Amirah Azhari ’17 gives the details on her life as a competitive figure skater and her journey to the top.
How did you start skating and when?
The first time I skated was when my family and I were visiting the mall and saw the ice rink, and I wanted to try it out. When I started taking lessons when I was 5 years old, and I was given a choice to either do gymnastics or figure skating, and chose skating. I wanted to start skating after seeing a group lesson full of advanced skaters and thought how amazing it looked.
Why do you like skating?
I love figure skating because, I can have the feeling of defying gravity when I jump, and I love how easily I am able to glide across the ice.
Are you interested in pursuing skating as a career?
I would love to pursue a career in figure skating, especially as a competitive athlete.
What competitions have you participated in? Where did you place?
I have competed in Malaysian Nationals, ISU World Development Trophies and Junior Grand Prixes. My highest placing would be in Malaysia, where I placed first, and my second highest would be in an ISU World Development Competition in the Philippines, where I placed fourth.
How much time do you devote to skating?
I usually spend about 20-24 hours a week skating.
How has skating impacted your life?
I think skating has impacted a lot of good moments on my life, like experiencing different cultures. But, there are downsides to it, like being unable to spend time with my school friends.
What does skating mean to you?
Skating means everything to me, because if I hadn’t taken that step to having it become my sport, my entire life would be so different.
What inspires you to keep skating?
[I keep skating] to be able to be the first Malaysian to represent Malaysia in the 2018 Olympics, and to inspire others to skate.
What opportunities/skills have been presented to you because of skating?
Some of the opportunities I have been able to experience would be travelling all over the world and making new friends. I think I’m very fortunate to be able to travel and train in different places.
Do you have advice for fellow skaters?
You are never too old to set a goal or dream a new dream, so don’t ever give up. Don’t give up your dreams and keep working towards it.
Are you interested in going to bigger competitions/the Olympics?
Yes! My dream is to compete in the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Compiled by Olivia Read and Simran Sarin
Photos provided by Amirah Azhari and Azida Photography
