See How She Got Started in the OUA

Anchored in the efforts to spotlight Ontario University Athletics (OUA) student-athletes, the initiative See How She Got Started showcases and tells the story of how some of the conference’s talented student-athletes first got involved in sport and have made their way to the varsity stage on which they currently shine.  It is also hoped that their stories can inspire young athletes to aspire to compete in varsity-level sports.

 

 

Meet OUA Student-Athlete Victoria Gao

University - 

University of Waterloo

 

Sport -

Figure Skating

 

Year of Eligibility -

1st Year

 

Hometown - 

Toronto, Ontario 

 

Program of Study - 

Mathematics & Bachelor of Business Adminstration Double Degree 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I first got involved in figure skating when my parents chose to put me in a CanSkate Learn To Skate Program. 

 

What most interested you about your sport that made you want to pursue it at a high level?

What most interested me about figure skating was that there was an artistic side to the sport that made it interesting. The dresses and music all make it so fun too.  

 

Was there a specific moment/experience that led you to believe you could compete in your sport at a high level, and if so, what was it?

I think the specific moment or experience would have to be when I landed my double axel with only two days of training per week. I also medalled at my first competition out of lockdown and then again after only 2 weeks of regular training. 

 

What is your fondest memory/experience of being involved in your sport thus far?

My fondest memories include volunteering and coaching during CanSkate and medaling at Nationals with my synchronized skating team.

 

Is there someone who inspires you to continue to pursue your sport at this high level (i.e., coach, professional athlete, family member, etc.) and what makes them an inspiration to you?

The people who inspire the most include Nathan Chen, Karen Chen, my synchronized skating coach, and my brother. 

 

What excites you most about continuing your athletic journey at the varsity level within the OUA?

What excited me is that I can try new disciplines like fours freeskate and continue figure skating in general.  

 

 

What is/are some of the more unique aspect(s) of your sport that others may not know about? 

Figure skating is the second most flexibility demanding sport.  

 

If someone else was looking to start playing your sport, what one piece of advice would you give them to get them started?

To someone who was looking to start figure skating, I would recommend that you find a supportive coach and team to skate with. 

 

What is one critical thing that you do to try to continue to experience improvement within your sport (i.e., specific drill/exercise, training regimen, routine, etc.)?

The key areas I find important to focus on include stretching, off-ice jumps, visualization and strength and conditioning.  

 

What would you say to your 10-year-old self about playing and staying in sport?

I would tell my 10-year-old self to find balance with school and friends and other sports.    

 

Is there one strategy that you find works well for you in creating a positive student/athlete balance in your life?

For me, I try hard not to think about school during skating and not to think about skating during school. Focus on each one individually.  

 

SeeWhatSheCanDo

Head to the SWSCD Athlete Advisor, your online athletic business directory. Find, rate and review programs, local community offerings and businesses that will help you do your thing.  

Start a group around a physical activity in your neighbourhood. Explore events. Check out our SWSCD Hub.

Look for advice, stories, news and more on our Figure Skating activity page.  

Have a sport, recreation or physical activity accomplishment you'd like to celebrate and shout out through SWSCD?  Become a SWSCD member and share your story directly on SeeWhatSheCanDo. Or, simply add the hashtag #seewhatshecando to your public social media posts and SWSCD can help you inspire others around you.