- Forms
- Current Issue
- Membership
- Fantasy Skating
- U.S. Figure Skating Auctions
- SKATING Magazine
- Judges & Officials
- History
- Employment
- Member Services
- Museum & Hall of Fame
- U.S. Figure Skating at a Glance
- Figure Skating A to Z
- Headquarters Staff
- Scholarships, Grants and Awards
- Logo
- STAR
- Sponsors
- Mission Statement
- Links
- Contact Us
KIDS' QUESTIONS
October 2008
Kids' Questions with Adam Rippon
Adam Rippon enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2007-08, winning virtually every competition he entered, including the U.S. junior title and the World Junior crown. Rippon makes his senior debut this month at Skate America in Everett, Wash., where he'll compete alongside teammates Evan Lysacek and Johnny Weir, who have combined to win the last five U.S. titles. Rippon trains in New Jersey under the watchful eye of coach Nikoli Morozov.
What would you say is the most rewarding part about being a figure skater?
Francesca Tait, 15
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Adam: The personal satisfaction it offers. For me, working toward and accomplishing specific goals is the most rewarding part of skating. There is nothing like the feeling of mastering a new element.
 |
| Adam Rippon Photo by Paul Harvath |
What is your daily routine? What music are you skating to this season?
Bonnie Weinberg, 12
Sterling, Va.
Adam: My daily routine is pretty simple. I spend most of my time at the rink skating. There are a few things that I do in-between my practice sessions, like stretching and workouts, but most of my time is training on the ice. The music I'm skating to this season is “Air on a G String” by J.S. Bach blending into “Storm” by Vanessa Mae for the short; and “Send In The Clowns” by Stephen Sondheim that transitions into “I Palgiacci” by Ruggero Leoncavallo for my free program.
What kind of things did you do off the ice to help with your triples becoming clean?
Courtney Lillard, 14
Watertown, N.Y.
Adam: I did a lot of off-ice jumps. I think an important part in helping get clean and consistent triple jumps is doing many different exercises that will help you practice proper technique on the ice for those jumps.
How does it feel when you step on the ice and compete for the U.S. in international competitions?
Kanishka Jayasuriya, 16
San Jose, Calif.
Adam: Stepping on the ice and hearing, “Representing the United States of America,” is such a feeling of pride and honor. Every time I skate at an international competition I want to show the best I can do for not only myself but for my country as well. I'm proud to be able to represent the United States.
Which male, female, pairs, and ice dance team do you admire most?
Kate Manzagol, 15
Clarkston, Mich.
Adam: It is hard to choose, so I will pick a few of my favorites. From the men, Brian Boitano and Alexei Yagudin; from the ladies, Michelle Kwan and Oksana Baiul. One of my favorite pairs team is (Xue) Shen and (Hongbo) Zhao. One of the dance teams I admire most is Shae-Lynn Bourne and Victor Kraatz. I like them all for many different reasons, but they all had a lot of passion on the ice and were all able to focus and skate great when the pressure was on.
Are you planning on adding a quad jump to your new programs?
Amber Ruiz, 14
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Adam: As for the beginning of this season the quad is not a planned element. As for later in the season, who knows? It will depend on how consistent it becomes before my coach and I will talk about adding it to the programs. But if not this year, definitely next.
What inspired you to add the grab-toe layback to your programs? When did you start working on it?
Mark Jahnke, 17
Seattle, Wash.
Adam: I started practicing the layback spin when I started learning the other spins. I worked on the flexibility of my back and was able to become more comfortable with it. I like to have this spin in my programs because it is different and not done by a lot of my competitors.
How do you deal with pressure and your nerves at major competitions?
Melinda Newberry, 18
La Mirada
Adam: Dealing with nerves is a hard thing to do. I always remind myself of how hard I worked to be trained for the competition and that I am ready. Some of the best advice I was given was to always go out and compete because you love to skate.
What is it like training with Miki Ando?
Jill Decker, 15
Houston
Adam: Training with Miki Ando is great. We are really good friends and she always pushes me to skate my best every day in practice.
What kind of hobbies do you have outside of skating? Did you have a favorite Olympic moment from the Summer Games?
Candace Worthington, 17
Memphis, Tenn.
Adam: With my skating schedule I really don't have a lot of time for hobbies. I love listening to music and reading. I'm always looking for new songs that I like and my favorite song is constantly changing. The Summer Games were great. Michael Phelps was incredibly inspirational throughout the entire Games. Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson were amazing. Misty May and Kerry Walsh were incredible, and of course, Usain Bolt is the fastest man alive.
Do you plan to attend college? If so, what would you like to study?
Madison Green, 14
Seattle, Wash.
Adam: I do plan on attending college this year. I'm going to be taking one class so that I don't get over my head with too many commitments. This will allow me to continue as a student while keeping my main focus on skating. As for what I will study, I'm not entirely sure yet but I have a few ideas.
Are you nervous about competing at Skate America?
Brandi Cooper, 13,
Philadelphia
Adam: I'm so excited for Skate America. It's my first senior international competition. I can't wait to skate in Everett, Wash., this month. Of course, I am a little nervous but I will use my nerves to help me skate well in the competition.
