MORRISBURG – Making the Skate Ontario championships was the goal for local figure skater Kristyn VanHoof this season. It was a goal she accomplished twice, qualifying for two events in the annual championships this year.
VanHoof travelled to Port Colborne, on Lake Erie, March 17-19.
In her first competition, the Star 7 short program, VanHoof was one of 12 competitors from across the province, finishing 11th.
Her second event, the Star 8 long program saw VanHoof place 12th out of 18 competitors.
“They weren’t the performances I was hoping for but I was still happy with how I did,” VanHoof told The Leader. “After a shaky short program skate, my long went much better. It was my second best skate this season.”
This was VanHoof’s first time competing at the provincial level.
“As a coach being able to see your skater reach her goals is pretty incredible,” said coach Danielle Napier. “Watching Kristyn achieve not one but two personal best scores at Eastern Championships will forever be a coaching highlight for me. Standing beside her this weekend as she represented Eastern Ontario at Provincials was definitely a proud moment.”
When asked what she was most proud of from competing this year, VanHoof said representing her club, the Morrisburg and District Skating Club, and the Eastern Ontario region at the provincial championships.
“I am also proud of myself that I qualified in two events, which is a huge accomplishment for me,” she said.
VanHoof has set higher goals for herself next year: to achieve all her gold levels that year, and to earn a spot at the provincial championships again.
“It was a great experience knowing that I achieved my goal of skating at provincials, and to be one of the top skaters in Ontario.”
