I’ want to start by wishing everyone competing at the World Championships in Japan and the Provincial Championships in Stratford good luck this week!

My 2022-2023 season did not begin as planned. I entered two summer competitions in Waterloo and Montreal. The new long program was not ready. I came home and took some time off to regroup.

I was eager to get back on the ice three days into my break; I felt rested and determined, and I knew what I needed to do, so it began.

If I wanted to feel ready for my next competitions, I knew I had to start training clean run-throughs to be in control.

The highlight of my season was my win at the 2023 Canadian Challenge Championships. Heading into this competition, I felt ready and determined to skate my best and to skate how I had been training at home.  When it came time for me to compete, I was confident and focused.

This victory only boosted my confidence and motivation for the next competition, the National Championships. Arriving at Nationals was definitely an eye-opener.

The Oshawa venue was a grand sporting arena. The windows were closed, there were sponsor signs on the walls, a large stage for the judges, and a well-appointed kiss and cry area, not to mention the TV lights and interview requests.

I was stunned and immediately nerve-wrecked.

I started my two practices a day and was not quite feeling myself. This was a very different setup than where we train on a daily basis. Fortunately, I had some people I could talk to about what I was going through, and they gave me helpful advice.

On the morning of my short program, I was ready to go and felt completely in command of the situation.

To warm up, I went to the ice, where I discovered that my friends and family were sitting. This always gives me confidence.

My jumps felt great, and I felt like I owned them again. I had the confidence that I would have a successful competition.

Placing third heading into the long can be stressful because you are a medal contender and don’t want to lose it, but with the trust I had in my training, I was able to stay calm and collected.

I placed third overall and was extremely happy with the outcome of my week and how everything turned out. The result was just a bonus.

Wherever you are in your skating career, being happy with how your competition worked out is what I wish for you too!

Regards,

Fiona

#SkateOntarioProud

Newmarket figure skater Fiona Bombardier, is carving out a skating journey of her own. She is following in the steps of her champion parents, though it is legacy she found out existed from others. We are thrilled to have Fiona as our Skater in Residence.