my first worlds

​When I found out that Worlds was planned in Colorado Springs this year, I HAD TO GO. I passed on the opportunities to go in 2010 and 2013, but not this time! My mom and I embarked on Thursday afternoon from San Diego to Denver. We were traveling with other skate moms who have been to Worlds before, so it was nice to have people to chat with. We finally got to our hotel around midnight; I was so exhausted by that point.
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FRIDAY:
​Friday was the day of the Short program and I couldn’t WAIT to see Marigold’s short in person. That afternoon we headed to the Broadmoor to take the Team USA alumni photo. I was excited to come together to take a commemorative picture and reunite with teammates from the past, legendary skaters, and coaches who all once represented the USA 

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The opening ceremonies began once we took our seats. My seats weren’t the best. We were assigned to sit pretty high up. I usually like to sit petty close in order to see faces, but whatever (at least I was there). As expected, the skating was spectacular, especially in the two last groups. I was so proud of Team USA and their performances. Although there were some mistakes, both teams skated beautifully and confident.

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SATURDAY:
Michael and I were determined to find better seats (hehe). We ended up moving to the judges’ side next to the tech panel. WOW WHAT A DIFFERENCE. We were so glad we switched seats because watching the programs on the judges’ side to where you can see the skater’s expression made it a better experience. Oh boy the dramaaaa in the free program was intense (see my recap video with Michael for more)! From standing ovations, tears, and some disappointments, all the teams were amazing in their own unique way. 

Over all, my experience at Worlds this year was extremely positive. Retired for over a year now, it felt like home again stepping into the arena. Though I may not have skated, to be in that environment again was very emotional (#thefeels). Watching how much this sport has evolved in the past couple years makes me extremely hopeful for synchro to be added into the Olympics, as it deserves to be.