top performers in the third edition of the S.T.A.R.S. (Standardized Testing of Athleti- cism to Recognize Skaters) Combine, which took place over the summer. Kalyan, who hails from Arkansas, cap-
tured the top spot in the 12-and-under girls division. She recently secured fi rst place in the juvenile division at the Midwestern Re- gional Championships and was second at the Midwestern Sectional Championships. Skaters took part in 19 combines across
the country. T e athletes ran, jumped, planked, pressed and fl exed in 15 sepa- rat e tests of agility, balance, coordination, strength, power and fl exibility. Each athlete’s scores were compared nationwide to their demographic group in several ways, including by age, gender and skating level. SKATING magazine caught up with
Pooja and asked her some questions about her skating and S.T.A.R.S. experience.
Q. Tell us a little bit about your skat-
ing. When did you start skating? Who are your coaches? What level are you competing at this year? What is your favorite thing to work on? What do you dislike most about skating? A. I started skating when I was 5, when my mom took me to the rec center to pick my sister up from swimming and she asked me if I wanted to swim. I said no. She then asked me if I wanted to try skating and I said yes, so she got me a coach. My coaches are Jennifer Kelly, Robin Aprea and Frank Car- roll. Scott Brown does my choreography. I am competing at juvenile level. My favorite thing to work on is jumps and spins and I like to compete. I don’t dislike anything about skating.
Q. T is is the second year you have
done well in S.T.A.R.S. Last year you were near the top for your age group and this year you are No. 1 for girls 12-and-under. What do you think is the secret to your athletic skills? Who is your off -ice trainer? What kinds of exercises do you like to do for your off -ice training? How do you keep going when you are tired or bored? A. I think that hard work pays off .
My off -ice trainer is Benoit Duboscq. I like doing core and endurance exercises. When I get tired I usually just take a break, and when I feel rested I get back to work. When I’m bored it’s usually when I feel like every- thing is done, so I stop working out for the day and rest.
40 DECEMBER 2012
Q. What did you like the most about
the STARS testing this year? What advice would you give to other young athletes who want to improve their athleticism? A. I liked everything about S.T.A.R.S. I like doing most of the jumping tests. I think hard work and eating healthy and staying focused will improve your athleticism, and also a lot of practice.
Q. Do you think off -ice training is im-
portant to your on-ice success? What advice would you give other athletes to avoid over- training? A. Yes. I would say if your legs or back
starts hurting then you should stop because that will cause injury.
Q. What is your secret training food? A. I eat a lot of salmon for protein, and bananas because it gives me potassium and energy.
Q. What are your hobbies and interests outside of skating? Do you have any siblings or pets? A. I play the violin and I take ballet.
I have one sister named Kalina, who is 14. I have three dogs named Bingo (golden re- triever), Sparkle (border collie) and Rockstar (shih tzu).