FROM COMPLETE BEGINNER TO PREPARING FOR NATIONALS | 3 year figure skating progress!

My 3 year figure skating progress update! How I was able to progress in figure skating in 3 years after starting at 15. I'm currently on track to compete in my first national competition, excel nationals!
Subscribe to watch as I share my progress & my journey to nationals!
Questions about my skating journey or how to start your own? Feel free to leave a comment below or send me a DM!
Info on excel nationals:
www.usfigureskating.org/skate...
The Excel National Festival is an opportunity for skaters from Aspire through Senior level to participate and compete at a national event.
Watch my first 2 years of progress here! :
• I BECAME A COMPETITIVE...
This video goes over my entire first 2 years (and 4 months) of progress from my first steps on the ice to my very first competition!
MY SOCIALS:
tiktok: / sofiafigureskates
instagram: / sofiafigureskates
#figureskating #iceskating #figureskater #iceskater #skating #olympics #wintersports

[@a.parker7362]

I honestly don't understand the toxicity towards beginners, especially when most of it comes from people who don't even skate. How do they expect you to improve if they wanna be assholes about it? I'm glad you decided to persevere regardless. It clearly paid off when you got 1st place, and I feel it's only going to get better with how often you'll be competing. It shows a clear investment in this sport, and the dedication is so inspiring 💜

[@julijepp]

I see this in ballet as well! Its really mind boggling, not so much that people can come to these judgments, that's just their own insecurities and fears talking, nothing new, but the fact that people feel so confident to share things they'd never have the gall to say in person, and if they did say something like that in person, Sofia has two blades on her feet so they'd be quite silly to tempt her 😂

[@zvezdoblyat]

Lol those are the same people that will tell a fat person at the gym to "lose some weight!"

[@erikhorvath4297]

Because people like them are either the ones who are never ever tried anything which requires practicing, patience, and willpower, and determination, improving themselves day by day month by month

[@erikhorvath4297]

People like them think there are the talented people who doesn't have to work for anything to be successful..

[@marveltheories2535]

The wall for emotional support is so real! It’s just nice to know that it’s there 🤣

[@decemberflexibility]

Yep

[@LeeKnowsBunny]

Hey Sofia! Just some advice for when you’re becoming a higher skater (I believe you will since you have so much dedication!), it’s best to wear tight fitted sweaters (though they may not provide much warmth!). If you’re looking for something warm, try to wear something WITHOUT a hood! A hood can throw you off balance while rotating! (And it sucks :( sometimes loose sweaters can too. (The sides) That’s all! (I haven’t watched till the end yet while writing this btw, but hope you land your flip soon!!)

[@marianna12204]

i love watching you! i wish i could start figure skating too but since i’m battling anorexia, my doctor won’t let me do any sports anytime soon. i hope i’ll be healthy one day and be able to start. for now i’m watching you and i love experiencing your firsts with you! you seem so sweet and i always root for you! keep going girly, you’re such an inspiration 🩷

[@abboyaboya]

I wish you luck in recovery ❤ you can do it 😁

[@marianna12204]

@@abboyaboya thank youu🤍

[@im_a_yeti]

Good job girl, you made so much progress. It's definitely not easy to start figure skating at an older age. Wish you luck for the upcoming years 🫶🏻

[@sofiafigureskates]

Thank you so much!!

[@julijepp]

I needed some motivation for ballet today and I was so delighted to see you had posted, I found your 2 year progress video months ago and it honestly helped me so much to feel inspired to dedicate myself to my growth in my hobbies/disciplines and seeing this installment in your journey is so so much fun and uplifting, I'm so proud of you and inspired by you for your persistence and for your vulnerability in sharing your journey ❤⛸️❄

[@lunanee5881]

i started figure october last year and it's so inspiring to see your progress! i'm really looking forward to more uploads and good luck with your competitions! :D

[@sofiafigureskates]

yay thank u so much!!! ❤️❤️

[@Stella_d174]

I figure skate too and you are so right about it taking dedication. This video shows just how much you improved over the years and how dedicated you are. Good job Sofia!

[@almonddodson]

I love figure skating! This is a great compilation of your progress, it’s really helpful to a beginner like me. The camel spin is truly your move!

[@Graydarequestrian]

When I first started skating, I could not even move. But I have been now skating for around 6 months and I'm going into basic 4 now! You are such an inspiration to me

[@OtisPiela]

Your journey has helped me with my progress!! You are so resistant and you appreciate your skills - something I have been struggling with since I had switched to a higher level group lessons - I keep comparing myself with others... Thanks to you I understand that everyone has their own speed of progress and I am more patient with my skating. Thank you for showing your struggles, it is very inspiring :)

[@hannahmontana4401]

Your progression. is so inspiring to me because right now some of my things like my scratch spin are so bad but seeing your progress lets me know that I will improve over time. My goal for this year is get all my single jumps minus my axel

[@TheLittleMunchkinCrew]

Congrats on making it to Nationals!!!!!!! I hope I make it that far! Your doing so great!!!!!

