2022 Australian Figure Skating Championships
In this tell all 22 young Queensland stars, who were set to light up the 2022 Australian Figure Skating Championships, reveal how they got started in the sport.
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The best of the best will converge on the Australian Figure Skating Championships from November 25.
To be hosted by Iceworld Olympic Rink at Boondall, Australia’s world class athletes were set to unfurl all their magic and grace on the ice during an eight day extravaganza.
Here we give you an insight into the minds of some of Figure Skating’s finest through this Q&A special.
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Name:Amber Fu
Age: 12 years
Club: Iceworld Figure Skating Club, Acacia Ridge
Discipline Solo
How were you introduced to the sport of figure skating?
I was introduced to the sport of figure skating by my coach. She was really close friends with my mum and before she became my coach, she told my mum, that I should try skating. After that, we went to watch the Grand Prix of figure skating in 2019 and that’s when I fell in love with this sport.
What do you love about the sport of figure skating?
I love figure skating because when I jump, I feel like I’m flying I also really enjoy it because when I skate really fast, it makes me feel like I’m free and there’s no other place that feels more like home than the rink.
Name: Luna Shimogaki
Age: 13
Club: Iceworld Figure Skating Club (IFSC) Acacia Ridge
Discipline : Single Junior
How were you introduced to the sport of figure skating?
I was introduced to the sport of figure skating when I was watching a figure skating completion on TV when ice skating appeared and attracted my attention which led me to where I am now.
What do you love about the sport of figure skating?
I love everything about figure skating. My favourite thing about skating is performing in front of everyone and making everyone feel entrained and my coaches proud.
Name: Kalyn Shimogaki
Age: 10
Club: Iceworld Figure Skating Club
Discipline: Single advanced novice
How were you introduced to the sport of figure skating?
I was introduced to the sport of figure skating when I was watching a figure skating competition on tv when ice skating appeared and attracted my attention which led me to where I am now.
What do you love about the sport of figure skating?
I love everything about figure skating. My favorite thing about skating is performing in front of everyone and making everyone feel entertained and my coaches proud.
Name:Sydelle Zhang
Age: 12
Club: Ice Skating Queensland
Discipline: Single Advanced Novice Ladies
How were you introduced to the sport of figure skating?
I was introduced to the sport of ice skating when I saw an ice rink in a shopping mall and I was immediately curious. So I went and skated, and fell in love with skating. Since that day, I have been skating for 7 years.
What do you love about the sport of figure skating?
What I love about ice skating is the feel of skating and jumping. There is nothing better on earth than feeling the wind in your face when you spin and jump. I feel like a bird when I am skating – and that is the best feeling ever.
Name: Abbey Dobson
Age: 13
Club: Boondall Figure Ice skating Club
Discipline: Singles
Introduction to skating: Abbey’s sisters began skating and Abbey wanted to try it out and she loved it
What she loves about the sport: There is always room to improve
Name: Miranda Shum
Age: 10
Club: Iceland Gold Coast Figure Skating Club (IGCFSC)
Discipline: Solo, Basic Novice
How were you introduced to the sport of figure skating?
I was invited to my classmate’s birthday party when I was 5 – she held it at a mini ice skating rink. It was love at first sight! I could barely hold on as I went around the rink while clutching the penguin skating aid but I had the time of my life. It was so slippery, so cold and I was going so fast – I loved every second of it! My parents weren’t able to pull me off the rink and I didn’t even want to come off when it was time for my classmate’s birthday cake!
What do you love about the sport of figure skating?
I love the feeling of twirling in the air, the precise movements I need to make to land my jumps and do my spins. I love how disciplined it has taught me to be in every facet of my life. I love being able to compete along with all my fellow hard working figure skaters – the blood, sweat and tears we’ve put in makes for a special comradeship that I feel humbled and privileged to be in.
