45 www. ReadMPM. com | www. VOICE forRea l Es tate. com | www.MountPl easantBu i l der s . com skating since he loves teaching others and sharing his passion for the sport,” Minde said, adding that watching their son set and achieve new goals in figure skating has been an inspiration. feature Sam enjoys the freedom that he feels while on the ice with partner, Tallulah. Minde said she remembers exactly when Sam’s interest in figure skating began. “The “aha” moment happened while he was watching the 2018 Winter Olympics,” she recalled. “Sam realized what was possible with the sport when watching the Olympic figure skating competitions, particularly World Champion Nathan Chen’s athleticism and artistry. Sam wanted to skate as much as possible after that.” Sam, freshman and class president at Oceanside Collegiate Academy, shared that what he loves most about figure skating is “the freedom! In figure skating, you can really do your own thing. If you want to be competitive, you can, and if you want to perform without the pressure of being judged, that’s also an option.” Sam encourages other males to give it a try. “It’s way tougher than you think and definitely way more fun.” Minde echoed Sam’s encouragement for other young males and females to step onto the ice. “The sheer athleticism that it requires is often overlooked because good skaters make it look easy,” she explained. “Imagine doing ballet on a slippery surface with knives on your feet. It’s one of the toughest sports around.” Minde and her husband, Steve, supported Sam’s initial interest in a sport they themselves knew very little about, but they saw potential for their son in exploring. “Sam is a natural ambassador for figure 1072 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant (beside Post Office) www.hudsonsimport.com ASE Certified Mechanics VW • Audi • Volvo • Toyota • Lexus • Honda • Acura • Nissan • Infiniti 40 2020 ® WWW. BESTOFMP.COM travel with confidence Photo by Cra i g Trow.
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