9/12/2007

When I heard that I was invited to attend Champs Camp I was elated. I realized that I was going to be sitting in a room with some of the world's top skaters. When I arrived at the Olympic Training Center I checked in at the front desk, and was given my room key. I was stunned when I opened the door and realized I would be boarding with Bebe Liang. We had to meet up with everyone and take a team picture - I couldn't believe that Evan Lysacek was literally 5 feet away! After we finished with the pictures, everyone trekked off to the OTC conference room where we listened to lectures by John Nicks, Kathy Casey, and other notable skating coaches. By the end of the day everyone was exhausted and we went straight to bed.

The next day I woke up and ate a yummy breakfast in the cafeteria. The Brazilian soccer team and our American basketball team were also there. The second day's lectures were focused on nutrition, competition preparation, and the new judging system. We learned about some of the new programs within USFS in which they are doing everything they can to help prepare us for international competition.

At the Liberty competition in July, we met with the callers and judges from Team USA. Their job was to point out mistakes I needed to watch out for. I liked this critique because the whole situation was very relaxed and even though these were important callers you were talking to, you knew they were really there trying to help you. Kathy Casey and Lorrie Parker gave me great input and had me laughing with their funny jokes.

This season I feel well prepared and confident for my first Senior Grand Prix...Skate Canada!


Ashley Wagner

For the full story, please see the August/September 2007 issue of Skating magazine, page 27.

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