I started skating in 1992 after watching Kristi Yamaguchi win the Olympic Gold. I have been to the State Farm U.S. Figure Skating Championships (the United States National Championships) for the past 10 consecutive years and have brought home four national medals, including the title of 2002 Junior Men's National Champion.

During my skating, I have had a lot of up hill battles and nothing has come easy. In early 2001, I relocated from Gardner, Massachusetts to Los Angeles, California, in seek of better training and a new coach.

Arriving in Los Angeles, was such a different pace of life then what I had grown up with. I grew up in a small town where everything closed at 8pm and then I jumped into this city where nothing ever stops.

The city, the weather, the people, the lights, the action-- everything was in a fast mode. It was so different from what I had ever experienced before.

After adjusting to the new life, I had started for myself I began training under new guidance and went on to win the Junior Men's National title. The whole experience of becoming a National champion truly changed my life.

After Nationals, the United States Figure Skating Association selected me as one of three men to represent the United States at the World Junior Championships in Hamar, Norway. I ended up finishing 10th in the World and was the highest finisher of all 3 U.S. Men they had sent. This was not only such a great learning experience, but a great confidence builder as well.

In early July 2003 , a very big distraction and barrier hit my family. I got a phone call that my brother David, who was 23, had died--It set everything to a stand still. I flew back to Massachusetts to be with my family. I had taken lots of time off from the ice and had a really rough time getting back into things. Knowing I had to continue on with my skating, my season, and my dreams, I did my absolute best to carry on.

Right after this horrible ordeal I had been selected to compete at the Nebelhorn Trophy in Germany.The Nebelhorn Trophy was my first international event as a senior skater and I ended up with a bronze medal. Being able to put my tragic summer behind me, and rise to the occasion, was very stressful but also satisfying.

I had some great skating moments in the past 4 years while I was working under the guidance of Nedda Soltani. In 2004-2005 season, I went on to win both the Regional and Sectional titles, and placed 4th at my International in Slovakia. Nedda is a women who did everything in her power to help me succeed.I couldn't have asked for a better person to help me through those years of training.

Nedda and I became very close and at some points I wasn't able to divide our on ice work, and our friendship. This had taken a toll on my skating and I had to find what would be best for me. To have had one of my best friends as my coach was an incredible feeling and never do I fault Nedda for anything negative in my skating.... this was solely a decision I had to make and probably one of the hardest to this point in my skating career.

I have since returned to the Toyota Training Center in El Segundo, CA and have been working under Burt Lancon. Burt was an Olympic Team member himself and has helped me do new things with my skating. I had a decent showing in Finland finishing 5th and squeaked my way through the Pacific Coast Sectionals to once again qualify for the U.S. Championships.

My training has been going very well and I am feeling good about the upcoming seasons. My goal for Spokane is to finish in the top 6 at this years Championships.

After my competitive skating career, I would like to skate in a world renowned tour or some type of ice show. I would also love give back to the sport of Figure Skating in anyway I possibly can.

I just wanted to say a quick thank you to so many people who have helped me get to where I am today. First and foremost, "thank you" to my family for always being my backbone and thank for continuing to support me beyond belief.

Also, "thank you" to all my past and present skating coaches. I thank you all so much for your guidance. I have very many fond memories of all my years of skating.

Much love to my hometown of Gardner who continues to send me donations to keep training. I owe all my success to everyone who has done anything to help me on my way. I will make everyone proud when my time arrives!

Also, thank you for coming to my website. Take a look around and make sure to leave a message in my guestbook.



All My Love,

Nicholas LaRoche

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Spin
Death drop

Jump
Triple Lutz

Program
2005 Long program

Male Skater
Brian Boitano

Female Skaters
Nicole Bobek,
Sasha Cohen,
and Michelle Kwan

Sports
Figure skating
and gymnastics

Movie
Somethings Gotta Give

Television Shows
Desperate Housewives,
Fear Factor, and
Will and Grace

Music
Everything

Singer
Celine Dion,
Faith Hill

Group
Barenaked Ladies
and Dixie Chicks

Animals
Dog and Monkey

Color
Black

Food to Eat
Seafood

Food to Cook
Me--cook?
HAHAH!

Hobbies
Traveling, shopping,
and going to the beach

Childhood Memory
Having blonde hair--
I wish I still did!

Quote
"Believe something wonderful is about to happen."

Websites
All Year Figure Skating Club,
Brad Griffies Ready2Wear,
Harlick Skating Boots,
Leah Adams Photography,
Skating Dresses by SE_KU,
Southwest Pacific Skating,
U.S. Skating Association