Neepawa figure skater advances to Skate Canada Nationals
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- Published on Thursday, November 13, 2014
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By Eoin Devereux
The Neepawa Banner
Years of hard work have paid off for Amy Todoruk of the Neepawa Figure Skating Club.
The 17 year old placed second in the junior ladies category this past weekend at the Skate Manitoba Sectional Competition in Brandon. That finish allows her to advance to the Canadian Challenge, scheduled for Montreal in December
Todoruk, who has been skating since she was three years old and figure skating since age six, said the event in Brandon featured a wide array of talent.
“There was around 200 skaters from across the province competing in several different age categories, from eight years old, all the way to 21 [years old],“ said Todoruk. “In my category, there were nine competitors and the skill level was very advanced.”
The two-day event was comprised of a short round on Friday and the long skate on Saturday. After the first day, Todoruk found herself in second place and well within striking distance of the top spot, Todoruk said heading into the second day of competition, she was confident in her abilities.
“I went into this with the intention of qualifying for the Canadian Challenge. I’ve worked really hard throughout the year, probably harder than I have in any other year,” said Todoruk. “I felt really good about my short program and being in second after the first day. As I prepared for my second skate, I felt more focused. I felt more confident in my long program than my short program, so to be second after the short program was a big accomplishment.”
After completing her second skate, Todoruk noted that she felt a great sense of relief and accomplishment.
“When I finished my program, I was so happy and relieved that it was over, but at the same time, I was proud of myself,” said Todoruk. “When I got off the ice and received my score, I started to cry because I was so happy with myself and my skate and that I did it.”
Todoruk expects that facing some of the best skaters in all of Canada next month will be a remarkable opportunity.
“I think it will be really cool. It should be a really good experience and a chance to see all the other skaters and what they’re doing. To watch the best of Canada compete like this will be an experience,” said Todoruk.
During the Skate Manitoba Sectional Competition, Neepawa Figure Skating Club member Zoie Forgue also had a personal best and earned the first alternate spot to the Canadian Challenge.
