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KIDS' QUESTIONS

November 2002

World Junior champion Ann Patrice McDonough takes on the kids' press and provides some informative responses to your questions!

Q: What is your biggest goal in skating for the next few years? Julie Lapatka, 13, Boonton, N.J.

A: My biggest goal in skating for the next few years is to stay consistent and focused during practice and competition.

Q: What would be your best advice to stay consistent during the season? Adam, 15, Tenafly

A: Being consistent every day for a whole season is very difficult. Everyone has ups and downs as a skater. Maybe one week will be great and the next will feel like you have never skated before in your life. So to get through the harder times, I try to have a positive attitude and work through it. Also, another thing is to have confidence in yourself. It is easier to do something if you believe you can do it.

Q: How have you learned to be so flexible? Libbey, 17, West Virginia

A: To tell you the truth, I was not very flexible a couple of years ago. I couldn't even do the splits. All I have done to become more limber is stretch (cool down) after practice sessions and workouts, and even while watching TV or doing homework. Becoming flexible takes time and patience. You won't become flexible overnight, so all I can say is stretch, stretch, stretch!

Q: How long did it take you to land a clean double Axel? Do you have any tips for landing it consistently? Kaitlyn Steward, 9, Windermere, Fla.; Danielle Winningham, 11, Huntington, W.V.

A: When I was 9 years old, I landed a double Axel cheated, and by 10 years old I had it clean. So it took me approximately one year to land it cleanly, but that year was tough. I would have it for one week and lose it for two. Once again, remember to be patient. One day you will feel it, and it will come.

Q: How did it feel the moment you stepped off the ice at the World Junior Championships after the free skate - when you knew you had won the title? Martha, 14, Antioch, Calif.

A: The moment I stepped off the ice at the World Junior Championships I really didn't know that I had won the title yet. There was one skater left, and I knew that she could beat me. My feelings were going in all different directions. I still felt a little weak from being sick that week, I was relieved that I was finished, and I felt disappointed that I hadn't skated my best. However, through all my emotions, I knew that I still had a very good chance of winning the title.

Q: Right now I'm taking time off because of an ankle injury. Have you ever had an injury? How did you keep yourself fit and strong? Victoria Cai, 12, Millis, Mass.

A: I try to keep myself as healthy as I can because having an injury means time away from practicing or even competing. Although I haven't had any injuries that required time off, I have had a few minor injuries that only needed ice, Advil and stretching. The way I try to keep myself as healthy as possible is by warming up and cooling down properly before and after I skate.

Q: You are my favorite skater, and you are the reason I started competing in figure skating. What is the one big piece of advice you would give me as a preliminary skater? Alicen Dawn Marie Maestas, 8, Aurora, Colo.

A:Wow! Thank you very much for the compliments. I am glad you started skating because it is a great opportunity to experience. My big piece of advice is to follow your dreams and listen to your heart. Dream big dreams!

Q: How did you manage to keep up with school work yet still practice so many days a week? Sara, 12, Minnesota

A: Managing my time between school and skating wasn't that hard. I say that because I really wanted to graduate on time. Also, my school works really well with skaters. They understood and accommodated my needs and schedule. I went to school in the morning and skated all afternoon. After skating I went home and finished my homework. I think education is very important to a teenager, mentally and socially.

Q: Do you ever get intimidated being on the same practice ice with skaters like Michelle Kwan? How do you deal with nerves and stay calm? Arielle, 16, Cleveland, Ohio and Lucy Lolland, 15, San Jose, Calif.

A: The first year I went to the U.S. Championships on the senior level I was so amazed that I was actually there. The night of my long program was overwhelming. There were so many people and media everywhere that I stood there with my mouth open. I usually don't get nervous during or before competitions. But I realized you just have to relax and believe in yourself.

Q: How old were you when you got serious about skating? What made you push yourself to be such a great skater? Jenna Rose Brown, El Segundo, Calif.

A: I started to skate seriously when I was 5 years old. My mother pushes me a lot to be better and also motivates me to reach my goals.

Q: What do you do for an off-ice and on-ice warm-up before you compete? Katie Zoretic, 13, Overland Park, Kan.

A: My off-ice warm-up consists of stretching, jump roping and off-ice jumps. This is the same as my warm-up before any other practice session. I would stick to the same plan whether it is practice or competition. It's the same with the 5-minute, on-ice warm-up. I usually jump first, then spin if I have time.

Q: What do you usually eat every day to stay healthy for skating? Emily, 11, Boston, Mass.

A: I eat almost anything, although I rarely eat fast food. My diet consists of a light breakfast, salad for lunch and a well-balanced dinner.