Serious Figure Skating Question?

Question

My last question for this I didn't really explain the question properly, so I’m asking again. When I was little I wanted to figure skate but couldn’t find anywhere to. 2 months ago I was browsing and found a place that teach & coach the sport. Now I’m old enough to realize that I can do something about making my dream reality, I want to start and compete. I'm willing to devote every waking minute of every day to train, so I can make this feasible. I was a dancer for a few years so I am quite flexible. Actors in Ice Princess managed to learn the sport and become pretty amazing. So I guess with determination anything is possible. The plan was to train 14- 20 hours a week for two months until school is out, then spend every waking moment on the ice. Over 40 hours a week for two months, then when I start school again work around my classes. This is something I’m determined to do; I’m even willing to turn down university to make my dream possible.

It’s just that I’m 18 could i still do it?

Answer 1

Do you have any experience?  I won't lie, 18 is old.  Ice princess had stunt doubles, the actors didn't learn jumps or anything.  When you are older, you do learn faster though.

Answer 2

most of the actors in ice princess are actual skaters, in the movie, the main charecter, michelle ( casey in the movie), and hayden ( not sure of her name ) they used dbls for them. if u wanna go to the olympics, it too late, but if u wanna compete, GO FOR IT! =D u might wanna cut down the hrs u train though, new skaters usually get blisters, and skating can really hurt so....yea.... but good luck!

Answer 3

well if your dream to go the the olympics and whatever it is highly improbable. EVen if you learn the skills the competition out there is more tough than you could imagine. But you could definitely compete in regional and sectional competitions, if you are 18, great. You can compete as an adult when you are 21 and by the time you turn 21 you will be pretty good. As an adult it it easier to get to nationals and the competition is not as tough.

Answer 4

No! you canot skate that many hours a day to do it it's tough work and I am a good figure skater that can do alot of jumps and spins (too much hours for you)! Sorry though! Really I skate 2 hours a week and sometimes do Yoga! but you have to be strong and not cry when you fall ! you have to be tough!

Answer 5

Oh course you can! I started a bit late, but thats ok, b/c if you got the talent, girl, you can do it!

OMG, skating is that best, do it! iif you dont, you dont know what you'll be missing out on! its sooo much fun, and who knows? You might gotz the potential? Lolz well good lucks to you and i think you'll go very far! Have fun its rox!

W00T!!

Peace out!

Answer 6

Yeah you can do anything if you want to you go ahead and do it.

Trust me no one is too old to learn anything

I hope you do it because its your dream and you will be a pro one day good luck xx

Answer 7

Okay, you need a new plan of action.

I have been skating for 5 years, love it, and I still can't skate that many hours a day-it is a waste of time you are not going to the olymipics. The actresses in ice princess had stunt doubles and some were already skaters (zoe for example.) Here is what you should do:

-Start out skating 3-4 days a week 1-2 hours a day taking at least 2 hours of private lessons a week.

-After about 6 months you could increase your time/days.

-Your coach will help put a program together for you and you can start your tests at about the first year period depending how well you are doing.

-You don't qualify as an adult yet so competition will be hard until you are in your mid-20s i believe but i could be wrong.

-Sign up for an off-ice class too.

-Don't quit school! A lot of schools have skating teams you could be on. (They are more like clubs.)

-Your coach will know everything and more so call asap!

Answer 8

It is never too late to learn what you can learn. If skating is your passion, then indeed, go for it. But... not to burst your bubble... you're probably not going to the Olympics in Singles. That doesn't mean you can't learn to skate quite well--better than 99% of people who step on the ice--even do a few tricks. You might even be able to become competitive in ice dance if your bent lies in that direction. Ice Dancers tend to be competitive into their thirties and often not competitive UNTIL their late 20's.

But I have to say, I am leery about your plan to spend 40 hours a week on the ice. It's not all that great an idea. Even Olympic eligible skaters don't spend more than 3 to 5 hours a day on the ice. They cross-train, take ballet and pilates, work out at the gym. Over tiring yourself and over training is good for only one thing: getting injured. And you will discover that as you age, you are less resilient when it comes to injuries.

Be kind to yourself. Indulge your passion while you're young, but do try not to get injured.

Answer 9

yes!!=D in my skating club there are begginers of 20+! obviously you can!!!=P

Answer 10

The wonderful thing about all of the skating sports is that there is a competitive level for anyone who is willing to work - and at any age. In the world of skating you are not young, but if you are fit, there are many things you could accompish.

If you have Olympic dreams, that is not realistic. You are already older than many competitors at the senior level. But, if you can put aside the "hollywood miracle" of the Ice Princess movie and set reasonable competitive goals, you can be a fine skater.