[@sofiafigureskates]

tysm!! that’s the great thing abt the excel national festival, at the beginning levels anyone can go & have the opportunity to compete at a national event!!

[@AmeliaPwnd]

You're doing great! I'm starting my first class at almost 40 in a week and a half after only roller and inline skating. I'm so excited!

[@SleepyPinksheep]

You’re getting sooo good like your spins are getting so much faster❤️❤️

[@Readingisgoodforyou]

I absolutely love this video and I love seeing your progress!! You give me so much hope for myself and I really would love to see your competition content!!! 🩵🩵🩵🩵

[@blinkeu8849]

You're so amazing and a huge inspiration as someone who loves figure skating and wants to pursue it, tho there are no ice rinks in the place where i live...congratulations on making it to the nationals and i wish you all the best for the future! Its never too late to start figure skating, and even make it this far, just like you've said! thank you so much for everything, Sofia!! :)

[@lesly9905]

Girl you are one of my biggest inspiration! I also just started ice skating late but I found so much joy in it! Your progress gives me so much encouragement in my own skating journey 🎉 I hope you make more skating vlogs

[@Natalia11248pinkalicious]

Always love the message you all put out

[@lits-community6753]

IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS VID OMGGG CGS ON YOUR PROGRESS 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🤩🤩🤩

[@cyberqueen7784]

That is amazing! I've been back in figure skating after a 4 year hiatus for 4 months now, and I'm progressing a lot faster than expected through both the USFS and ISI tracks. Watching your videos last year motivated me to start looking into getting back in figure skating, so thank you! I hope I can make it to Nationals someday myself.

[@its_melody_duhh]

Omg I can’t believe I’m so early! Your such a big Inspo for me to start figure skating! Congratulations on making to it nationals!

[@tabithadehaan8405]

I really love the way you made this video ! ❤ good job :)

[@luvs4m_]

i’m so proud of your progress! i’m really hoping i can start figure skating soon :)

[@cakesbydharnael]

I almost cried watching this video. This is so inspirational; not just on skating but on how well you can do if you push yourself! Thank you! You’ve got a fan in me!

[@madalyntrezise2406]

You have improved so much in the last few years. Good job!!!!!

[@ElsaW10]

I can definitely see massive improvement over the 3 years, GREAT JOB!

[@cherylhom7965]

Your scratch spin is so beautiful!

[@Nessienez]

Pls yes, I love your shorts, but I would love to see more videos, competitions blogs sound AMAZING

[@kaytlinfrancis1148]

I remember I watched your 2 year progress video in January 2024 being so excited to start skating. I just got my salchow and wind up to 1 foot spin yesterday! Love your vids

[@paulasfigureskating5612]

Sofia, congratulations on your figure skating journey! 🙂

[@mauraaa2988]

YES PLEASE VLOG YOUR COMPETITION !!!

[@caylahcolonia]

Amazing progress 🤩 congrats

[@sofiafigureskates]

Thank you!!

[@EpsilonFreak604]

btw something that helped me have really strong legs and knees (and provided much needed confidence when edge nerves hit), was using grounded meditation with balancing exercises. Always being able to be calm and confident in jumps, and then to have the power behind my legs ready to go, it really helped me feel strong and fearless.

[@erikhorvath4297]

Hello Sofia, as you are doing perfoming arts, that is include lots of people around you when you are at a competition or any particular event cause as you improve you attract more and more people from time to time, i think it is crucial the more you are get used to the skating moves choreography etc.,the more you practice in a way imagining you are in the situation already in front of the audience, so in short the more professional you become the more you must strenghten your state of mind not just your skating skills. I have looked at your practice sessions and when you performed in front of audience, it felt like you don't dare expressing yourself completely yet when you perform compare to when you just practice cause in that case your moves seems elegant and completely free and the rotations seems faster too, i think now you are on the level that you could focus to those are elements too which i mentioned 😇❤️ Be more brave when you perform, and never give up❤️(that advice of mine "be more breave" should be used on me too because of my singing videos😅🤦😂🤷)

[@xhu9675]

Your dress SLAYED💙

[@Cal_Melodies]

I love your videos!! Your progress is amazing.( I hear you on your scratch spin to back spin! Do you have any tips?😅)

[@rhialexisss]

I started figure skating half way through the season in January-April 2022. I then skated half of the 22-23 season dues to medical problems. I am now on my first full season and I have all of my jumps and spins such as scratch, sit, camel, pancake and broken leg. I am incredibly happy with my progress because I’ve only been skating for 2 years. My favorite jump is my axel and my favorite spin is my combo of illusion/pancake/backspin. This is my first season of competitive skating and I have enjoyed it so much.

