Local skater Tracy Parker made an impressive showing at this year’s International Adult Figure Skating Competition held in Vancouver Aug. 29 to Sept. 2. Parker placed fifth out of 16 entries in the Free Skate Bronze III category, doing the Sunshine Coast, British Columbia and Canada proud.
“This was Parker’s first time competing in an international competition as it is usually only held in Oberstdorf, Germany,” said Lesleigh Farr, Parker’s professional coach.
“For the first time ever, the International Skating Union hosted a second competition this year in Canada. It was a commendable effort and amazing job by Parker, especially since there was no ice here on the Coast to practise from March until the competition in August. I was especially impressed by her sportsmanship and how she welcomed the other athletes to Canada.”
The competition attracted 264 skaters from 17 countries, ages 28 to 78. Skaters competed in Men’s and Women’s Free Skating, Pairs Free Skating, Ice Dance and Synchronized Skating, from bronze level to masters elite.
“I had no idea there was this world of adult competitive figure skating, and so when I saw the announcement for the Vancouver competition I knew I had to participate,” Parker said. “It was very exciting to attend the venue, meet so many skaters from around the world and then perform at such an event. I was pretty nervous not knowing what to expect, but now that I’ve done it once, I would like to do it again! It was a wonderful personal experience for me.”
Parker said she plans to compete in the adult international competition in Germany next spring.
