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KIDS' QUESTIONS
January 2008
Kids' Questions with Stephen Carriere
Stephen Carriere of the Skating Club of Boston has picked up where he left off in the junior ranks, placing fourth at Skate America and winning the bronze medal at the NHK Trophy. Carriere, 18, is the 2007 World Junior champion. He'll compete this month at the U.S. Championships in Saint Paul in the senior division. In this Kids' Questions segment, Carriere addresses his training, career goals and college life.
I watched your performance at the NHK Trophy and thought you did a spectacular job. Do you ever freak out or get nervous before a big competition like that?
Jessica Pletcher, 12
Wichita, Kan.
Stephen: No, that has never happened to me. While competing, I always think about my training and I rely on that. If I ever get nervous, I think about how many times I have done my programs at home. You always have to trust yourself and know you can do it.
Did you get a chance to attend any of the Boston College football games during their tremendous season? Also, will you be attending the Champs Sports Bowl against Michigan State?
Donata Lockett, 17
Hackensack, N.J.
Stephen: I just started classes at Boston College this year, and I am going part time. I probably will not attend the Champs Sports Bowl, but I plan on seeing some games in the future.
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| Stephen Carriere |
What is the most rewarding thing that ice skating has given you?
Traci Van D., 15
North Carolina
Stephen: Skating has made me create a good work ethic for anything I do in life. Especially due to the International Judging System, skating allows me to put all of my effort into working on everything I set out do.
We both skate in Massachusetts. I skate in Taunton. What do you love about Boston and skating? Have you ever skated at the Frog Pond in Boston?
Jillian Neault, 9
Avon, Mass.
Stephen: I think that Boston is really a beautiful city. I drive through it every day, and riding along the Charles (River) is really great. What's great about Boston is you get to see all of the seasons in full force. I have skated on the Frog Pond ice in Boston Common, and it's an interesting feeling, especially after training at the skating club so much.
Has it been difficult to juggle college and competitive skating?
Georgina Oliveira, 15
Ludlow, Mass.
Stephen: I am sure you think I am going to say yes, but actually it has not been that hard. I am going part time to college, so it is extremely manageable. Boston College has been great in managing my education and training.
What is your typical training day like? Do you have any tips you could share?
Morgan Bell, 16
Tulsa, Okla.
Stephen: My typical training day starts at 10 a.m., and I do three 50-minute sessions. I then do off-ice training for one hour at 2 p.m. and then head to physical therapy three days a week. I skate and off-ice train five days a week. With regards to tips, always make time to rest. I think your body always needs at least one day off the ice to recover.
At what level did you start learning your triple Axel? How long did it take you to land it consistently? Do you feel that we will ever see a quad Axel?
Amber Ruiz, 13
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Stephen: I started working on my triple Axel in my second year on the junior level. I actually do not remember how long it took, but I definitely know I landed it in less than a year. I am not sure about the quad Axel. Realistically, I don't think I will see a quad Axel while I am skating, but you never know.
Do you have a favorite piece or style of music you like to skate to?
Kate Manzagol, 14
Clarkston, Mich.
Stephen: I do not really have a favorite style of music. My coaches do say to me, though, that they think I have my own specific style; what it is, I am not sure. I just work on expanding my range of skating and style of music each year.
I've been skating for five years and I am thinking of going to a physical therapist for knee pain. How important is physical therapy for maintaining your level of training? Should a skater's physical therapist have a skating background?
Katie Brinks, 15
Topeka, Kan.
Stephen: Physical therapy is key to getting back out on the ice and training with a healthy body. Regarding skating backgrounds for physical therapists, I would say it is not vital because I have been to many physical therapists that do not have a skating background, and they have been great. Having a skating background is definitely beneficial though.
What would you like to do after your skating career is over?
Jenny Kerr, 13
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Stephen: My goal outside of skating is to become a physician specializing in sports medicine. Whether that takes me to my own practice or attending ISU events for Team USA, or incorporating my credentials to many athletic programs, we will see.
