The Un-landed Everything

Chapter 6

Finally Thursday came, my last lesson before Regional’s. I was nervous for Regional’s, but I was also excited. If I qualify for Nationals, I have a shot at the Olympic team. If I made the Olympic team…I wouldn’t even be able to explain how excited I would be. The Olympics have been my dream since I was six, I had to make the team.

~

Once I walked into the rink, I immediately spotted Coach Patty practicing on her own. Since I was early I decided to watch. Coach skates amazingly, she is so graceful and powerful. Sadly Coach decided against going to the Olympics, and became a professional figure skater. She did shows all over the world in places like, Hollywood, Mexico, and once she performed in European travel figure skating show. Coach is amazing.

I watched Coaches every move, carefully. I took notes in my mind of her footwork skills, and her spins, and then her triple axel. The triple axel is a piece of cake for Coach Patty; she lands them with such stillness, and speed. I don’t know how she does it. After she landed her third triple axel, I stood up rapidly and clapped my heart out. She was just amazing. After a while Coach noticed I was the one who was clapping, so she skated over smiling her bright show girl smile.

“Why thank you Carmenn,” she said doing a small bow and still smiling.

“You’re welcome,” I replied smiling back.”Those triple axels were just amazing. How do you do it?”

“Well, when you put one in your program for Nationals, you’ll see.” She replied, then taking a sip of water. “But, today we are going to focus on Regional’s and nothing else, so let’s get to work.”

~

“That is the best you have skated you’re long program in a long time. Let’s do it again.” Coach shouted strictly, and then pressed the play button again.

I love my long program, it’s very difficult but that’s why I love it. Once the music started, I gracefully stepped forward into my twizzle sequence, then into a simple double loop for a start. Then came my footwork sequence, my layback spin, and finally the program ended. I was a dead mess, my ponytail was falling out and I needed water bad. Coach skated over to discuss the program with me.

“Well, that was a fabulous program also, only f law was that layback. You were a little off center, but that’s it. Go get some water and we will work on your short program.” Coach said, stopping in front of me.

“Thanks,” I said panting, and skating over to the bench to get some water.

I looked up in the stands to see my Nana smiling as usual, “Great job, honey. Keep it up.”

I always love Nana’s support for my skating. “Thanks Nana, I appreciate it.”

Nana smiled back, and motioned for me to get back out on the ice. I stepped back out, and Coach was already ready to play my short program music.

“Ready?” Coach Patty shouted from across the rink.