By Amy DeNicola-Hickman
In an exceptional display of skill and dedication, four young figure skaters from Greenwich have achieved remarkable success at the 2024 ISU World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships held in New Chattel, Switzerland. Emily Duarte, Ana Oloff, Danielle Kim, and Nancy Kessler, representing Team USA as a part of Skyliner’s Junior, secured a Bronze medal, showcasing the rising talent in this sport from the Greenwich area. On the first night of the competition, Skyliners performed their twisted firebird-themed short program, receiving a score of 70.93 points and a third-place finish. The next night they performed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” a crowd favorite 125.75 points with a combined score of 196.68. Competing at this level for these young ladies is a lifelong dream that requires strength, purpose and dedication.
The team, known as the Skyliners, is based in the New York metro area and consists of approximately 20 skaters, with Greenwich contributing four to this successful ensemble. This achievement is noteworthy as synchronized skating is not yet an Olympic sport, although hopes are high for its inclusion in future Olympic Games. Presently, it holds a prestigious position on the international skating stage.Skyliners Junior competed as a part of Team USA this season. They won the 2024 Lumiere Cup in Eindhoven, Netherlands and placed second at the 2024 Hevelius Cup in Gdansk Poland.
Skyliners Head Coach and Director of Synchronized Skating Josh Babb commented. “I am very proud of this group of skaters,” in a Syliner’s press release for Junior Worlds. “Their love of skating and dedication to the sport comes through in every performance and it is an amazing accomplishment to bring home the bronze medal for the United States.”
Their perseverance to the sport is evident in their progression through the US figure skating tests. Skater’s who participate at this level on a synchronized skating team have dedicated thousands of hours of practice across many years with no off season. This not only includes thousands of hours on the ice but strength training, dance, flexibility class and off ice practice with the team.
These young ladies have been tested by the United States Figure Skating Association across as many as three disciplines: skating skills, singles and dance. There are eight testing levels in each discipline. This individually ranks each girl as a United States Gold Medalist which is a major achievement in itself. All of this must be mastered to participate in auditions for a coveted spot on the team.
Synchronized skating is a highly competitive and demanding discipline. It requires skaters to perform intricate routines in unison, necessitating not only individual skill but also a deep sense of teamwork and coordination. Skills in singles skating such as jumps, spins and difficult turns, dance and pairs with lifts and pair spins are all combined in these routines.
“From pep talks in the locker room before going onto the national /international stage, to line dancing together every Friday night, being a part of Skyliner Junior Team USA has been an honor. Though we may have faced challenges throughout the season, our team’s common goal never failed to shine through as we put our sweat and tears into showing our true capabilities. Our team has a saying; “Pressure is Privilege ” which represents how we felt about the opportunities at hand to represent the United States in the World’s Championship. This has been an amazing experience and a memory that we will always carry with each other.” Danielle Kim, Greenwich High School Student.
The synchronized skating community continues to apply to the Olympic Committee to join their fellow skaters as an Olympic discipline. These young ladies are primed to join that first team.
