Post by Admin on Dec 25, 2019 21:49:37 GMT
A 10-year-old ice-skater from New Hyde Park has earned the rare distinction of being a U.S. Figure Skating gold medalist. The Metropolitan Figure Skating Club announced this month that Katie Krafchik was one of two girls who passed their senior moves test Dec. 5 to earn the honor.
"The Met Club is so proud of their hard work and dedication to the sport," the organization said. "We congratulate Ashlee, Katie, their families and coaches on this outstanding achievement!"
The skills test structure is the backbone of U.S. Figure Skating, according to the organization. Judges evaluate skaters' moves in the field, free skating, pairs and ice dancing. The tests become more difficult the further a skater progresses. The highest achievement in each discipline is passing the senior, or "gold," test. When a skater passes a gold test, he or she earns the designation of U.S. Figure Skating gold medalist, which takes years of hard work and commitment. Just 3 percent of the roughly 40,000 annual completed test levels are at the gold level.
Katie will receive a congratulatory letter from the national organization's president, a gold certificate and a gold lapel pin to commemorate her accomplishment She'll also become eligible to buy a gold test medal and the U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist jacket.
"It is also an accomplishment that goes on the skater's permanent U.S. Figure Skating record, and can be used on a resume or college application," the national organization said.
In November, Katie won a bronze medal at the 2020 Eastern Sectional Singles Final in Hyannis, Massachusetts. She achieved a personal best at the event.
Katie plans to attend the Nationals Camp next month, The Island Now reported. Her coach Igor Krokavec told the outlet she has "all the ingredients to make a champion," including a "desire to be great."
"From the very first lesson, I saw she was unique, she had something special in her," Krokavec said.
"I have seen talented skaters who did not have that fire," he said.
"We noticed her drive almost immediately. She would practice on her own for hours, watching older skaters and trying to master their moves," Krafchik explained.
"The Met Club is so proud of their hard work and dedication to the sport," the organization said. "We congratulate Ashlee, Katie, their families and coaches on this outstanding achievement!"
The skills test structure is the backbone of U.S. Figure Skating, according to the organization. Judges evaluate skaters' moves in the field, free skating, pairs and ice dancing. The tests become more difficult the further a skater progresses. The highest achievement in each discipline is passing the senior, or "gold," test. When a skater passes a gold test, he or she earns the designation of U.S. Figure Skating gold medalist, which takes years of hard work and commitment. Just 3 percent of the roughly 40,000 annual completed test levels are at the gold level.
Katie will receive a congratulatory letter from the national organization's president, a gold certificate and a gold lapel pin to commemorate her accomplishment She'll also become eligible to buy a gold test medal and the U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist jacket.
"It is also an accomplishment that goes on the skater's permanent U.S. Figure Skating record, and can be used on a resume or college application," the national organization said.
In November, Katie won a bronze medal at the 2020 Eastern Sectional Singles Final in Hyannis, Massachusetts. She achieved a personal best at the event.
Katie plans to attend the Nationals Camp next month, The Island Now reported. Her coach Igor Krokavec told the outlet she has "all the ingredients to make a champion," including a "desire to be great."
"From the very first lesson, I saw she was unique, she had something special in her," Krokavec said.
"I have seen talented skaters who did not have that fire," he said.
"We noticed her drive almost immediately. She would practice on her own for hours, watching older skaters and trying to master their moves," Krafchik explained.
