November 2007
from Liz
Q. How do you keep your head tougher in competition and daily practice?
A. I practice meditation daily. I also get daily challenges in practices to keep me sharp. I have been training in different ways this year, and I believe it will help me reach my goals.
March 2007
from Emma
Q. My best friend loves figure skating and has been doing it since she was seven years old but she's about to advance to the national level. Her mom is upset because she feels it's an unsuitable career because it doesn't pay enough. Do you feel that figure skaters are underpaid? Do you have to look for alternative sources of income? Thanks and good luck at worlds!
A. The honest answer is yes, most skaters are underpaid. It is extremely difficult to make a great living off of just the skating alone, unless you are one of the top skaters in the world level. And lets face it, skating has to be the toughest sport out there by combining art and athleticism, and therefore should be rewarded accordingly. However, that is not the case. So, I do some coaching on the side which helps. And my parents help out with a lot of the costs of training
from Amber
Q. Hi Parker! Great job at nationals this year =) Do you get a lot of fan mail? And do you respond to your fan mail? I can't wait to see you skate again!
A. I do respond to fan mail. I don't get a ton, so I can handle it all. Thanks for your support!
February 2007
from Bob
Q. How did it feel to be in the last group of skaters in the free skate at the U.S. Championships?
A. Well, it was pretty exciting to say the least. It was my first time cracking the last warmup, so it was quite a thrill. Although the freeskate didn't go as I had hoped, I still gained a lot out of it. It was a huge learning experience for me, and I look to build upon it for the future.
from Lisa
Q. What was the highlight of Nationals for you?
A. The highlight for me had to be the short program. It was such an amazing feeling being out there doing something I love, and performing up to my capability. The audience was incredible, and I was overwhelmed with joy. I couldn't have anticipated a better feeling.
January 2007
from Emily
Q. Two spots on the podium at the U.S. Championships seem wide open. What is your plan to make sure that you get one of those spots?
A. My goal is to skate my personal best. My placement is a secondary goal. Of course I would love to be on the World Team, and I know that will begin and end with my performance at Nationals. This is my opportunity and I guarantee I will be ready for the challenge. And I believe I can be on the World Team. I am ready to take that next step to greatness.
from Riley
Q. Parker, how have your programs changed since you skated them at Nebelhorn Trophy? Can we expect any changes in Spokane?
A. Well, I have changed back to my old short from several years ago. It is a Blues/ Harmonica piece which is very upbeat and a different look for me. I also think my long program has come along way since Germany. The program is more familiar to me now, and I skate it with much more emotion. I am looking forward to showcasing it at Nationals, along with the New (old) short program.
from Maria
Q. It's great that you are studying at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. How difficult has it been to juggle college classes, even one or two, with competitive skating?
A. It is certainly a challenge. I am not in class this semester, as I am focusing solely on Nationals. But I will continue to taking classes, as it is a good separation from my daily skating grind. I eventually would like to become a sports psychologist.
from Tiffany
Q. Over the past couple seasons, the American men have struggled with the quad. Are you planning to attempt the quad at Nationals?
A. We'll just have to wait and see. Do I need it to be on the World Team? Maybe, maybe not. I know there aren't any US Men who have done them on a consistent basis, so it would certainly be a bonus.