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KIDS' QUESTIONS

October 2006

Kids' Questions with Scott Smith

I am a junior lady, so I know how much time it takes between skating your warm-up and competing your program, especially if you are last. What do you do to pass the time backstage when you're waiting to skate your program?
Mirielle Chambers, 16 Wichita, Kan.

I have had mental issues with this in the past. This year at the U.S. Championships, however, I was able to conquer my demons in the free skate because I went last and had a great skate. While I was waiting to skate I walked through my program, watched a video of me skating a perfect program and also did some off-ice jumps. When I got back on the ice to skate my program I did a triple toe-triple toe combination as well as a triple Axel to make sure I was re-warmed up to skate my program.

Scott Smith

You are an awesome skater. When you compete, do you get nervous? If so, what are some things that help you work through it?
Autumn Morin, 12 Tigard, Ore.

Of course I get nervous when I compete in an important competition. To help my nerves I think back to my consistent training. I think about what I need to do to get the job done, not about the stressful situation. Basically, it helps me to think of what I'm doing, not where I am doing it.

Have you learned the quad yet? Are you planning to include it in your programs this season?
Tracy McLord, 7 Pennsylvania

I have learned a quad Salchow and a quad toe but only compete with my quad Salchow because it gets more points with the new scoring system. I first landed it in competition in 2001 and have landed it many times since then. I have a quad Salchow planned in both of my programs for this upcoming season.

How does it feel to skate and meet some of the top names in figure skating?
Alexis Rowley, 13 Erie, Pa.

As a kid I watched a ton of skating on television. It is very exciting for me to skate in shows and exhibitions with skaters I would watch all the time. Skating in a show with Brian Boitano for the first time sticks out in my mind as one of those moments because I started skating after watching him win the Olympics.

What is your typical training day like?
Laura Monachino, 14 Casselberry

I start my day around 10 a.m. and skate two 50-minute sessions, and then take an hour lunch break. After lunch I skate for another 50 minutes and then do off ice. My off-ice training includes weights, anaroebic drills, stretching and swimming. I spend about five hours training a day.

What's your advice to kids who quit skating because they were getting nowhere, but everyone they know wants them to skate again?
Miriam Swartz, 11 Kansas City, Kan.

Skating, in my opinion, should be something that makes you happy. Of course, there are hard times and days when I feel like skating more than others. On the whole I love skating and always will. If skating makes you happy then I would continue doing it. There is more to skating than learning a new jump or spin. Listen to your feelings and if skating makes you happy, then keep going. I wouldn't skate because of peer pressure.

Do you feel you have a chance to qualify for the Grand Prix Final?
Johnny Fathers, 15 Sugar Land

Yes. Last year my scores internationally were competitive on the Grand Prix level. There was one problem – I didn't compete in any Grand Prix events. I am excited to have two events this year and am training hard so I can skate even better than I did last season at my international events. Hopefully, that will be enough to make the final.

What are your hobbies?
Julie Davis, 11 Westminster, Colo.

Since training takes so much energy and burns a lot of calories, I find that I eat a lot of food. One of my favorite hobbies is to go out to eat with friends. Boston has many delicious restaurants to keep me busy. I also enjoy playing tennis, going to the movies and listening to music.

What do you plan to do after your skating career?
Nikki Billings, 13 Sacramento, Calif.

After I finish competing, I hope to tour in a skating show for a few years. Stars on Ice or Champions on Ice would be great, but I also think it would be fun to go overseas and perform. Once I feel fulfilled on the show scene I plan on coaching and perhaps commentating for skating competitions. Who knows, perhaps I could be the next Dick Button or Peter Carruthers.

Which skater do you enjoy watching the most?
Jill Campden, 14 Houston, Texas

This is a very tough question because I like many skaters for different reasons. I think my favorite skater overall would have to be Alexei Yagudin. He could do consistent clean programs with many triple and quadruple jumps as well as skate with passion. After he finished his programs, I always felt like he gave the performance everything he had.