![Freshman Teryn Kim strikes a pose at the end of her routine for the 2024 SoCal Invitational Final where she placed first. “I really like [skating] because of the feeling of flying in the air and the excitement when you do well after a competition,” Kim said. “Skating across the ice, and then a cold wind on your face; it’s just a free feeling.”](https://portolapilot.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_0915-2-797x1200.jpg)
Freshman Teryn Kim’s blades scrape against the ice as she glides around the rink, her passion for figure skating shining through her routine.
Kim started skating when she was four years old and entered competitions when she was nine. Now, at 14 years old, Kim is making her mark on the figure skating world. She joined Team USA after an international competition in France and will compete in the U.S. National Championships in January, aiming for the Olympics in the future.
“I want to compete in more internationals and finish the competition this time,” Kim said, referring to her competition in France where the final part was canceled. “Getting harder jumps, like the ultra-C elements, is also a goal of mine.”
The National Championships will take place in Wichita, Kan., on Jan 20-26, where Kim hopes to advance to the World Junior Championships—a spot reserved for the top four skaters. To attain these goals, Kim trains six days a week before school and on Saturday, working on her spins, turns, the free skate and short program, according to Kim. Her training also includes dance practice for her routines and a separate hour of exercise off the ice every day. Additionally, Kim works on attaining faster speeds on the ice to improve jumps and spins, according to her coach, Christopher Pottenger.
“I could land jumps easily in practice, but then I have mental challenges during competition, and I’d fall or mess up on the jumps that I’ve been doing so easily,” Kim said. “It’s been getting better, though, and I’m still trying to perfect all the challenges that I have.”
Although trials and failures are inevitable, multiple people, including Kim’s fellow teammate Annika Chao and coach Pottenger, have recognized growth in the athlete. Pottenger said he noticed improvements in the way Kim approaches her challenges.
“[I’ve seen her] have more maturity in her mental and emotional approach to her training,” Pottenger said. “She’s more focused and driven on her goals and less likely to let her emotions stand in her way of progress.”
Kim’s most unforgettable moments during her figure skating journey include flawlessly executing a difficult routine during practice and landing her jumps with precision. Kim and Chao have a special bond of trust and support, as they often help each other through challenging situations.
“We always try to support each other in whatever way we can,” Chao said. “She’s like a little sister to me, so I can’t wait to see her become a fully trained, seasoned athlete. I think she’ll blossom into a really nice skater.”
