In the middle of January 2025, I celebrated the one year anniversary of my first figure skating lesson; my one year ‘skateiversary’, as I have been calling it. When I made that leap of faith and decided to start a brand new sport from the very beginning, I had no idea how much joy, peace, independence and adventure it would bring me… to Andorra and back!
My origin story began in December 2023, at the yearly JW3 winter ice rink in Hampstead, skating with friends. Despite having skated there once a year for the past decade, something new clicked into place that day. I don’t mean to say that I had some sort of realisation that it was meant to be, but perhaps it was more that I remembered what it was like to find joy in exercise.
Then came what I remember as my ‘taster’ sessions at the Alexandra Palace ice rink, skating around in rental skates, ascertaining if I wanted to pursue this as a new hobby. It didn’t take long before I sought a coach- and a pair of my very own skates- and from January I began having weekly lessons with my coach Arthur at Ally Pally; a place that I have come to associate with peace and happiness, despite the endless falls and bruises!
The first 6 months of my journey was all about learning the basics- skating confidently forwards and backwards, crossovers, and learning about the different kinds of turns. What struck me as being quite unique, at least compared to the sports I had previously done, is that skating is a sport for every age. Yes, there are the small children at the rink who flip themselves into the air fearlessly, but I was surprised to find that the majority of skaters on the ice were young adults- many of whom had started late like me. There are even older adults who skate- for example, I have made friends with a lovely lady in her 80s, Charlotte, who skates regularly- the health benefits are clearly remarkable! She is a retired clinical psychologist, and after making the connection that I am pursuing psychology, she even began seeking work experience for me, seeking out from colleagues any information that I might find useful- including a podcast on neuropsychology that I now listen to every day and greatly enjoy. Who would have thought that taking up skating would have enabled me to further my passion and future career in psychology?
In one lesson in May, my coach said the words that would change everything- “I have been invited to coach at an international figure skating training camp in Andorra- would you like to come?’ I grabbed the opportunity, and so off I went to Andorra in July. The country, situated in between France and Spain, was breathtakingly beautiful- I have never seen a mountainous landscape like it. The camp consisted of skating lessons 3 times per day, as well as off-ice training including strength and fitness. The staff was comprised of word-leading coaches from all around Europe, many of whom had taught Olympians! The pupils were from all around the world, ranging in age from small children to teenagers like myself and even a few adults in their 40s.
Being one of the lowest level skaters there and having been skating for the least amount of time out of everyone, oftentimes I felt intimidated- ‘imposter syndrome’ as some may call it- and there were times when I felt judged for not being able to do things everyone else could do. Despite this, I persevered- determined to make progress in my own journey, but most of all to have fun. I achieved on both accounts! I left the camp having learned how to jump and spin, and having had a wonderful time with new friends from Germany, Israel, France and even others from Ally Pally! It is an experience I will never forget, and I never would have made those memories had I not had the courage to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself to ‘feel the fear, and do it anyway.’
After that memorable week, my progress rapidly increased. Fast forward to today, and I can do the majority of single jumps and a variety of spins with increasing confidence, and I am continually
learning new skills. I make it a priority to try to skate once a week despite my upcoming A Levels. It allows me to channel my stress into a positive outlet and to continue to prioritise my wellbeing.
What I have learned from my journey this year (beyond how to figure skate of course) is that it is never too late to try something new. You never know where it might take you and what fulfilment it might bring.
Sophie Lunzer, student
