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KIDS' QUESTIONS
April 2009
Kids' Questions with Madison Chcok and Greg Zuerlein
Junior ice dancers Madison Chock and Greg Zuerlein capped a perfect season by winning the World Junior Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria. They earned gold medals at both of their Junior Grand Prix Series events and at the 2009 AT&T U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Cleveland, Ohio. The Michigan-based duo attends school and is looking forward to next season.
Do you participate in off-ice classes, such as ballroom dancing or ballet? How do you think it effects your skating?
Elizabeth Wohlford, 13
Rogers, Ark.
Greg: We participate in ballet twice a week. We also have a workout program that runs three days of the week called Velocity. Over the summer, we have a gymnast come in and work with us on our lifts and some strength skills. All these activities have a positive impact on our skating.
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| Madison Chock and Greg Zuerlein Photo by Paul Harvath |
Regina Yan, 12
Overland Park, Kan.
Madison: Yes. I find that music can really affect my mood, so if I need to calm down or get motivated I can always rely on music.
Greg: I don't usually get nervous, but at the World Junior Championships I was for the compulsory event. After the compulsory event was over, the nerves went away. I just try to stay focused and eventually I will calm down.
How did you handle the pressure at World Juniors after having such a successful year?
Alison Freier, 12
Westland, Mich.
Madison: We try not to think about anything else besides what we have to do at that moment. You just have to focus on the task at hand.
Greg: Going into the World Junior Championships we knew what we had to do. We were confident in ourselves, and I think we rose to the occasion, taking each phase one step at a time.
With all of your success, has it been hard or annoying answering all of the questions from the press?
Francesca Tait, 16
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Madison: One would think, but really it's nice to answer their questions, and if they didn't ask them no one would know how the skaters really feel after their performances.
Greg: Answering questions from the press has not been hard or annoying after our successful year.
Madison, what do you like most about attending high school? Greg, what are you studying at college?
Jessica Park, 14
Miami, Fla.
Madison: I love that my school is so supportive of my skating, allowing me to get out early to train. They also make it possible for me to take online classes so I can meet all of my requirements to graduate.
Greg: I am currently taking a few business classes. I will graduate with an associate's degree in general business this fall.
Do you have any skaters who you consider role models?
Julie Casey, 18
Sacramento, Calif.
Madison: All of the teams at our rink in Canton (Mich.) are really dedicated, which makes for a very inspirational atmosphere.
Greg: I don't really have any role models, but if I had to look up to someone it would be my good friend Scott Moir.
Madison, who are your favorite clothing designers? Greg, I've heard you like to cook. What is your favorite dish to make?
Julie Casey, 18
Sacramento, Calif.
Madison: Free People, Fendi and Rock & Republic.
Greg: I don't really have a favorite dish to make, but I love pasta. Something with pasta in it would definitely be one of my favorite dishes to make.
What is the biggest difference in your skating together from a year ago?
Regina Moyer, 11
Detroit, Mich.
Madison: We are much more connected as partners, and I think we have matured together since we first started skating together.
Greg: Our connection with each other and connecting with the audience.
What do you guys like to do when you are not skating?
Lindsay Hodge, 15
Boise, Idaho
Madison: I love hanging out with friends and family. On the weekends I like to swim or just relax at home.
Greg: If I am not busy working or doing schoolwork, I like to hang out with my friends.
What do you see yourselves doing in 10 years?
Angela Morrison, 17
Austin, Texas
Madison: I hope to settle down, have a family and still be involved in skating. I would also like to design a line of clothing.
Greg: I see myself participating in skating shows, if not coaching skating.
