In the loop: A skater’s perspective

Ava Blu after winning third place at the 2020 Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships and qualifying for Nationals

Meet Ava Blu!

I started skating when I was seven years old. At this time my mom signed me up for a summer skating camp. I loved it so much my mom signed me up for more learn-to-skate classes during the school year. There was a point that I didn’t want to do it again because the friend I was taking classes with decided to quit, but thankfully my mom encouraged me to continue to skate and I fell in love with the sport.

In the past seven years that I have been skating, there have been a lot of bumps in the road especially when it comes to competing. I have gotten very anxious right before I compete or perform in a show. Over the past season I found a way to take my mind off my nerves and get into the zone. For most people it’s to get hyped up but for me, when I stick my headphones into my ears, I block everything out and relax. In the past I’ve also tried knitting but putting in my headphones and blocking out the world is the most effective

I think skating has benefited me physically and mentally. Obviously, I have definitely gotten much stronger because of skating and it helps me stay fit. But more importantly, I think it has helped me be mentally strong. Skating gives me a place to escape to when I’m stressed out and things in other parts of my life aren’t going as well as I would like them.

Sometimes, I’m not the most excited to get on the ice because I’m tired from a long day or I have to wake up really early for practice, but once I get on the ice my head clears and I focus on skating. I love to skate and can’t wait until I can get back on the ice!