‘Turning heads’ Synchronized skaters are a special breed
by TESSA HEDGES, A MEMBER OF THE HAYDENETTES T
he other day I pulled out a videotape from the 2003 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships, and it struck me how much the sport has evolved. As a juvenile skater at my first U.S. Syn-
chronized Championships, I was astounded by the number of teams and skaters that I met from all around the country. I immediately no- ticed the difference in costumes, dialogs and habits of the other teams, and I couldn’t wait to tell my friends about what I saw on what seemed like the other side of the world. After multiple trips to the U.S. Synchro-
nized Championships and international com- petitions, I grew to know more skaters around the globe and started to notice our similarities rather than our differences. We all were enam- ored with synchronized skating and anxious to compete (often against one another). Ge- ography became less relevant as our eyes lit up when we were reunited with the girls who truly understood our passion and sacrifice. It was in these years that I began to un-
derstand my draw to the sport. I think a syn- chronized skater needs to experience both triumph and disappointment to truly appreci- ate the value of the team. The fire within my teammates uplifted every practice and every moment I spent on the ice. When a team accepts a mission together,
it guides your every action; it becomes nearly impossible to leave practice preoccupied with personal problems. Even if a goal or result is not attained, there is so much comfort in shar- ing that experience with the only people who truly understand your pain, possible regret and helplessness in the moment. Likewise, the moments of success and victory are exhilarat- ing. I believe that the pride you feel for team- mates in these moments is potentially more profound than having achieved the same suc- cess as an individual. The sport has evolved immensely, with
teams becoming increasingly focused on the development of skaters into superb athletes. To rise to the top of the discipline, skaters must be extremely well-rounded, with expe- rience in many facets of figure skating. We need stunning spirals for moves in the field, complex spins for the creative element and reliable upper body strength for lifts. Most importantly, this all needs to be accomplished while maintaining quick reflexes, precise mir- roring skills and a deep understanding of each teammate’s habits. In essence, synchronized skating com- bines the emotional and detailed connections between pairs and ice dance teams with the demanding elements of the singles discipline. Consequently, the top teams are composed of athletes who have mastered the complex dex- terity required to be a successful synchronized skater. Synchronized skaters are also unique in
that we have to embrace rapid change. Every top U.S. team has talented, devoted members, but the success of our sport lies in the ability of teams to come together despite the fear of new and challenging expectations each year. Earning respect as a separate discipline has not been an easy battle. Athleticism has contributed to the progression of synchronized skating, but I believe that our collective perseverance and bravery demanded that this new sport become one that spectators do not want to miss. As a member of the Haydenettes, I am
48 JANUARY 2015
fortunate to be part of the progression toward a more intricate, beautiful sport each and every year. Geography has not been a limita- tion for the Haydenettes. We hail from eight different states and Japan. Passion, drive and slight insanity are some of the many common links between my teammates and me. I am surrounded by people who have developed into extremely strong individuals, who tackle challenges gracefully on and off the ice. Our training has taught us how to achieve respect in all aspects of life. It has demanded that we be successful, but has also taught us how to rise above in the face of adversity. Our coach, Saga Krantz, reminds us to be confident but remain humble in everything we do. I have faith that this sport will push figure
skating to new heights as synchronized skat- ers continue to become outstanding, passion- ate athletes. With our sights set on Olympic participation, I hope that we can continue to turn heads and astound viewers enough to reach the true high point of athleticism.
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