About Us

KID SPOTLIGHT

January 2003

Grace Orpiano

Age: 12

Hometown: Tustin, Calif.

Club: Glacier Falls FSC

Skating level: Intermediate freestyle and novice moves

How long I've been skating: I've been skating for about 7 years. My first skating experience was when I was 4. My family and I went to Hawaii for a family gathering, and my aunt took all the kids skating at the local rink. They told me once I stepped on the ice they knew I was a natural.

How often I skate: I skate 2–3 hours a day, six days a week, after a full day of school.

My favorite skaters: My favorite skaters are Sarah Hughes, Sasha Cohen and Timothy Goebel. I like Sarah for her emotion and artistic ability on the ice. I like Sasha for her flexibility, presentation and grace. I also like Timothy for his jumping ability and expression while performing.

Favorite jumps/moves: Jumps — double Axel, double flip, double Lutz and sometimes triple Salchow; Moves — knee spiral, spread eagle and Ina Bauer; Spin — death drop.

Favorite skating moment: At the 2002 Southwest Pacific Regional Championships in Escondido, Calif., I made it through all three rounds, all with my best effort put into it. But there was something special about the championship round. Before I hit the ice, my coaches told me to have fun and let it all out, and don't forget to smile! I did exactly that, and I placed 13th in the region.

What I like about skating: Whenever I am on the ice, all of my troubles go away. There is this feeling in me that I never want to get off. It amazes me that whenever I am gliding into a jump, I feel like I am flying.

What else you should know about me: I am an honor roll student, and I play piano and clarinet. I have a little sister and two wonderful parents. My coaches are Wendy Burge-Dickinson and Kristi Feidler-Ritoch. My goal is to be a nationally known figure skater.