At the 2008 U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships in Lake Placid, New York, I met Barbara Kelly of the Skating Club of Lake Placid. Barbara is 81-years-old, and epitomizes the spirit of the interpretive free skate competition. At Adult Nationals, skaters can compete in singles, pairs, ice dancing and interpretive free skate. Interpretive free skate does not emphasize jumps or spins but more the creative interpretation of the musical selection.
At the very first Adult Nationals, Barbara skated as the Turkey Lady and thus, set the standard for what the interpretive free skate was all about. This year, Barbara was the Ugly Duckling and came in second in her age category! Barbara is also the awards chairperson at the competition and was on hand for every awards ceremony. This is one busy lady and I can't wait to see her interpretive program for 2009. In the meantime, below is her silver medal-winning program:
Go Barbara!
Posted by: lp skater | August 29, 2008 at 11:22 AM
She's AMAZING - 81!?! She skates better than anyone I know.
Posted by: Lela | August 29, 2008 at 05:23 PM
Barbara Kelly is what makes adult skating so wonderful.
Coaches at the Lake Placid Adult competitions show the dedication and love of skating that they add to our sport.
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