Name: Georgie van der Kooi
Age: 13 years old
Club: Iceworld Figure Skating Club
Discipline: Solo
How were you introduced to the sport of figure skating? We went as a family to a public skate and I fell in love with it.
What do you love about the sport of figure skating? I love the family and the thrill of competing as well as the support everyone gives each other.
Name: Shuri Tomihara
Age: 15 years old
Club: Boondall Figure Ice skating Club
Discipline: Single
How were you introduced to the sport of figure skating? Skating public session with my parents
What do you love about the sport of figure skating? Achieving new skills
Name: Darian Kaptich
Age: 21
Club: Boondall
Introduction to Skating: Mum and dad took me to a public session and then I kept wanting to go back because I loved it so much. I had my first lesson when I was six.
What do you love about the sport: I love how you feel free and how you feel like you are flying. It feels good when you can finally land the tricks, after a lot of hard work and perfecting the skills for a long time.
Training regime: 20 hours a week.
Goal: My short-term goal is to win the National Championships. I’ve already qualified for the Four Continents Competition in the United States, so I’m looking forward to competing there in February as a first time in Seniors against the top skaters in the world. I want to get the points at the Four Continents competition to qualify for the World Championships.
Hardest Element: I can do all the triple jumps but the hardest is a triple axel. I’m working on a quadruple toe loop, but I haven’t perfected it yet.
Countries competed: I’ve been fortunate to compete all over Europe, Asia, America. Thanks to the sport, I have been able to travel all around the world and have competed in more than 20 countries. A highlight was being Australia’s representative at the 2020 World Junior Championships in Estonia.
Aspirations for Future: “To qualify for next year’s World Championships and the 2026 Olympics. It would feel great to know all the hard work has paid off and that I’ve earned my spot at these major events.’’
Name: Charlton Doherty
Age: 24
Suburb: Parkinson
Club: Acacia Ridge (but also trains at Boondall)
Introduction to skating: Charlton went with his father and brother to a public session when he was young and loved it so much, he kept coming back.
What he loves about the sport: It’s always challenging which is good. You get to travel a lot.
Training regime: Trains for two hours in the morning, and two hours in afternoon, six days a week. He coaches the ice rinks which he does around training.
Goal: A strong result at this month’s National Championships in Brisbane so he can qualify to compete in the Four Continents Competition in the United States in February next year for a chance go compete at the World Championships. The Four Continents is a high-status competition. He finished second in last month’s Queensland Championships. His short-term goal is to compete overseas more.
Hardest element: Triple flip, triple toe (combination jump) – in long program.
Countries competed in: Singapore, Russia, Germany, Croatia, and Latvia, in World Junior Grand Prix events. He hopes to compete in the United States and Indonesia next year.
Aspirations for Future: “There have been a few Senior Men who have retired recently so the younger generation, including myself and Darian, now have more opportunities to represent Australia at major competitions.’’
Name:Simona Bhasin
Age: 14
Club: Boondall Figure Ice Skating Club
Discipline Solo Junior
How were you introduced to the sport of figure skating? At the age of 3, I was doing roller skating. On a birthday party I tried ice skating, so that’s how my journey on ice began. I loved sliding on Ice and that love carried on.
What do you love about the sport of figure skating? I can freely glide and portray my technical and artistic ability in one go.
Name: Abby Smith
Age: 14 years
Club: Boondall Figure Ice Skating Club
Discipline: Figure and Synchro
How were you introduced to the sport: Frozen birthday party at the rink
What do you love about the sport: Hard work pays off, like minded friendships, coaches help you achieve your dreams
Name: Osborn Wang
Age: 9
Club: IceWorld Figure Skating Club, Acacia Ridge
Discipline: Single Basic Novice boys
How were you introduced to the sport of figure skating?
My dad was a figure skater and coach, he introduced figure Skating to me and taught me a lot.
What do you love about the sport of figure skating?
First of all, I really enjoy the speedy, passion and freedom when I am skating.
