Blog > March 13, 2007

When approaching Spokane from the air, I spotted snow-covered, majestic red pine trees sprinkling the rolling Washington mountains, and I truly felt like I was in a distant land - much different than the Twin Cities! Although the sky wasn't very sunny, the city of Spokane certainly was, instantly welcoming us with signs and banners adorning grocery stores, billboards, and sports bars, all advertising the US Figure Skating Championships. I immediately felt the community spirit.

Once my Mom and I arrived at the hotel, we had some trouble with our room situation. Clearly the hotel was packed with guests. The only choice left was a room with one king bed and a pull-out, or two queen beds in a smoking section. We took our chances in the smoking room, and it didn't turn out to be that bad. We learned that the Double Tree Hotel was connected to one of the ice arenas, the Convention Center. All the novice and junior short programs would conveniently take place there.

Shortly after unpacking, we trucked over to the Spokane Arena via a 5 minute bus ride to watch the Novice Men and Ladies long programs. It was surreal for me to watch the Novice Men's event knowing that I was there just one year ago. I remembered exact feelings of competition. It seemed like only yesterday. Another Minnesota skater, Alex Johnson, skated very well, placing 2nd. Although Minnesota doesn't send many skaters to Nationals like Colorado, California, or Delaware does, the skaters who compete place well. Watching all the Novice events finish created such excitement within me to compete. I felt like a thoroughbred race horse, ready to break out of the gates. I kept having to remind myself, just two more days…

Inside the Convention Center, a designated area called "Fan Fest" where skating spectators could congregate, was located. It featured a concession stand, free lattes from Starbucks Coffee and samples of cookies, juice, salsa and chips from Safeway grocery store, live broadcasts with personalities from local radio and TV stations, and even a balloon sculptor, who created life sized figures after Kimmie Meissner and Emily Hughes. If I'm not mistaken, practices were open to the public, so attendance was incredible all week! St. Paul, my home town, has its work cut out as next year's host for the 2008 US Championships.

Wednesday finally rolled around. Walking over to the rink for the competition, I surprised myself with how relaxed I felt. In the past, the SP was when I was MOST nervous. I felt confident in my training and that made me less nervous. My program was awesome! I nailed all three of my jumping elements, including my triple lutz-triple toe combination, which I have battled with all year, a triple flip and a double axel. The full audience in the small convention center rink totaled over 3000 people. I really got into the mood of the program in which I am telling the story of a mysterious dream where I'm constantly searching for something in the distance, but can never quite grasp. Off the ice, I was immediately greeted by my ecstatic coaches who were obviously pleased with my scores, especially the credit I received for my triple-triple, the planned levels on my spins, and the level-threes on my footwork sequences. They beamed. I knew there were numerous good skaters after me, so I wasn't sure how my scores would hold up, but when the group ended, I was still in first place. I had never been in this situation before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I interviewed with the media, then found my Mom who was smiling ear to ear. I then called my Dad back in Minnesota. He was also very proud of me and I couldn't wait to see him back home.

Needless to say, before the FS I felt a lot of pressure. Warming up off ice before the event, my nervousness heightened. When skating at a major competition, I tell myself, "This is what you've been training for all year … don't let yourself down." I should probably stop this awful habit because it only makes me MORE nervous! Once I stepped onto the ice for the six-minute warm-up, however, I instantly relaxed. Since I skated first in the last warmup, I never had to leave the ice. Most people don't like skating first, but that's actually my favorite! I guess I'm kinda weird…

During my program, I reminded myself how much I loved the program. I put so much effort into it, from the costume to the choreography. The Spokane audience was so warm and welcoming, I just thought of entertaining them. I turned off my brain and just let my body take-over resulting in the best program I've skated all year. I landed 2 ax, 3lz-3t, 3f, 3lo-2lo-2lo, 2ax, 3f-2lo, 3lz and 3sal. As soon as I finished, I experienced a surge of emotions: happiness, relief, and definitely excitement, so much so that I spontaneously jumped up off the ice into the air. I soaked in the moment and thanked the crowd. Proceeding to the kiss-and-cry where my two coaches waited, I reveled in the moment with them and anxiously awaited my scores. They flashed onto the big monitor - a new personal best … by far. My FS score was 122.67, 12 points more than my previous best. At that point, I didn't care about my placement at all. It's hard to explain to someone who doesn't skate, but at that moment, the perfect program supersedes any medal. Eventually I discovered that I had maintained first place and had won!

I ran up the flight of stairs to find my mom in the audience and sobbed and hugged her with excitement. Everyone was staring at me! Then a few older ladies asked me for my autograph! Then more people did the same. It was so cool. With tears in my eyes I called my Dad and shared the news. Everyone was proud of me but more importantly, I was proud of myself. I skated two clean programs which was my main goal, and I even managed to take home the gold. The next day I was selected to compete at the World Junior Championships in Oberstorf, Germany in four short weeks. Talk about icing on the cake!

At the end of every Nationals, I take the time to remind myself of an important lesson that I learned from my coach, Ted: No matter how many successes or upsets I'll experience, I'm still Eliot. My accomplishments don't define who I am. I'm still the boy I was two weeks before the competition. This valuable advice keeps me grounded.

Thanks to the organizing committee and the people of Spokane. I'm taking more than a National title home. The picturesque city and the friendly community will stay with me for a long time. And thanks to you for being interested in my journey. It means so much to know that many people support me.

~Eliot