[@TCDOG-in3nb]

Gosh those haters, I think you're amazing at skating and I love your videos, so inspiring ❤

[@camiloapariciomartinez4617]

My name is sofia too and i am learning how to ice skate and spin in the ice!!!!!

[@superstiti0us]

I love (and also am so jealous with) how empty these rinks are!

[@ioana2739]

I started figure skating like 3 months ago and you inspire me so much!! I hope that one day I can do all that you have achieved! Do you have any tips on how not to get dizzy while spinning? I am getting dizzy so fast.. Maybe age lol, I'm 27, almost 28😂😂

[@maddy.doesart]

12:46 LMFAOO to whoever u are in the background idk you but trust me I feel u on a spiritual level 😭 Anyways girl I love your videos as always you are a huge inspiration to me too, I’ve been on and off with skatinf since I was about 14-ish, had to stop/continue/stop several times since for multiple reasons. But now I’m 19 and am super committed, u give me hope 🤌💕 also congratulations on graduating soon. Trust me it’s an amazing feeling. I’m a college freshman now. 😄😁

[@artyy7305]

HELPPP I DIDNT EVEN NOTICE THAT

[@TurissChin]

DBH music... i have goosebumps. Amazing

[@sofiafigureskates]

thank you!! it’s one of my fav games :)

[@AvrilCarrasco-gm7de]

You are such a good skater already js try to have a higher waltz bc that is the key to higher and better jumps (my opinion)

[@llifewlaney]

i’m soo lucky that my coach can judge skills up to star 5!! it makes it a lot less stressful😅

[@patriot-hj5vx]

What was your placing at nationals? Do you have your full routine? Id love to watch!

[@sofiafigureskates]

nationals is in July ❤️ i mentioned my national comp plans at the end of the video!

[@thunder6038]

you are doing great dont ever listn to your haters

[@Sunny_WCUE307]

Came here from TikTok😍

[@dianegregor6211]

What type of pants do you use for figure skating

[@cqwwryy]

do u do off ice training?

[@emilythomsonrincon]

The thing that baffles me is that I have all my single jumps besides axel (only just started working on axel, my first axel on the harness was two days ago on Memorial Day (Monday)) but I cant even do a sit spin at all. Can someone give me tips for sit spins? Like even though im not low i also just cant like spin in the sit spin position. Like even if my sit is super high for a sit spin I either like spin on my full blade and hit my heel or ill just go straight to the toe pick. Ive also like rocked back and forth from the rocker to toe pick and toe pick to rocker. And with getting low like when I get as low as i should be i cant hold it and just fall on my butt like i think im just too weak or something but please give me tips! I also need tips for backspin.

[@Speaknow1333]

I’m a beginner and I’m struggling with my 2 foot spin do you have any tips

[@Natalia11248pinkalicious]

I struggled with my 2 foot spin until my coach taught me the hockey glide into a two foot spin entry and when your pumping try having the foot that is moving be on a inside edge

[@Speaknow1333]

@@Natalia11248pinkalicious thank you

[@frenchy6806]

I’m still working on them but my coach said to try and start with your feet in the shape of a T and of course bring your arms togethor to practice speed, hope this helps!

[@Speaknow1333]

@@frenchy6806 thanks!

[@-asia-2522]

Throughout your figure skating journey how many competitions did u do?

[@sofiafigureskates]

i had my first one last year and my second one last month! im about to do 3 or 4 more this summer

[@blackhole7909]

How did u learn to skate so quickly

[@christiewong5102]

Falling is my biggest fear part..... Any suggestions or tips for my situation?

[@LeeKnowsBunny]

Same 😅! I just try to mentally prepare myself but that doesn’t always work. You can try wearing padding or also try to mentally prepare yourself 😂 (by saying, this is new, I’m still learning, etc.) Hope this helps!! ❤

[@frenchy6806]

Same, if your worried about a skill practice while holding the wall if you can then try away from the wall and if it a something like cross overs try while moving eventually, hope this helps!

[@Marthasrandom]

I’m only practicing once a week for 30 minutes 🥴 I tried getting a coach and didn’t really want to coach me. I genuinely don’t know what to do.

