SynchroNice / Fourth Edition / 2019

WHAT ABOUT YOUR ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES? Currently I work part-time as a research technician in an ancient DNA lab and am working on my Masters’ in Evolutionary Anthropology at the University of Vienna. Once I finish my Master’s, the goal is to complete my PhD and continue doing research. I’m particularly inte­ rested in human genomics and bioinformatics so that could lead me either into sticking with ancient DNA or into the medical research field. Honestly, my mind is insatiably curious so I would be content in either field. And you never know where life takes you! IF NOT SYNCHRO SKATING…. WHAT ELSE DO YOU ENJOY DOING? In my spare time I love spending time outside, so in the off-season I go hiking often. I’ve also gotten into rock climbing and bouldering these past few years. I also picked up ballroom dancing and competed in that all through college. One of my more recent obsessions is calligraphy (both classic and brush-let­ tering); I find it to so relaxing! I think there is certainly an overarching theme of control and discipline in all my hobbies outside of skating. Oh yeah, and I actually only just went skiing for the first time two years ago (and haven’t been since). I finally get why it’s so popular! The view from up on the mountain is breathtaking and it’s exhilarating to race down the slope. WHAT COMPETITION IS YOUR FAVORITE AND WHY IS THAT? I love the Mozart Cup (OK, I may be a bit biased given it’s hosted at our home rink!) because the level and diversity of international teams is always so high. It always takes place at about the start of the internati­ onal competition season so it’s basically a sneak peek for the World Championship. It’s great to check in with other teams at the midpoint of the training season and provides an opportunity to re-evaluate your own per­ sonal season goals. It certainly helps that Salzburg is absolutely beautiful and there are always some familiar faces in the audience too! Nothing can top the World Championships though. The feeling in the arena as the top teams battle out the top spots on the podium is electric! The drive and passion I spendmost Friday through Sunday away fromhome to train with the team in Salzburg so I am so thankful for his understanding and supportive nature. He keeps me grounded. BUT IN RETURN THERE ARE THE POSITIVE ASPECTS, YOU EXPERIENCE BEING MEMBER OF A NATIONAL TEAM. WHAT DID IT DO FOR YOU? I started Synchro at a very young age and I have had the opportunity to skate on many different levels of teams from different coun­ tries, from preliminary to senior, local to international. The journey is undoubtedly one of the most defining experiences of my life. My nature is to be a bit of a free spirit and allowing life to take me wherever the wind blows. I think Synchro has instilled a strong sense of focus, discipline and ambition in me that has helped me successfully pursue my interests academically and professionally and made me a more well-rounded, balanced person overall. It’s taught me resilience and to learn and grow from your failures, both individually and as a team. Never underestimate a team with a common goal; when you work together as a team, even the most unimaginable goals can become a reality! HOW ABOUT YOUR PRACTICES? Generally, Sweet Mozart trains together Friday evening through Sunday morning. We are limited in how much we can practice as the team is scattered across Austria and even Germany, with some of us travelling almost four hours to practice each weekend. We all have additional responsibilities such as jobs and school that make it hard to come together during the week. Still we share workout goals and motivate each other during the week in our WhatsApp group. Technology is a wonderful thing! I also practice on the ice 2-3 hours at least once a week by myself to brush up on skills and steps. I have a lot on my plate outside of skating, so it isn’t nearly as much as I used to train, but sometimes being a responsible adult means setting priorities for yourself, even if it means sacrificing ice time. It’s certainly hard and I relish the days when I can get into work a bit later and going to skate first thing in the morning. SYNCHRO NICE 157