Sports
Local figure skater Leah Lee, 16, recently attended the 2022 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships.
Photo courtesy Connaught Skating Club
Young figure skater makes it to nationals
Published 3:49 PST, Mon January 31, 2022
Last Updated: 3:56 PDT, Tue March 29, 2022
—
The spotlight is on Leah Lee, a 16-year-old figure skater who trains out of Richmond’s Connaught Skating Club.
Competing against 37 others in the senior women’s event at the Skate Canada Challenge in Regina from Dec. 1 to 5, Lee placed 12th. She also qualified for the 2022 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships in Ottawa, which took place Jan. 6 to 13.
While she placed last among the 18 skaters in her category at nationals, Lee’s success at such a young age shows she has a promising future.
How did you develop a passion for skating?
I started skating at the age of four just for fun, but my passion wasn’t realized until age seven when I competed in my first competition and won gold. This inspired me to consider (skating) as more than just for fun.
What’s a time when you were faced with a challenge?
One of the biggest challenges was two weeks before the 2022 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships. I injured my leg so I was off the ice until a few days before the competition. I was close to withdrawing from the competition but with the support of my coaches, I prepared and stayed the course.
What does your training look like?
During the school months, my routine is to attend academic classes in the morning. I am fortunate that my school supports a special program that allows elite athletes and artists to co-ordinate their academic schedule with a special training schedule, so I usually complete my academic classes by noon and train six days a week. My training usually includes two sessions on the ice and one to two sessions off the ice.
Are there any skaters that inspire you?
My favourite skater growing up was Una Kim from South Korea. All of her jumps are amazing to watch.
What’s the best memory of your skating career?
I always cherish the moments after a good performance on the ice. The feeling of getting off the ice and going over to my coaches is really special.
What are your future ambitions?
My first plan is to heal from a recent injury, then focus on developing new skills, jumps and elements and prepare for next season’s goal to achieve more international assignments.
Who are you grateful for?
I want to thank my parents for all their dedication and driving from school to training sessions, and the many long hours of support. I also want to thank my coaches for supporting me and developing my skating career.
Do you have any words of advice for future skaters?
Work hard and have fun. Enjoy the moment while you can.
2 Hours of free financial consulting
Jai Xin Planning Ltd.
C$120.00 C$0.00
Use any of our home staging service and get a second month rental for free!
MiiX Interiors
C$500.00 C$0.00
Get 10% off any order
Phantom Screens Lower Mainland
C$200.00 C$180.00
