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Competition
As a very exciting weekend draws to a close, team U.S.A.
stands proud of many accomplishments made over the past few days in
Saluzburg, Austria. ICE'Kateers senior team placed 6th with two strong
skates against many world level teams. Miami University junior team;
also with two very solid programs, placed 7th. The weekend, in
conclusion, was a great success for team U.S.A..
Saturday morning the ICE'Kateers woke up early and headed down to the
rink for official practice for short program. We focused a great deal
on making sure the technical panel could see all of our elements
clearly and correctly during the session. We had two solid
run-throughs; leaving rink feeling very confident for that evening.
Back at the hotel we rested for a short time, but began our hair and
make-up preparations early enough so we would be able to get back to
the rink in order to watch Miami junior team. The junior team
performed wonderfully, and we were so glad we got the chance to watch
and cheer them on. Following the junior division, we went to warm up,
and then took the ice.
We were pleased with our short program that night; overall it was a
fairly strong skate. Although we did have some small mishaps in the
routine, the ending product was something we were very much proud of.
We left the rink that night looking forward to coming back and
competing in the free skate. I think it's also important to mention
the support of our fans here in Austria, as well as from the ones back
in the U.S.. Their enthusiasm was truly spectacular; we really could
not ask for better friends and family to be there for us.
Today the schedule was pretty similar; we woke
up, had breakfast, went to official practice, rested, cheered on
Miami, and then competed. The free skate was another solid performance
for us; we did have a collision on one of our intersections, but we
recovered well and completed the program without letting it affect us.
Following the senior division, every junior and senior team entered
the ice for the awards ceremonies. This was a really great experience
for all of the teams. I believe that is one of the best parts about
international competitions; the chance to meet and interact with
skaters from different countries. We were able to talk to a lot of the
girls from team Australia, among other teams, we took pictures with
them and got to meet their mascot "Kevin the Kangaroo"; which was a
lot of fun.
Tomorrow we're looking forward to a free day of
touring and shopping around Salzburg! We had a really wonderful time
here so far, and are definitely sad to leave such a beautiful place,
but are excited to get back home and start working hard for nationals!
GO U.S.A.!
Linnea
Arrival in Austria
After a twelve hour plane ride from California to Munich
and a two hour bus ride to Salzburg; the ICE’Kateers have finally arrived
at the Mozart Cup! We had a successful practice Wednesday morning,
followed by a long day of traveling until arriving in Austria on Thursday
night. Upon our arrival we settled in and enjoyed a delicious dinner
prepared by the hotel employees, then headed off to bed. We also ran into
several of our fellow U.S.A. teammates from Miami University of Ohio on
our way in as well; it was nice to see some familiar faces. The next day
we woke up to another great meal at the hotel and then headed off to
unofficial practice at the Eisarena Salzburg; not far from where we’re
staying.
We arrived at the arena, first having a quick off-ice
practice outside, and then preceding inside to our locker room to put on
our skates. The arena was a lot of fun to skate in for us; just looking
out small windows of the rink gave us a gorgeous view of the snow-covered
Austrian mountains right outside. It was truly a beautiful sight. Our
practice started off a little shaky; not at our full potential, but we
were soon able to get back into synch with one another and ended the
session on a good note. After practice we had a quick lunch at the arena,
and then headed back to our hotel for a short time before our Sound of
Music tour later that day.
The Sound of Music tour was really a great experience;
we got to learn about all of the different places where the movie was
filmed, right in the city where we’re staying, and all the while seeing
the beautiful sights of Austria! The city of Salzburg is truly such a
stunning city, especially during this time of year when everything is
covered in fresh snow. From the old churches to the quaint country homes,
it’s all just so beautiful. The people are all very nice as well; everyone
has been extremely friendly and kind to us no matter where we go.
Tomorrow morning we have official practice for short
program, and then we compete later in the day. We’re hoping to skate our
best and really represent the U.S. well. We’re also very excited to get
the chance to cheer on and support our other team U.S.A. members, Miami
University, as well.
GO
U.S.A.
Linnea
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