i've skated precision for 7 years and have seen firsthand what this sport can do and how much it means to many people. i know that personally, i have become a better skater from my precision. i've also heard all the criticism that precision is for those people who "can't cut it on their own". i heard that remark from my friend at school who had nothing to do with skating (and does not agree with that remark) who was told that when talking to an ice dancer who attends the same school. all i have to say about that is that it is the biggest misconception i have ever heard, i also take it very personally. first of all, as an ice dancer, that person should realize that they didn't get to where they were by themselves. this person had a partner who helped him. what makes me so different from him is that i have 17/19 other partners helping me. we all can skate and cut it on our own.
precision is the most rewarding experience of my life. the friendships i have made whith those on my team, and on other teams mean a lot to me and are part of the fun that precision is. i've had the opportunity to travel all over the world and experience both great success and not so great success. this builds great character and i would never giver up any of my great and not so great successes for anything. i've skated in the intermediate division since i was 9 years old, 7 years. i've skated it since i first started precision. i can honestly say that my goal throughout all those years has been to win a national championship. and out of those 7 years, i have 3 silver national medals, 2 bronze national medals, and 2 pewter national madals. i can say that it is a little dissapointing to come so close and not be able to attain your ultimate goal-- but it does not make me sad or regret what i've done for a minute. this year, my last year of eligibility on intermediate, we got third. i was really happy and so were my teammates, probably happier recieving this bronze than some of the silvers. we skated our absolute best and the feeling we got when we got off the ice was indescribable. when you skate great and you know that was your best you get a special feeling and you can't wait 'till the next time you skate and have the opportunity to get it again. sometimes you can skate really well and not get that same feeling, but you still feel just as proud. it's also great to see another line from your team skate. you're not out there with them, but you know how they must feel and you feel the same. i'm glad that i've done precision and feel honored to be part of such a great sport. and to all those individuals who say we can't cut it on our own, well all i have to say is---"See you at the Olympics!"