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KIDS' QUESTIONS
January 2007
Kids' Questions with Christine Zukowski
What are your hobbies outside skating and what are your goals for the upcoming year?
Laura M., 14
Maitland, Fla.
I enjoy playing softball, going to the movies, shopping and going to the beach with my friends in the summertime. This year, I would like to improve upon my sixth-place finish last year at nationals, but more importantly, I hope to show more maturity on the ice.
Who is your favorite competitor and why?
Gabrielle Norton-Moore, 16
Pittsburgh, Pa.
I never actually competed against Michelle Kwan but I admired her determination and beauty every time she stepped on the ice.
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| Christine Zukowski |
When your music starts do you focus more on the jumps, or on your choreography?
Katarina Kulgeyko, 10
San Diego, Calif.
In the past, I focused more on the jumps and really paid no attention to the choreography. This season, I have really tried to work on all of the elements within my program. I think my jumping ability has always been my strong point and now I am concentrating more on the presentation aspect of my skating.
Hi! I am 16 years old and I'd like to get into figure skating. Do you think I'm too old?
Krys Black, 16
Atlanta
It is never too late to chase your dreams. Don't let your age get in the way of something you want to try. After all, age is just a number.
I recently landed my Axel, which I had been working on for a little more than a year, along with my doubles up to a double flip. I landed my Axel, but I am still struggling with my doubles. Do you think that it will just be a matter of time? When did you land your first double jump? Do you have any tips for me?
Melissa Jacobson, 12
Spring Valley
It took me a long time to get my single and double Axel clean and consistent. I landed my first double jump, a double Salchow, when I was around 8 years old. As long as you continue to work hard and stay positive, the jumps will come.
How do you keep your focus and concentration at big events such as the Grand Prix series and U.S. Championships?
Chiaki Oda, 18
Yokohama
When I compete I only try to focus on my skating and what I need to do on the ice. If you allow yourself to get caught up in all the hype, you tend to lose focus on what you are there to accomplish.
How many hours a day do you skate? How much off-ice do you do each week?
Lexie Frenz, 15
Portland, Ore.
I usually skate about three hours a day, Monday through Friday. Four days a week I go to the gym and work out for one hour and 30 minutes. Recently, I added Pilates to my workout, which I do twice a week.
Are there any senior figure skaters you are extremely close with?
Danielle Beake, 13
Novi, Michigan
Melissa Bulanhagui is a very close friend of mine, who lives right around the corner from me. When I was 5, I met Melissa during a public skate at a rink in Pennsylvania and interestingly enough, we both moved to Delaware. I am very lucky to have such a great friend.
I loved you “Firebird” program! What is your dream program? What would be your top pick for a free skate?
Quincy Mclin, 11
Apple Meadows
First of all, thank you for your kind comment. My dream program would be a program that allows me to have fun, skate clean, and end with a standing ovation from the audience.
What jump did you struggle with and why?
Adrienne Fischer, 17
Queensbury
The jump I struggle with the most would be triple flip. My approach is always a little different each time and that makes the jump inconsistent. I am working on making the jump more consistent and have each take-off almost identical.
