Last week on social media, while watching the Novice level competitions during the 834 hours of figure skating coverage of the US Figure Skating National Championships, I commented that I had skating dresses older than some of those young athletes.
A total of 28* skaters, coaches, and parents perished yesterday in the crash of American Airlines Flight 5342. They were headed home after Development Camp, a special training space for those who have been earmarked as the future of our sport. It's a devastating loss of life for those so young, who were only looking to their future.
There will be a shadow over the 2025 Worlds and the 2030 Olympics for talent not realized.
I recognized some of the names listed on social media. Maybe I judged one of them during an intermediate skate. Or perhaps I watched them on Peacock during my lunch break last week. I know I saw several of the boys post tiktok videos after having landed triple axels for the first time while at the camp.
I used the above meme because I wasn't sure what to type; I'm still unsure I have it right, even now. Here's my not-so-super-secret to being an official: I love all the skaters on the ice, whether you are bringing me your Disney princesses, your interpretation of Squid Games, or making me see Firebird in a different light. It's why I do this in my free time, I like having the best seat in the house to witness you doing what you love.
Oh, you will be missed.
*Initial reports stated 14 were lost, but once families were notified and the missing confirmed, the number climbed; 28 of the 67 who died in the crash were associated with US Figure Skating. Memorials are slated the week of 2/4/25 at rinks across the country for those who were lost.
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