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KIDS' QUESTIONS
June/July 2007
Kids' Questions with Ryan Bradley
Ryan Bradley enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2006-07, winning the silver medal at the 2007 State Farm U.S. Championships in Spokane, Wash., and then finishing 15th in his World Championships debut in Tokyo. Bradley has long been a fan favorite thanks to his flamboyant style, which includes his signature backflip during exhibitions.
You have such a unique and amazing backflip. How did you learn to do that?
Austin Kanallakan, 15
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Ryan: I actually learned my backflip by just getting on the ice and trying it. It did not go too well the first couple days, but I just took the falls and kept getting back up and trying again. I do not recommend doing it this way to anyone.
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| Ryan Bradley |
I loved your silver-medal performance at the U.S. Championships. It was amazing and original. How did you feel after such a huge accomplishment?
Stephanie Ene, 18
Stamford, Conn.
Ryan: My nationals performance this year was a huge breakthrough for me. After so many years of injuries and rough performances, it was really great to finally put it together.
How do you continue to have so much energy throughout a program? What do you do to keep up on your stamina?
Emily Slaven, 18
Youngstown
Ryan: I run my programs daily and really push everything full out. I live a pretty active lifestyle too, so that doesn't hurt.
What has been your hardest move to master so far and how long did it take before you felt like it was perfect?
Claire Barber, 14
Houston
Ryan: My triple Axel was definitely the hardest trick I ever learned. It took me about four years to start landing it and I am still working on improving it. I don't know if I ever feel perfect, but I try to make it as comfortable as possible.
You relate to the crowd very well when you skate and look like you are having a blast. Do you choose specific music for programs that will allow your personality to project to the audience?
Georgina Oliveira, 15
Ludlow, Mass.
Ryan: When starting the season, I like to come up with a few ideas for a character. Once I establish the character I want to portray, we start to build the music around that. I feel like this is the best way to create a fun program that I can really get into.
What made you want to become a figure skater, and what is your favorite skating move?
Kelly Walsh, 15
Staten Island
Ryan: I became a figure skater because my parents and my older sister skated. I would always sit at the rink and get myself into trouble, so my mom made me get on the ice. I started competing when I was about 5 because I got jealous of my sister winning trophies. My favorite skating move would have to be a backflip. I really like trying tricks that you don't see very often.
What's a normal training day like for you?
Brittany Henry, 16
Oklahoma City
Ryan: I skate for about two hours a day, and then have to go school full time for most of the rest of the day. I get to the gym a few times a week but I have to be careful because I have had knee problems since I was 15.
Your costumes are always so fun and creative. Do you have a say in how your costumes look?
Traci Van D., 15
Idaho
Ryan: When I compete, I like to wear something that helps me take my mind off the stress. I don't always design the final costume, but I like to come up with the basic idea. I like to be able to look in the mirror and laugh right before I step onto the ice. It's a great way to calm my nerves.
What was your favorite thing about working with Brian Boitano? How did you feel when he chose you to work with?
Anja Knebl, 8
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Ryan: Working with Brian was a dream come true. He was always an inspiration to me when I was growing up. He had so many great ideas to help me stay in control during competition. Brian is a great guy and I felt really honored when he chose to work with me.
Who is your favorite ladies figure skater?
Shana Niemela, 14
Chassell
Ryan: My favorite ladies figure skater is Kimmie Meissner. She is a great athlete and she really pushes the sport by always trying to improve her skating.
How was it going to the World Championships? What was that experience like?
Jackie Keresman, 16
Kirtland
Ryan: Going to Worlds was a great learning experience. I feel like I know a lot more about where I want to go in skating. Being around so many great skaters was really motivating. I had a great time and I feel like my motivation to improve is higher than ever.