[@MEOWMEOW-fm1xg]

Does anyone have tips for crossovers both ways? I’m struggling with them 😅

[@frenchy6806]

Practice beside the wall first then start practicing next to the wall just in case then you can start trying to move a going faster while doing it, hope this helps!

[@hoiyauchan1815]

How much did you practice when you first started?

[@sofiafigureskates]

only once or twice a week!

[@hoiyauchan1815]

@@sofiafigureskates ok thanks 😊

[@hoiyauchan1815]

@@sofiafigureskates and when did you start taking skating seriously and practice more?

[@hoiyauchan1815]

@@sofiafigureskates oh and one more question when you first started learning did you learn in group sessions or private?

[@cyb3r_99.]

@@hoiyauchan1815it’s all in the video

[@dianalynnelizabeth780]

I was an elite competitive figure skater for fourteen years. I started at the age of seven and tested up to Junior level before knee injury made me have to end my career. I was about to take my senior moves and free skate test when this happened. I grew up and trained in the northeast of the country next to, with & by world and Olympic coaches and choreographers. I’m a transplant to SC and I’m curious where this rink is at. I looked it up on google and looks like maybe Raleigh NC? Im sorry but I don’t know how you qualify to do a “nationals” competition when you haven’t even reached intermediate yet. I do applaud your effort, it’s not easy to start skating at your age. Keep up the hard work and enjoy what you’re doing.

[@sofiafigureskates]

hi! I mentioned in the video how the national competition works. :) there’s national competitive opportunities for all levels of skating, not just higher levels! you can look up “excel nationals” or click the link in the description for more info about national opportunities for skaters of all levels!❤️

[@dianalynnelizabeth780]

This didn’t exist when I was skating. It obviously must have started after I retired. Wish they had this when I was competing. best of luck

[@Positivevibes.only7566]

I love your energy so much❤You have improved a lot in 3 years👏🏻 You inspire me to keep skating⛸️☀️keep going🫶

[@xhu9675]

Do you have a coach?

[@sofiafigureskates]

yes!

[@xhu9675]

@@sofiafigureskates nice 😁

[@plague2179]

its so ridiculous when people berate you for your skates, as if they know anything about you or your anatomy

[@SomeOrdinaryJoe]

Hello pookie

[@sofiafigureskates]

hi do u like my video

[@SomeOrdinaryJoe]

@@sofiafigureskates i love ur vido

[@ClaraSlens-il6vv]

YOUR TELLING ME IT TOOKED YOU 2 YEARS TO LEARN A SCRATCH SPIN IT TOOK ME 120 something DAYS

[@Leah-kims]

Ahhh i’m so happy for you!! I’ve been watching your videos for a long time now but I’m really worried about my own progress it feels really slow and im getting really frustrated. I started 6 months ago and im working on salchow, i can do one foot spins from a proper entry and stuff but theres people progressing way faster than me online and i dont feel like an actual figure skater. Do you have any advice? 🫶🏻

[@sofiafigureskates]

hiii & thank you so so much!!! ❤️ i get tons of mean comments about how my progress is “slow” or that I should be doing way more considering i’ve been skating for “so long” , but the truth is, every skater is different. so many factors go into how fast or slow a skater makes progress. some skaters may be able to go to the rink more than others. some may take more private lessons than others. some may do more off ice training. some may already have a background in dance / gymnastics / other sports which makes learning figure skating easier since they already have those muscles built up. some may not be able to afford extra lessons, or are busy balancing school/work outside of skating. i know skaters who have been skating for a year and are already working on doubles. i also know skaters who have been skating for twice as long as me and are still doing single jumps. the best thing to remember is that every skaters progress is unique. never compare your progress to someone else’s (easier said than done) , as long as you are doing better now than you were before, that’s all that matters!! there’s no right or wrong way to make progress❤️

[@DrawNCrochetAllDay]

Hiii 👋 I don't have advice regarding technique- but comparison is the thief of joy! I know that progress can seem like it's at a lull, but if you look really hard there are things getting better every time you skate. Don't worry about people online either because everybody progresses at a different rate and it doesn't make you any less of a figure skater!! As long as you love and participate in ice skating- you're a figure skater ❤❤❤ Be proud of how far you've come because honestly jumps at six months is super impressive- I'm three months in and can't even do crossovers yet haha so seriously, keep doing what you're doing!! Don't try to rush your learning, just focus on improving little bits each time and eventually you'll get where you want to be, I promise 🤞 sending you lots of love and luck on your figure skating journey 🥰🥰

[@Leah-kims]

@@sofiafigureskatesThank you so much, this helps a lot 🫶🏼💗

[@Leah-kims]

@@DrawNCrochetAllDaythank you! good luck to you as well!! 🫶🏼