On July 12 2011 I had the honor and privilege of judging an absolutely magnificent Senior FS test performed by Shelby Sylvester of Michigan's Mt Clemens FSC. Shelby is pictured here with her long-time coach Mindi Swallow
Passing the Senior Freeskating test and the 15 tests that must precede it is a tremendously difficult task that requires years and years of dedicated work, and a great deal of skill. Only a small percentage of skaters can claim this great prize, and very few among the general public can claim any other accomplishment of comparable effort.
One of the great thrills I get as a judge is having the chance to meet young skaters and watch them as they grow from tiny little ones with sometimes more enthusiasm than skill, to mature skilled skaters and young adults. I've had the pleasure of watching Shelby from her very first test all the way to today's spectacular capstone. Her performance today was truly a model for what every Senior FS should look like.
Congratulations to Shelby on this special day !!!!