ISU

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As the ice skating season draws to a close, our beloved skaters are fully engaged in their personal pursuits. From well-deserved vacations to rigorous training regimens, the spectrum is broad. Join us as we uncover the standout moments of the recent weeks.

 

Solène Mazingue (EST) – Mental Health Awareness

During Mental Health Awareness Month, Solène Mazingue (EST), a dedicated athlete from Estonia, courageously opened up about her own battles with depression. Her candidness highlights an important message: athletes, despite their physical prowess, are not immune to mental health challenges.

 

Miho Takagi (JPN) – Test Week

Miho Takagi (JPN) has been participating in a rigorous Test Week, an essential period for assessing athletes' conditioning and strategy adjustments.

 

Yara van Kerkhof (NED) – Graduating from Uni

Yara van Kerkhof, a prominent Dutch short track speed skater, recently celebrated a significant personal achievement alongside her sporting endeavors. Having balanced her rigorous training schedule with academic commitments, Yara successfully graduated from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam with a Master of Science degree.

 

Loena Hendrickx (BEL) – Stars on Ice

Loena Hendrickx (BEL) shone brightly during her appearance at the Stars on Ice event in Canada, sharing the ice with other luminaries of the Figure Skating world.

 

Team Unique (FIN) – Fitness Tests

Team Unique (FIN) is kicking off their season with their annual fitness tests, ensuring that each member is in top physical condition and ready to meet the challenges ahead. These rigorous evaluations are crucial in preventing injuries and setting a baseline for the athletes' performance capabilities.

 

Bart Swings (BEL) – Inline Skating

Bart Swings (BEL) has a unique approach to off-ice training that keeps him at the top of his game: inline skating. Recognized for his seamless transition between ice Speed Skating and roller speed skating, Bart uses inline skating during the warmer months as a critical component of his training regimen.

 

Kristen Santos (USA) – Eric Heiden Athlete of the Year Award 

Kristen Santos (USA), an accomplished American Short Track Speed Skater, has jointly received the prestigious Eric Heiden Athlete of the Year Award alongside fellow Speed Skater Jordan Stolz. This accolade is named after the legendary Eric Heiden, celebrating the most outstanding American Speed Skaters.

 

Camden Pulkinen (USA) – Graduating from Columbia University

Camden Pulkinen of the USA has hit a remarkable milestone, waving goodbye to his undergraduate days at Columbia University. Balancing a rigorous academic schedule with the demands of competitive figure skating, Camden has exemplified how dedication and time management can lead to success both on the ice and in the classroom.

 

Corey Circelli (CAN) & Nikolaj Memola (ITA) – ISU Development Camp in Bangkok

Corey Circelli from Canada and Nikolaj Memola from Italy recently had the opportunity to shine at the ISU Development Camp in Bangkok, where they demonstrated their skills alongside renowned coaches Brian Orser and Tracy Wilson. The camp, attended by skaters from 14 different ISU member countries, served as a platform for sharing techniques and experiences.