https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791 Made with a quick smile en-us 2021-02-15 17:26:43 UTC 2021-02-24 22:36:21 UTC hello@padlet.com sashadresbach https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1204368624 After wining two consecutive junior championships, I was invited to the senior nationals to compete for a spot on the world team. The night was electric and my nerves were high. I was competing against the best skaters in the country for the first time at this level. ]]> 2021-02-15 17:29:39 UTC https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1204368624 sashadresbach https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1204371073 To secure a spot on the world team, I would need to skate my best long and short programs on back to back days. Up to this point I was able to win without being flawless, but now the competition is stronger than I've ever seen before and will demand every ounce of emotion and persistent physical perfection. ]]> 2021-02-15 17:30:29 UTC https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1204371073 sashadresbach https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1204372229 As I entered the ice arena I had to overcome the feeling that Idid not belong with skaters of this caliber. My internal demons were at odds for what I was there to do. ]]> 2021-02-15 17:30:56 UTC https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1204372229 sashadresbach https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1204372940 The warmup was the first time I had been on the ice with the best skaters in the country. As we all practiced our short program in a dress rehearsal I could feel my heart pounding as the eyes were on me to perform. Could I deliver on my jumps?]]> 2021-02-15 17:31:12 UTC https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1204372940 sashadresbach https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1204373687 Short program - two minutes and fifty seconds of pure adrenaline. I had to control my skates on the ice and my body in the air, not knowing how I would land after every jump. As I recieve my scores I am in 4th place, strking distance for the podium.]]> 2021-02-15 17:31:29 UTC https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1204373687 sashadresbach https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1204379779 As my music ended and my final spin came to a stop, the crown errupted with cheers of delight and I was showered in flowers being thrown onto the ice. I could only hope the judges saw it the same way as the fans did. Waiting for my scores seemed to take an eternity, having to smile for the camera in my face minute after minute after minute waiting for my scores. Finally! Enough points to place second and make the team. A dream come true. ]]> 2021-02-15 17:33:43 UTC https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1204379779 sashadresbach https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1204380462 After receiving my scores I celebrated with my coach and family. I waved to the adoring crowd flashing a satisfied smile for all their support. ]]> 2021-02-15 17:33:59 UTC https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1204380462 sashadresbach https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1204381279 My goal was to make the world team. But now there is a whole new set of goals and a path that seems insermounable to get there. Making the team is no longer my goal, being crowned as one of the best in the world is now where my sites are. ]]> 2021-02-15 17:34:19 UTC https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1204381279 sashadresbach https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1204387557 The moment I have been working for is now here. I see the podium set out on the ice looking like a castle for champions. As I hear my name and recieve my medal, I see my proud parents and exhilerated coaches. I have made the world team. ]]> 2021-02-15 17:36:35 UTC https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1204387557 sashadresbach https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1220554435 Long program - four minutes and seven seconds, the longest four minutes of my life. I was in contention to make the podium and the national team, but I had to land every jump and nail all my other elements. As I performed I could feel everyone's eyes on me as the newcomer. ]]> 2021-02-19 22:07:07 UTC https://padlet.com/sashadresbach/xxe480eci83jz791/wish/1220554435