But also to learn figure Skating, I can learn lots of extra stuffs, such as the understanding of the program music, ballet patterns, even maths since I need to count my points during the competition.
I got lots of supports from family and friends, we enjoy special times together, happiness and tears.
What I earned is not just how to skatie, but also friendships and the ideal of never giving up.
Name: Michelle Miao
Age: 26
Club: IceWorld Figure Skating Club
Discipline: Solo
How were you introduced to the sport of figure skating? I was first introduced to skating when I attended a friend’s birthday party as a little girl. I fell in love with the sport and started to go frequently. Soon after, I started having lessons for figure skating.
What do you love about the sport of figure skating? Figure skating has brought so much joy into my life! It is a beautiful sport and incredibly fun! Through skating, I have developed amazing friendships. Furthermore, it has been my mentor in life. Skating has taught me to persevere through the tough times, to work hard and to be confident. I love the joy I experience from figure skating.
Name: Alisha Boge
Age: 16
Club: IFSC and QSIC
Discipline: Solo and synchronised
How were you introduced to the sport of figure skating?
I was introduced to figure skating, at a young age, attending a birthday party at Iceworld Acacia Ridge and then continued through the Aussie Skate school learn to skate program. I eventually joined the Queensland synchronised ice skating club (QSIC) at the age of five and have now also returned to solo figure skating for the last 3 years.
What do you love about the sport of figure skating?
I love the exciting feeling when you achieve a new skill, I also enjoy the journey it takes me on, and the dedication and persistence you must have to do both these disciplines (synchronised and solo) of ice skating. I love the incredible friendships that I have made with my teammates and other competitors over the years, they get you, they understand you and this sport. I am also a competitive person, so therefore, I enjoy competing and seeing all my hard work pay off.
Name: Jeanette Tseng
Age: 22
Club: Iceworld Figure Skating Club
Discipline: Solo
How were you introduced to the sport of figure skating? I was introduced to figure skating as a young kid by my older sister who was also skating at that time, skating looked very fun and made me want to do it. I left the sport at nine years old and returned at 14 years old when I watched the Sochi Olympics on TV and realised just how beautiful the competitors looked.
What do you love about the sport of figure skating? I love everything about figure skating. I love the feeling of finally landing a jump after struggling with it for a long time, the feeling of spinning, the friends I have made along the way that pushes me to grow in my skills and also in my love for this sport.
Name: Claire Kong
Age: 15
Club: Queensland synchronised Iceskating Club (QSIC)
Discipline: Synchronised Skating
Division: Basic Novice
Team Captain: Ice Pizzazz
How were you introduced to the sport: When I was in skate school, I was introduced to the sport of synchronised skating through a friend who had already been doing it for a year. I was also aware of the existence of QSIC through promotional events held at the rink.
What do you love about the sport: I love that the sport of synchronised skating provides a positive environment for individual and team development in not only skating skills, but various interpersonal skills that are useful in daily life. Synchronised skating also allows me to stay fit while having fun with my teammates and other newly met, like-minded people.
Name: Saranna Argent
Age: 16
Club: Queensland synchronised Iceskating Club (QSIC)
Discipline: Synchronised Skating
Division: Advanced Novice
Team Captain: Iceskateers
How were you introduced to the sport: When I was born, my sisters were already skating, so I grew up watching them skate and couldn’t wait for the day I could join them. As soon as my third birthday arrived, I hopped onto the ice and fell in love with it. 13 years later and I still feel the same as I did back then.
What do you love about the sport: I love the feeling of the cool wind in my face, the grace and elegance of each movement. When I am on the ice I feel completely at home.
Name: Arabeth Ireland
Age: 20
Club: Queensland synchronised Iceskating Club (QSIC)
Discipline: Synchronised Skating
Division: Mixed Age
Team Captain: Ice Vivacity
How were you introduced to the sport: I was introduced to ice skating when I was eight, by friend of mine who had started skate school. I convinced her to join musical theatre with me, and I joined ice skating with her, quickly being welcomed into the incredible world of synchronised skating. Interestingly, we both continued in each other’s activities.
