There were seven of us competing in the Free Skate and I was the third skater to perform. It's a good position to be in because I still felt warmed up but then I skated early enough so that I could watch the rest of my competitors perform and cheer them on. I know a lot of people don't like to skate so early in their group but I really do enjoy watching the others perform. It's so fun to see how well they do! So, while the skater before me was performing her routine, I was breathing and doing my grounding exercises. When I was called out to the ice, I was relaxed and ready to do the thing. I was confident knowing that all of my jumps, spins, and footwork went well during my four minute warm up. My mind was healthy. Pretty much I just felt like "whatever happens will happen and there is nothing you can do now but just go out there and skate your routine."
Results! I got 2nd! Silver Medal!!! It was a HUGE surprise! I remember telling my husband before they posted the results that I would be happy with 5th because I honestly felt like that's what I deserved. These other women (and one man) were excellent skaters with lovely routines. We all skated well!
The Main Event - You can see in the video that, even while I was getting into position, I was doing my breathing. It really helped! What didn't help, however, was that they started my music before I was finished setting up my starting pose. RUDE! But, I was relaxed and didn't let it freak me out. I just went with it! What else could I do, right? My opening combo was the toe loop-loop but I didn't land with my free leg in front so I wasn't in a good position for the loop. Split second decision had me completing the combo with the only thing I could fit in there, another toe loop. Again, I didn't let it rattle me but once I got off the ice I started fretting because you can only repeat a jump once and only in combo. I had one too many toe loops!!! I figured that would be a sizable deduction. Alas. Everything else went as planned, even my twizzle that wasn't working the day before had made an appearance. The stag jump that I was so worried about was less like a broke down mule and more like a cute little pony (not entirely a majestic stag but I'll take it!). Nothing fell and I ended on time with the music. I was so relieved that it was finally over! You can see that relief on my face at the end. I could breathe now! The sit spin was squatty but it was centered and I didn't fall out of it. It was an okay program that I felt deserved an okay placement. I would have been happy with anything but was not going to poo poo the silver medal that they awarded me :)
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