From the delicate balance of a spin to the soaring elegance of a jump, figure skating is a breath-taking blend of artistry and athleticism that takes center stage on the icy rinks. Figure skaters share their own struggles and triumphs, but ultimately showcase their resilience through captivating performances. Foran is proud to be home to some of these talented individuals.
Figure skaters are tasked to compete in various events. Qualification of these events means they can advance to a higher level of difficulty. The next array of acts present a new challenge for the skaters.
In their numerous events, figure skaters can compete in individuals, pairs, or groups. Senior Jaime Capozzi, who has been on the rinks since she was nine years old, is familiar with all three. She comments that group numbers are “the most fun to put together and it’s the perfect way to hang out with my friends.”
Although skating in groups is her favorite, she highlights some of the best aspects of each.
“My best friend and I put together a ‘couples spotlight program’ every season, and it’s a hit at our rink and every competition we go to,” she states, “skating individually is also really fun because I don’t have to keep pace with anyone else, just the music.”
However, behind the seemingly flawless and polished routines are hours of time and dedication. Capozzi reveals that countless efforts go into training before her performances. Currently, she skates six days a week.
“Sometimes I go to multiple rinks a day. It’s very cold and very exhausting,” she expresses. But in the end, every hour, every minute spent rigorously training proves to be irreplaceable.
“How far I’ve come in skating keeps me motivated. I want to go further so I have more to fall back on later in life, since I want to continue coaching after high school,” she explains.
Coaching is a very different side of the same coin. Donna Mitchell is a figure skating coach and the director of the Rinkettes synchro skating team. She emphasizes the impacts that figure skating can have on an individual’s life.
“I think that figure skating teaches so many lessons beyond athleticism; determination, perseverance, grit, and musicality.” Mitchell explains.
She continues, expressing her devotion to the work she does.
“I’ve always thought to myself: if I won the lottery, would I keep doing my job? My answer has always been yes. Skating is something that I’ve made lifelong friends through…when you find something that you love, you can always keep it in your life.” Mitchell comments.
Junior Adrianne Shields also spends much of her time on the rink. She states that she is at the SportsCenter in Shelton to practice at least four times a week. Friday mornings before school, Saturday and Sunday mornings, and Mondays after school.
Shields explains that she often misses school days for competitions, causing her to face challenges balancing her passion with her schoolwork. Last year, she even missed her midterm exams.
“The biggest part is communication with my teachers so they’re aware,” she expresses.
Whether it be frigid temperatures, extraneous practices, or overwhelming schedules, each figure skater has their own struggles with the sport. However, similarly to Capozzi, it is all worth it in the end for Shields.
“I would be lying if I said that I only ice skate because it’s fun. I get so many amazing opportunities to travel around the country. So far I’ve skated in 11 states, including California. I would’ve never gotten the opportunity if it weren’t for skating,” Shields reveals.
In addition to travel, her dedication to this sport has given her a close-knit community. She conveys the importance of the bonds she’s formed from figure skating.
“Everyone is always looking out for one another and bringing each other up, it’s such a warm environment and I’m so grateful for each and every one of them,” she states.