Your new coach should be the first and main person that you talk to about setting goals, developing a training plan to meet those goals and your competitive opportunities. Your coach will help you find a plan that is constructive and safe (over-training or the wrong training can end a good skating a career), too.

Every dream is possible if you work hard and use a good plan.

Answer 11

Well, I think you've heard your answer from everyone else. You can definitely still do it. At my basic skills classes, there are two groups. The little kids and adults. My adult class has a girl around 12, me- I'm 15, and two adults who are like in their 30s, one might be in her 40s, idk. So you're not too old. Too old for Olympics, yes. But not competition. And like everyone has said, you can do adult competitions. And by the sound of your determination, you'll probably do great! Just don't over practice. Take it slow and build up. Good luck!

Answer 12

Definatly! My friend just started to do ice dance and because she worked hard at it, she is now close to my level which is pretty high and it has only been a year, where I have ice danced for at least 8 out of my 12 years of skating. If you work as hard as you are willing to, then go for it! I'd wait to compete however until you can start doing Pre Novice (there is no age limit!) as if you start now you will be competing against very young skaters. Another thought, BE CAREFUL! You could injury your self if you don't take breaks and take care of your body. I only skate 20 hours a week at the moment and I have pulled my back out of alignment.

Answer 13

You cant turn down something you have always wanted to do...never give up!..Go For it! your not too old! no need to worry

Just remember that your going to have to give alot to make your dream come true...It will be Irritating and stressful..But in the end it will all be worth it!

Im so amazed of the words that you put onto here in public and the words you do say are so inspiring..I am really proud of you!

Go For it!

Good Luck...=]

Do what your heart leads you to x x ..

Answer 14

Of course you can!  There are many people your age and older who train and compete seriously.  Your first step will be finding a coach who understands your goals and wants to help you achieve them.  Most people start in group lessons, but if you want to move faster (and you can afford them), go ahead and get private lessons with the coach of your choice.

I don't know if you're aware of how much skating seriously costs.  If so, then ignore this:)  If not, you may need to research the costs & create some sort of budget.  It can get extremely expensive to skate.

Be sure to ease into training - you don't want to overdo it and injure yourself.  Your coach can help you set up a well-balanced schedule that includes both on-ice and off-ice time.  

And be prepared for setbacks.  Everyone hits roadblocks in skating - whether it's with backward crossovers or double axels or an unexpected injury.  Just keep working and believe in yourself:)

Good luck, and above all else, have fun with it!

Answer 15

your definetly not too old. you will make to the olympics cuz i see your determined. its good you have a plan. dont listen to anybody who tells you that you cant get there because you can and you will. im 13 and i'm also a beginner and dream of going to the olympics just like you.im even thinking of skating as much as you but the people here keep telling don't cuz i might get injured. and i don't listen to them anymore. just skate as much as you want.you'll get the someday..... i hope to see you at the 2014 or the 2018 winter olympics.

good luck and i wish you the best

Answer 16

I've only been skating for 2 years by the end of the summer you'll be better than me! If you want it that badly you can do it!

Answer 17

Of course you still can!  

Just remember, "Ice Princess" was a movie and in just about every skating movie I've seen, skaters progress at AMAZING rates!!  Even in the "Cutting Edge," turning a hockey player into a pairs skater would take much longer than the year they show in the movie......even if they have their own rink!

At 18, you'll probably pick up the basics quickly.  Practice hard, but be careful of burn yourself out.  If you're spending every waking moment skating, you might lose interest quickly.  I see a lot of skaters who start with lessons, take multiple lessons a week, "burn out" and quit all together.  Sometimes it's just too much too soon.  Just like everything in life, it's all about balance.  Maybe start out with one lesson a week and practice 3 days a week for a few hours.  As you start to get more advanced, add more practice time and maybe another lesson.

Look into basic skills competitions.  They seem to be growing in popularity with the USFSA.  They're designed for skaters taking group lessons to be able to feel the "thrill" of competition before reaching the level of standard track competition.  Also, I'm not sure where you live, but in the US, you can compete in adult track competitions at age 21 and older.  Here, even adults have their very own nationals.  :)

You don't have to skip on your education to pursue skating.  Some colleges even have skating programs and compete in college-level competitions.  Some colleges also have synchronized skating teams who compete nationally and internationally.  If you're like me, I knew skating wasn't going to be my career.  I knew that I wasn't going to the Olympics.  :) I loved to skate and made extra money teaching group lessons at the rinks near my campus.

Good luck, have fun!