Young skater seeks national title

[adrianchew]

http://www.gazettenet.com/10222002/sports/1074.htm

Profile of a young skater that will be at the US Junior Nationals in Lake Placid. Amanda is a Juvenile skater (they didn't mention that in the article but I quickly checked New England Regionals results).

[michele]

Surely others are laughing at the thought of *anyone* at Junior Nats vying for a spot at Junior Worlds? :D I wonder how many (especially at the intermediate level) would even be eligible...

But aside, it was a nice article and I hope she does well - thanks Adrian!

[adrianchew]

I noticed that "error" too myself! ;)

But maybe the ISU is going to extend Junior Worlds to lower level competitors? Once can always hope!

[KBW]

I wondered about that myself, reading the article! I guess the reporter assumed that it was the next step - region, nation, world? Well, I suppose anything's possible! :)

[Trillian]

Originally posted by adrianchew
But maybe the ISU is going to extend Junior Worlds to lower level competitors?

Even if they lower the age limits, the USFSA certainly won't be selecting juvenile competitors for the team anytime soon. :)

Well, Amanda's coach was right about her having as good a chance as anyone else. I didn't see the event at regionals so I don't know about her actual skating, but juvenile events tend to be pretty much a case of whoever has the best day winning. Anyone who qualifies will be talented at this level, there are so many competitors.

Still, if the New England group is as strong as last year's, I'd rate her as having an even better chance than most. Last year's four qualifiers from New England in juvenile finished 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 12th IIRC. :)

[chattykathy]

We (those of us who live it) can hardly keep track of who goes to what, figure skating is synonymous with "confusing". Even writers that write for Skating Magazine are often incorrect in descriptions and progressions to competitions.

Good Luck Amanda, you are lucky to have anyone write an article about you, and help you advertise your fund raiser! (mistake or no)

[Mazurka Girl]

I know skaters this age are really excited about going to junior nationals. But looking at the big picture, often those juvenile titles are the biggest ones ever earned by the skaters who win them. It's a long haul from juvenile to senior level & a lot of kids who are pushed hard at this age burn out. I'd encourage them instead to go get some competition experience & enjoy their participation in the event rather than "go for the gold" at this level.

[pattern99]

I can agree with that one Mazurka Girl. I went to JN's 2 years ago as an intermediate ladies (dar! lol!) competitor. I basically went and had one hell of a time. Since I knew that there were skaters that were more talented than me on top of my wonderful case of bronchitis and chronic achilles tendonitis... I went, had MUCHO fun, partying and just lived up the whole experience. Let's not forget, I was 16 at the time...that year, I do believe I was the oldest Int. Lad. competitor. All these girls should go to have fun and live it up. Save the big stuff for the higher levels. A little lesson I learned. Either way, I hope Amanda does well!!!! GOOD LUCK!!

piece,
*patt99*

[phoebekitty]

I actually skated on the same ice w/Amanda this summer. I didn't know who she was until I saw this article, but was VERY IMPRESSED. I think she will definitely go far. :)