Outfitted in a circus-inspired costume with colourful frills, she spun and jumped her way to first place on ice.
Makayla Forrest, 11, brought home a gold medal for her routine at the Super Series Autumn Leaves figure skating competition that was held this year in Kamloops from Oct. 18 – 21.
Performing to a ‘Cirque de Soleil’ mixed soundtrack, she placed first in the Bronze Interpretive Group event where she competed against 11 other girls in her category.
“I’ve never won a gold medal before at a big competition like this, so it felt really good,” says Makayla.
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Although she’s been skating since she was three and is no stranger to competitions — this was her first time coming out on top at a provincial event. She says she only had a month to prepare it.
“(Interpretive is) something she’s always loved since she started – that’s probably what got her into skating,” says Jody Forrester, vice president of the Terrace Skating Club and Makayla’s mother.
“She always wanted to perform it and she likes trying different music… it’s a little bit more fun for the girls.”
Interpretive is a form of skating where the skater portrays a character or theme, often being evaluated on their strength of skill and speed. Choice of costume and music is also considered important, as it was originally conceptualized with its roots in creative dance.
For Makayla’s performance, she depicted a variety of circus performers, including a juggler and a tightrope walker. She says she enjoys adding the exaggerated facial expressions, which is generally not encouraged in other forms of skating.
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Two other members from the Terrace Skating Club, Camryn and Brianne Monsen, also competed.
As for the club itself, they’ll be hosting the Kla How Ya figure skating competition from Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 at the Sportsplex. It’s an event that brings together all the skating clubs across northwest B.C. and free for the public to attend.
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