Letter to Nationals Competitors from Olympic silver medallist Elizabeth Manley

By: Skate Ontario Staff

In Ontario, we are lucky to be able to count a number of skating legends among the members of the Skate Ontario family. When asked if she would like to write an open letter to the skaters headed to Nationals in Saint John, New Brunswick this week, Olympic silver medallist Elizabeth Manley offered an enthusiastic “yes!”.

What follows is a letter to you skaters, who have worked so hard to make it to the national stage. Congratulations to all of you on this amazing accomplishment – we are #SkateOntarioProud!

Dear Skaters,

When I was young and made it to my first Nationals, I remember the feeling of “Wow I did it”. It was like I made the Worlds!!! I was so excited and more so because I was going to be at the same event as my heroes in skating and having the opportunity to not only skate at the same event as them but to see them compete in person. My thinking at my first Nationals was, just do what I do every day in practice. Do my best to not make it more then just another event. THIS IS TOUGH!!!!

This is Nationals; who am I kidding?!?!?!

 I did simulations prior to prepare and when the time came, I felt prepared to give it my best. It’s so rewarding to compete at your first Nationals because it gives a feeling that all the hard work pays off. I was Junior my first Nationals and won a bronze medal. So exciting and this was the true start to my dreams competing for our country one day. I was surprised when I arrived that I did not become too star struck and nervous. Keeping your nerves and butterflies in check is the secret to doing well at Nationals!!

You got this!

Liz

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