I have been a figure skater for the last 18 years of my life. Needless to say I know all that it entails, both on and off the ice. I know the time and money it takes, both your own and that of your parents. I know the level of commitment and dedication it takes. I also know the amount of equipment a figure skater needs. You need so much more than just a pair of skates to be prepared. Mittens, guards, butt pads, music, the list goes on and on. Even though I am, technically, “retired” I find skating stuff in my room, in my car, everywhere really, nearly every day. All this stuff serves as constant, tiny reminders that I am and always will be a figure skater. So here is a list of things I'm always finding, any figure skater, “retired” or not will definitely relate and will always have way too many of:
1. Bobby pins: Illegal for competition, yes, but very legal and necessary at practice. How else are you supposed to keep those wispies out of your eyes? I’m not about to use gel if I don’t have to...
2. T-shirts: I literally have one depicting each moment of my skating career. Competitions, ice shows, team events, different friend groups. Every moment of my skating career is captured not only on camera, but also on the back of a t-shirt, a tie-dyed t-shirt I might add. (Who decided that would be a good idea?)
3. Bad action pictures: Good idea in theory, bad idea in actuality. They’re only OK when they remain private and far out of sight, like baby photos.
4. Mismatched mittens and guards: I’m quite sure I haven’t owned a matching pair of mittens since I started skating at the age of three. I honestly don’t know what happens to them? It’s not like I’m not using them.
5. Injuries: Major, minor, doesn’t matter. We are all messed up in some way. Whether it’s our backs, our hips, our knees or it’s a concussion or blisters, the list goes on and on but that doesn’t stop us.
6. Black: Seriously, it’s not just a fashion choice, it’s a lifestyle and one you will be living for the rest of your life if you are a figure skater.
7. Love for the sport: Just kidding! If you love skating half as much as I do, you know there is absolutely no such thing.
