The entry fee includes a DVD of each skater's entire flight, as well as 15 minutes of official practice ice. There will also be a pairs critique with international judges and specialists for those interested. And remember, if you're entering as a Pre-Juvenile-level skater or below, list your home rink on your entry form to take part in the team competition! Also this year, the competition will include test track events at the Pre-Preliminary and Preliminary levels.
I remember my first time competing at Mids. To me, it was a momentous occasion. For the first time in my skating career, I had a real chance of holding my own against some very seasoned competitors in my level. I'd been training hard all summer and I was ready to test out my new programs for the competitive season. It was also my first time ever visiting New York City from upstate New York where I lived, so I was doubly excited. Skating in the big city? Sky Rink was legendary! When I walked in the East Rink for the first time and saw that beautiful view, I knew it was going to be a great competition.
I remember skating a magically clean long program to get to finals, and a magically clean short program which vaulted me to 2nd place ahead of some very good skaters that I'd never previously been able to best. I was on cloud 9 the whole weekend. My final long program was pretty good, with a few minor bobbles though, and I ended up 5th overall. Even though I didn't win a medal, it was an experience to be proud of, for sure! And I picked up lots of valuable tips and advice from both officials and fellow competitors that I could take with me to better my chances for the upcoming competitive season.
For higher-level competitive skaters, Mids is a great opportunity to test out your new moves and programs before regionals, and to do so against skaters from a range of regions—skaters who enter Mids come from not just the North Atlantic region but also New England, South Atlantic, Midwestern and beyond. There isn't another non-qualifying competition out there that can promise that much every year! And for skaters at the lower levels, it's a great way to build up confidence and experience in a very fun and welcoming competitive environment.
Whether it's your first time or your 5th, whether you're a high-level competitor or a recreation skater, this year's Mids is bound to be a wonderful experience. Can't wait to see everyone at this year's competition. Sk8 Gr8!
Do you have a favorite Mids memory? Share it in the comments section!
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