When figure skater Mitchell Dunn took to the ice in Quesnel on Dec. 1, it wasn’t just to practise.
With cameras rolling inside the West Fraser Centre, the Grade 10 student performed both a short and long program to submit for judging at a virtual competition.
“It was a lot more relaxing, I think,” he said after the video had been submitted. “I was in my own rink that I practise in, but I also didn’t have the adrenaline I usually do because it didn’t feel like a competition as much.”
The competition was set to go in Burnaby and Kelowna before new COVID-19 restrictions made travel nearly impossible.
READ MORE: Quesnel skating jumps back on the ice
Dunn said he wasn’t sure when he’d get results back, but he expects to set a new personal best.
“I think I did the best I’ve ever done,” he said. “I think a good chunk of it was because I was in my own rink, relaxed and not worrying that much … I find that even if I win, if I didn’t improve, it’s not a good feeling.”
That personal best is despite just missing on his toughest jump of both programs, a double axel.
“For my hardest jump, I fell on both the solo, but the alternative — even landing it would have given me less points,” he said. “If I can get it sometimes, I should put it in my solos. If I get it, it would be really good.”
Despite not being able to see any judges, Dunn tried to present the elements in his programs as best he could.
“I imagined the judges were where the camera was, so I would present to the camera.” he said. “I always do my moves trying to present to the judges.”
Dunn got assistance from his coach, Carly Dinicol, who called Sharon Chow out of retirement to film. Another club coach, Beverly Smetaniuk, provided sound and music.
“Most competitive figure skaters either live in the Lower Mainland or Kelowna, so Mitchell would have been one of the few athletes impacted,” Dinicol said. “With the travel restrictions, we really had no idea what the section was going to come up with. I was thinking the whole competition would be cancelled or postponed … I’m so relieved that Mitchell is able to compete in spite of COVID and in a safe environment.”
The winner of the event is automatically qualified into the national-level Skate Canada Challenge. While Dunn doesn’t think he’ll take top spot at this event, he’s hoping to qualify for the challenge at other events when COVID-19 allows for easier competition.
READ MORE: Quesnel figure skater headed to B.C. Winter Games
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: cassidy.dankochik@quesnelobserver.com
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