New to Nationals

PrePreliminary girls show courage under pressure

Few things can match the excitement and pressure of competing at the National Championships for the first time. Ask any of the eight All Star girls competing in PrePreliminary this year who made their first appearances at Nationals. For that matter, ask the 15 senior ladies who fell during their free skates at the World Championships in March this year. Too much adrenalin at competition can bring even the most experienced skaters to their knees.

Despite some mishaps, our skaters did their coaches, their parents and the All Stars Club proud. Bravo to Amber Howard in PrePreliminary Ladies A for fighting on through a whirl-wind program after a difficult start; Chloe Koh for her wonderful timing and extension; Grace Wong for great height on her jumps; Vanessa Leung for a wonderful comeback during a challenging skate and eight year-old Linda von Atzigen for an exuberant skate at her first trip to Nationals. Congratulations to you all for showing that Team Singapore fighting spirit. We hope to see you at Nationals next year, too!