THE OLYMPICS / WINTER GAMES AT ALBERTVILLE : NOTES

Christopher Bowman of Van Nuys had two unusual theories for his seventh-place finish in the men’s figure skating original program Thursday night.

One is that he never achieved any rapport with the crowd.

“It wasn’t a typical skating crowd,” he said. “They were too concerned with their croissants and Euroburgers and finding their seats. There was no electricity.”

The other is that he has been attempting to please his new coach, John Nicks of Costa Mesa, by developing his competitive nature. In other words, Bowman feels he has been too serious.

“That might just not be Christopher Bowman,” he said. “That might not be the right thing for me, the competitive side. It’s weird, but if I just go out there to enjoy the performance, instead of trying to win, that seems to work better for me.”

Even if Bowman were the win tonight’s freestyle program, it is not likely that he will finish among the medalists.