Figure skating: noun; the competitive sport of ice skating in prescribed patterns and choreographed free skating. While this is what figure skating is defined as, all skaters know it is a sport that is so much more than that. Outsiders may criticize, and not even see it as a sport, but that doesn't matter to us figure skaters. We take pride in our sport because it has become a lifestyle for us. The countless hours in the rink teach so much more than programs and patterns: a way of life. So to all the outsiders who think skating is just "ballet on ice" or "not a real sport," you can have your opinion, because to us skaters it will always be so much more. Here are eight things that all figure skaters have learned in addition to our incredible sport.
1. Being cold is just an attitude.
“Don’t you get cold when you skate?” “No, I skate in tank tops!”
2. Coaches will always be more than just your coaches.
Lets face it; you go to them for life advice, and look up to them like a third parent
3. It’s a family affair.
Your parents probably have a schedule of who takes you to practice on what day, but on competition days your whole family is there, even extended family.
4. There is no such thing as too many sparkles.
The stones on your dress cost more than the dress itself, and don’t forget the glitter hair spray, makeup, and any other sparkles you can find!
5. Early mornings at the rink are a lifestyle.
You are used to getting up earlier to go to practice than you do on school days, but you don’t mind it.
6. Your skating friends are your best friends.
They probably live over an hour away, but that doesn’t matter because at the end of the day you know they are your closest friends.
7. No matter how many times you fall, you will always get up one more.
Both mentally and physically you learn that is the most important thing you can do.
8. Your life would be far from the same if you didn’t have figure skating.
You couldn't imagine where you would be without all of the time spent in the cold; the coaches you've worked with, the friends you made, and the experiences you have had are what make you who you are today.
