There was an important day last week in our summer vacation. It was the day my daughter would compete in the ISI (international skate institute) world figure skate competition. ISI is like the minor league to USFS (the olympic qualifying group). It is where younger and older skaters join to compete but at a somewhat lower level of pressure.
But it is still reasonably serious! The competition was held in Anaheim, close enough for us to drive. It was open to ALL skaters though the majority entered from the US.
My daughter entered at the Freestyle 4 level, and they separate by age. There were 8 others in the event for age 13. The skills for this level include moderate spins (sit spin but not a layback for example) and intermediate jumps (anything below an axel) and required footwork. Her proficiency at this level is solid but she has only been in 2 small competitions before.
To prepare psychologically, we took a trip down to the rink the week before and skated in a public session to get a feel for the place. We went the night before and stayed at my MIL house who lives about 20 minutes. That night we went to see other events to see how things were set up (judges, etc).
She was scheduled FIRST of the group at 8:15 am. The time was hard to work with, she is not a morning person! You are required to check in 1 hour ahead so it was a 5:00 am wake up to get dressed, do hair and a bit of makeup and be there by 7:15 am.
Being first has advantages. I've seen girls get increasingly nervous if the other skaters fall before them. On the other hand, it is hard to know how good you HAVE to be if you are the first to go.
Well, she went and did well. Not her absolute best ever, but very good. Then there were 2 very good skaters after; one was a Korean girl who was very very polished but FATE she fell on her footwork (of all things!). The other was a fun polished spanish dancer number.
I am not an expert but the judges are, right? MY DAUGHTER TOOK FIRST !! This was really unexpected !!
Here are a couple on-ice candids from the professional photographer...(the lady in pink is her coach)
Remember those 423 crystals I glued on that dress? It was worth it 
By the way, I am pleased the photographer was so reasonably priced at the event. They took 50+ on-ice candids and you were able to pick any for $10/ea. And that included a podium portrait at the same price if you medal (we did and got a podium shot of her on 1st place).
It's all a downhill skate from here now! At least for the summer.
What's next? Her coach has it figured out correctly: she now goes up to the next level (freestyle 5) and adds the hard jumps to her program!
Thanks for reading!
Forgot to Write the Big News!!
July 30th, 2013 at 03:14 pm
July 30th, 2013 at 03:34 pm 1375198487
July 30th, 2013 at 04:10 pm 1375200633
July 30th, 2013 at 04:20 pm 1375201249
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July 30th, 2013 at 08:25 pm 1375215906
July 31st, 2013 at 04:16 am 1375244209
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August 2nd, 2013 at 01:18 am 1375406335