great loss! It is the incredible story of Dan Jansen's heartbreak in loosing his beloved Sister to Leukemia, his struggle to cope with the intensity of his grief, while still maintaining his Dream to win at the Olympics, and his ultimate triumph in winning the Gold Medal in Speed Skating for America, and in honor of his Sister's memory; thereby fulfilling his childhood promise to Jane!

After Dan Jansen's remarkable Gold Medal performance in the Winter Olympic in Lillihamer, Norway, he established a Foundation in 1994 to help fight Leukemia, which claimed the life of his Sister, and to support youth sports programs, educational and scholarship awards. His Dan Jansen Foundation promotes the philosophy that: "as his Father always told him at a young age: 'there is more to life than skating around in circles!' Maintaining a proper perspective is key! So, too, is setting goals, and realizing one's Dreams through perseverence, overcoming adversity and never giving up!"

Recommended for anyone who has ever suffered the great loss of someone very special, and dearly loved within your life! And, for anyone who still believes in the Achievement of Dreams, and Never Giving Up!