Alexa Scimeca Knierim and Chris Knierim are two Olympic pairs skaters -- the only pairs skaters from the USA competing at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. The Knierim's have had a roller coaster of a career, and have endured so much throughout it. They have always come back fighting, and that is one of the qualities that make them so admirable.
Alexa and Chris, the married pairs team, are so humble and charismatic, and that shines through in everything they do. From their skates to their interviews, to fun promotional videos US Figure Skating creates with their involvement, passion and love constantly radiates from the two. It is very evident that they both love what they do, and they love each other, and that creates such an inspiring and refreshing atmosphere every time I see it.
The two are competitors (though not against each other, luckily), but also have fun while being competitive. One thing that I witnessed Thursday night after their first ever Olympic debut, a stunning and nearly perfect performance, was Alexa stating that they are having fun being at the games; it wasn't really getting to their heads too much. First off, being at the Olympics can sometimes make or break an athlete's performance, based on the amount of pressure that atmosphere creates. To be able to have a mentality of being there for the experience, and being able to relax and enjoy yourself while competing, is immensely admirable, and it shows a level of humbleness that is inspiring.
They have the physical strength, they have a very strong mentality, and they are a force that can be (metaphorically) dangerous to competitors. They are everything many athletes strive to be (as an athlete, I certainly aspired to be so well rounded in every aspect, as it can truly make an impact on performance).
I want to wish the Knierims the best of luck in the rest of their first ever Olympic Games, they deserve nothing but the best. No matter what happens, I will forever be a supporter, and I will always cheer the loudest. Go Alexa and Chris! I will forever be proud of you two.