What do you love about the sport: Ice skating is a beautiful and exhilarating sport that epitomises grace and athleticism. I love the challenge of learning new skills and the excitement when a new transition clicks with our team, as well as the immensely rewarding experience of competing a program we are proud of and have worked so hard to perfect. I think synchronised skating presents a remarkable opportunity to develop lifelong friendships through not only the time we spend together, but working towards a shared goal, and I love the supportive, welcoming community that this sport fosters. It is a unique and wonderful thing to be able to do something you love with others who feel the same way; QSIC really is a second family to me.
Name: Adelle Wang
Age: 18
Club: Queensland synchronised Iceskating Club (QSIC)
Discipline: Synchronised Skating
Division: Junior
Team Captain: Iceskateers Elite
How were you introduced to the sport: I was first introduced to synchronised skating when I attended a come and try session held by QSIC
What do you love about the sport: I enjoy the teamwork involved in synchronised skating as well as performing with my team.
Name: Liesda Marsdon
Age: 30
Club: Queensland synchronised Iceskating Club (QSIC)
Discipline: Synchronised Skating
Division: Senior
Team Captain: Ice Storm
How were you introduced to the sport: I was introduced to ice-skating by my Dad’s cousin, who was a competitive skater in New Zealand. She came over to compete at Macquarie and from the age of five I was hooked.
What do you love about the sport of figure skating: The sport has given me so much over the years, friendship, discipline and resilience, but most of joy. I love being able to skate alongside so many other wonderful athletes who just enjoy performing and the art of skating. Synchronised skating in particular has become my happy place, skating is fantastic, being able to do it with a team of people is even better.
Name: Isobel Standfast
Age: 26
Club: Queensland synchronised Iceskating Club (QSIC)
Discipline: Synchronised Skating
Division: Advanced Adult
Team Member: Ice Classics
How were you introduced to the sport: My grandma began synchronised skating as an adult when she turned 50. I was born a few years later, and once I was old enough; she would take me along to training sessions with her. I loved it so much I began skate school at age five and joined my first synchronised team (Icicles) at age six. The rest as they say, is history.
Fun fact! The synchronised team my grandma skated on was called “Ice Classics” which is the name of my team now.
What do you love about the sport: I love the lifelong friendships you make in synchronised skating. I can never explain to people the love I have for my teammates. This sport has been my grounding point throughout the most difficult times of my life and that’s because of the family I’ve developed in my teammates.
Name: Emily Phillips
Age: 22
Club: Boondall Figure Ice Skating Club
Discipline: Solo
How was I introduced to the sport of figure skating: Over 10 years ago when I was 11, one of our mum’s friends had been asking her for a long time whether they could take us to a public skating session. Mum finally agreed and we went to a public session at Acacia Ridge – I took to it like a duck to water. Within a few weeks, I was enjoying public sessions so much my mum booked us in for private lessons and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’m not sure how her wallet feels about that now, but she’s always been my biggest fan and I could never have had the opportunities skating has given me without her support.
What do I love about the sport of figure skating: For me, skating has just always been my thing. It’s what I do and it’s been a huge part of my life throughout all of high school and the completion of two degrees. It has kept me grounded and tested me in every way possible, but always given me an outlet and a way to share a part of myself with others. Skating teaches you resilience, commitment, dedication, determination, passion, artistry, and athleticism like you’d never believe, but it’s also taught me how to be soft and kind and go easy on myself on bad days. Being a national competitor through the most important years of study has also taught me great time management skills. Skating has also given me amazing opportunities to represent Queensland on the National stage and given me the chance to compete interstate for many years; I would never have experienced so many things without skating.
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Originally published as 2022 Australian Figure Skating Championships
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