Lake Superior Figure Skating Club adult figure skater, Dr. Jonathan Keuhl, competed at the ISU International Adult Figure Skating Competition in Oberstdorf, Germany, from May 15 to 20 and came home with a medal.
Dr. Keuhl earned a bronze in men’s Silver I & II Free Skate and placed 5th overall in men’s Silver I & II Artistic.
“Adult figure skating at a competitive level is challenging for many reasons," Dr. Keuhl said. "We are balancing careers, parenting, relationships, friendships, health issues, and caring for aging parents.
"We also sustain injuries that occur more easily and take longer to heal. Sometimes just stepping on the ice is a feat in itself.
"But the joy we feel while figure skating keeps us returning. The community of adult figure skaters, locally, provincially and for me, internationally provide love, support and friendship that allows me the confidence to compete."
The ISU International Adult Figure Skating Competition is biggest stage and brightest lights for adult figure skaters worldwide, the Lake Superior Figure Skating Club said in a news release.
"It’s as close to a World Championship that we have," Dr. Keuhl said.
"This is only my 5th year of figure skating lessons and my 2nd year competing. I enjoyed creating this program, and when I perform it I want the audience to see how much I love figure skating.
"Despite how hectic life was leading up to this competition, as I stepped onto that ice in Oberstdorf for my free skate, I felt confident in my training and from the competitive experience I had in Ontario this season, I put my heart out there regardless of my nerves.
"Most skaters, myself included, dream of that memorable skate where everything comes together, the audience is with you and you can feel the excitement in the arena and that is exactly what happened for me.
"The cheering from the crowd and their words of congratulations afterwards would have been enough but the bronze medal was an unexpected bonus.
"For all the love, support, tears and laughter, thank you to my family, friends, fellow skaters, my figure skating bestie Kim Campbell, LSFSC coaches Brittany Pelland and Kerry Bain, stand-in coach Jan Calnan, my physiotherapist Ashlyn Jewell, Skate Canada, the ISU organizers and the ISU representatives for Adult Skating.”
The Lake Superior Figure Skating Club board of directors said they were proud of Dr. Keuhl, and grateful for the club's talented and dedicated coaches.
