Skating on Thin Ice: Diffusing Competitiveness in Figure-Skating Friendships

Abstract

In the cutthroat world of figure-skating, balancing competition and camaraderie can strain relationships. Three girls’ paths intersect at the US Figure Skating Championships, known as the Nationals. Natalie and Maria, long-time friends who met through figure skating, face a relationship threatened by an up and-coming brash skater, Mayako. And, relations are further strained as the trash talking migrates from the rink to social media. Natalie and Mayako have both been rumored to have been offered a sponsorship with a leading athletic gear manufacturer, but performances at the Nationals may determine the outcome. Will the heat of battle melt the icy relations created by scathing online posts?

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IceSktrUSA, the online forum frequented by competitive figure skaters and skating enthusiasts, was abuzz as the US Figure Skating Championships, known as the Nationals, were approaching. Natalie Clark, from her home in Des Moines, Iowa, nervously clicked through the pages of speculations and commentary from site visitors. At 17, she was blonde, petite, and considered the sweetheart of American figure skating. Despite this supposed affection, the online comments were brutal. Not affiliated with any official skating organization in the United States, IceSktrUSA was individually hosted and did not filter the posts for hateful messages or spam.

“Clarkie is why sk8ing is booooring . .”

“Why can’t that blonde skank skate in time to her music? Is she too dumb to count?”

“If she gains any more weight she’ll break the ice!!! Tubby = no sk8”

There were positive comments, too. But they were not enough to keep the tears from coming as Natalie felt the harsh words pile up. Don’t they know how hard I practice or what my diet is like? I haven’t had candy or soda in over a year! Natalie knew that if anyone would understand it was her best friend, Maria Rodriguez. Just two months older than Natalie, Maria was also a competitive figure skater. They had met years ago in regional competitions and training camps. Plus, they were both members of Team USA, those skaters selected to represent the United States in international athletic competitions. In fact, this year’s Nationals would determine if they would qualify for the US Winter Olympics Team. Natalie hit Maria’s name in her favorites list, and the phone beeped as the call connected. They were miles apart, as Maria lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado with her coach and his wife, but they found time to stay connected.