By Katie Mitchell
Executive Sports Editor
Senior Emma Crain exhibits her talents in the rink as she glides through the competitive world of figure skating.
Before Crain took up figure skating, she took ballet. When she was six years old, her parents signed her up for a group ice skating class and she immediately loved the idea of participating in a sport that involves ice skating. Crain learned to skate in group lessons, then eventually transitioned to private lessons where she could improve her technique.
“I really enjoyed skating from the very beginning,” Crain said. “I found it interesting to learn new moves each week and I was passionate about becoming a better skater.”
During figure skating season, Crain skates 12-15 hours every week. In addition to practicing on the ice, she works with a personal trainer one to two times a week to strengthen her legs and do cardio workouts. She also trains with her team, LA Synchronized, on and off the ice 3-4 times a week.
“I have definitely been able to always stay in shape because I am training year-round,” Crain said. “I take no breaks except for vacation a few weeks per year. I have had to work at cardiovascular training and leg and arm strength.”
According to Crain, figure skating is a challenging sport. For her personally, the most challenging aspect of figure skating is not comparing herself to other skaters. Crain believes that it’s important for her to remember that she is only capable of improving her own technique and skills. To stay in this mindset, Crain sets personal goals each week, and spends her time on and off the ice trying to achieve them and pass the tests that will help her move up to the next level.
“I have definitely faced many challenges while figure skating, and have wanted to quit the sport many times,” Crain said. “Some weeks, it’s hard to see myself making any progress. But, I feel so rewarded when I do well at competitions and pass my tests.”
At 17 years old, Crain has made numerous accomplishments in the competitive world of figure skating. First, she and her team placed second at the Pacific Coast Sectionals in January of 2020 and eighth at the USA Synchro Nationals in March 2020. Individually, she recently passed the Pre-Juvenile freestyle test in February of 2021. This has allowed her to move up and compete at a higher level.
“At most competitions, I come off the ice feeling great about my skate,” Crain said. “It feels so rewarding to place well with high scores. But other times, I feel like I maybe could’ve skated better and have trouble with allowing myself to feel good with how I skated.”
Crain is currently planning on continuing to skate throughout college on a team. According to Crain, most of the schools she applied to have rinks on their campuses.
“I am really thankful that I have been able to skate for so many years,” Crain said. “It has really changed me as a person and has allowed me to grow. I am definitely looking forward to potentially skating with a team in the future and I cannot see myself quitting anytime soon.”
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