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KIDS' QUESTIONS

April 2006

Kids' Questions with Marcy Hinzmann and Aaron Parchem

What was it like walking around Italy knowing you're representing your country at the Olympic Games?
Mirielle Chambers, 15 Wichita, Kan.

Marcy: It was such a neat feeling. I was just really proud to be there. It was awesome being a part of the highest level of competition there is, and especially being there representing the USA.

Aaron: It was one of the coolest experiences of my life…right after getting married (Hi, honey!). We pretty much went non-stop the first two weeks we were there, and then we really got to take in the rest of the Games. We have some pictures up on our web site (www.hinzmannandparchem.com) you should check out. There are pictures of my wedding there, too!

Marcy Hinzmann and Aaron Parchem

Outside of figure skating, did you watch any of the other sports at the Olympics? Did you become friends with any other athletes besides your skating teammates?
Jackie Coles, 12 Denver

Marcy: We went and saw the men's speed skating 1,500 meters, which was really neat to see live. You cannot even imagine how big the rink is that they skate on. It's HUGE!  And I saw women's and men's hockey, too.

All the athletes were really friendly there. It was so nice seeing familiar faces every day in the village and getting to know everyone. I definitely came back with a few e-mail addresses, so I'm sure we'll keep in touch.

Aaron: We met a lot of cool people there. Speed skater Joey Cheek was one of my favorites because of the money he donated to “Right to Play.” He inspired me to contribute, too. Now I have only $39,950 to go until I match his contribution!

My first question is for Aaron. When you were an alternate for the 2002 Olympics, did you consider retirement? What kept you going? Marcy, did you ever skate singles? You seem like you would be a great singles skater.
Krista Schwartz, 14 Fort Wayne, Ind.

Aaron: Being an alternate for the Olympics in 2002 was hard, but placing third was a big achievement for me and Stephanie that year. It is hard to be too disappointed when you feel like you are doing something positive. I can tell you that I appreciated this time in Italy even more because I had to wait a while. I think Marcy would have been a great singles skater, too. She can spin like Sasha.

Marcy: I actually did compete in singles for many years. By age 17, I had made it to nationals at the juvenile level and sectionals in intermediate, novice, junior and senior. But I really wanted to make it to nationals and compete at international competitions, so my singles coach, Carol Heiss-Jenkins, urged me to try pairs since I was small and fearless. It's important to be a solid singles skater in pairs skating.

When is the right time to decide to become a pairs skater instead of a singles skater? I am 6 years old and have been skating since I was 2. I train four days a week. Everyone says I would be such a good pairs skater because I am so little, but I am unsure if I should wait until I am a little older.
Remington Bennett, 6 New Lothrop, Mich.

Marcy: People start pairs at many different ages. I was actually 18 when I got my start. I think it depends on the situation and if there is a good partner at your rink to skate with. If you really want to go for it at your age you should, but definitely keep up with your singles skating because that is very important as well.

Aaron: Remington, it sounds like you have put in a lot of work at the rink for someone so young. Pair skaters in the future will have to be very strong singles skaters as well. That is why no matter what you do, you will probably need to do a lot of singles work for the rest of your career. Marcy and I got into pairs at 18 and 20, respectively, so you have a lot of time. Just remember, we were definitely the last American pair to make the Olympics with double flips!

Who is/was your favorite pairs team?
Gaby Norton-Moore, 16 Pittsburgh, Pa.

Marcy: I always loved Gordeeva and Grinkov for how simple and clean their skating was. And, of course, Jamie Salé and David Pelletier.

Aaron: I like Shen and Zhao from China. They are as classy as they come, and really good skaters, too. He skated very well at the Olympics on one leg, and even did the exhibition there before withdrawing from Worlds. Tell me how many people would have that kind of respect for the sport.

What is your favorite pairs move?
Alexandra Zazula, 10 Birmingham

Marcy: I like doing throws a lot, especially when I land them nicely. That is always a cool feeling.

  Aaron: My favorite pairs move is the Pomchenko from the movie “The Cutting Edge.” Even though no one can actually do it, it was very dramatic. We can try some if you like, but you better wear a helmet!

How did you find the right partner? Did you live close together or did one of you have to move? What kind of sacrifices did you have to make in order to make the partnership work?
Maddie Watton, 14 Murrysville, Pa.

Marcy: I was lucky to find Aaron right at the rink where I skated, but before finding him I moved to two different locations to skate with other partners, so I have definitely made my share of sacrifices for skating. Aaron and I have always gotten along really well on the ice because we have a lot of respect for one another. We work hard at what we do and try to be there for each other 100 percent because, of course, there are days when you are “off” and just not clicking. We also try to joke around a little to keep things fun.

Aaron: Marcy's answer summed it up just fine. Just remember – if you make the right sacrifices, you can get some great rewards.