COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The U.S. Figure Skating Championships being held in Columbus is not only huge for the city, but for the little boys and girls that dream of making it to that level one day.
NBC4 spoke with two sisters who ice skate; Amelia Yayla is 10 and Camila Yayla is 5. They may be young but they have some big goals, and getting to watch the competitors this weekend means everything to them.
NBC4 asked Amelia what got her into figure skating in the first place. She responded, “I always saw big skaters do their jump spins and I always wanted to go on ice. Then I started taking lessons as pre-lessons, and I decided I’m not leaving ice skating.”
Amelia started skating at 3 years old. Camila, however, began when she was 2 years old. For their mom, Zorah Yavaeva, watching them practice and get closer to their goal means so much to her.
“They love watching ice skaters,” said Yavaeva, “Discipline is another thing, right? Work hard, practice, practice, practice, practice.”
And when they practice, Amelia and Camila spend a lot of time on the ice. They practice six days a week on the ice and train five days a week off the ice.
Camila said her favorite part of ice skating is jumps.
“My favorite part about ice skating is the spins,” said Amelia. “Because spins are really beautiful. Jumps and elements are not beautiful, but spins for me, they’re like the core of ice skating.”
Her mom said she has seen incredible growth in both of them over the years and watching them compete brings her to tears every time.
“I was watching her (Camila) videos today from a year ago and it’s so different. The level is just different. And her (Amelia), the grace, the patience. She was a little bit impatient or [saying] ‘I can’t do it’ and she would get upset but now she’s kind of there and she’s like I’m going to try again.”
Those either watching or attending the Championships tomorrow night will see Amelia. Not as a competitor, but as a sweeper. She was selected to go on the ice after each turn and collect the toys, flowers and blankets thrown on ice.
Fans are allowed to throw those items as a way to show their appreciation for performers.
“I’m sure it’s going to get me a lot of progress on ice skating and it’s going to be just awesome. Really beautiful,” Amelia said.
NBC4 asked her what her plans for the future are and she said she wants to be an instructor, after she comes home with an Olympic gold medal.
For those considering getting into ice skating, Amelia has advice: “Basically practice, practice, practice and listen to your coach.”
The U.S. Figure Skating Championships go until Sunday, Jan. 28.
