Congratulations to Year 11 Virtual School Victoria student Emily, and her skating partner Zach, who excelled in the Victorian Figure Skating Championships. They took the champions title in the Ice Dance Advanced Novice division and achieved a qualifying score to represent Victoria at the Australian Figure Skating Championships in Queensland at the end of November.
How did you feel about the competition?
We were nervous going into the competition. Our goals have been delayed for two years by the pandemic. We were proud to exceed our required score and have a clean performance.
What does your training involve?
We train six days a week. We spend 3-4 hours on ice practicing skating skills, set dances, choreography, lifts, spins, and program run throughs. Off ice we perfect lifts, strength, conditioning, and stamina.
How long have you been ice skating?
I started skating at four and have competed at a national level since I was seven.
How has VSV helped you balance school and training?
Studying at VSV has given me the flexibility to train when there is quieter ice time. Our training programs could be dangerous to us and other skaters on a busy ice rink.
The flexibility also helps us continue our studies when we have to travel interstate for training or competitions.
What VSV values do you identify with and why?
I identify most with “growth” and “collaboration.”
I am continually growing as a successful athlete, coach, student, and person.
Collaboration is essential for ice dance as it is performed as a couple. We also work with our coaches to develop our skating skills and learn how to improve.
Who inspires you?
Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir are the couple I most aspire to skate like, as they achieved so much, and have now gone on to coach some of the top teams in the world.
Photo courtesy of Melbourne Sports Photography
