U.S. Figure Skating - Adult Skating Committee

After personally experiencing several hard years, Lisa started skating at age 58. "My daughter came home from her fist semester at college and told me I needed to get off the couch, that her skating coach teaches an adult skating class, and I should sign up and try it. I did, and I loved it. I now skate 2-4 times/week. It has been great for my health, and I have met so many positive people. The adult community is very supportive of all skating levels. While I'm a fearful skater, I've learned to conquer some of my fear, but it is a never ending struggle. My first competition, my coach had to physically encourage me out on the ice. At the ISI show, I skated to Toby Keith's, 'Don't Let the Old Man In.' The old man in this song is God, coming to take you home. Now, I am constantly learning and inspired by others. I am motivated by coffee�. I get to have coffee when I do something well. I have learned to love skating. When I started I was afraid of everything; now, before I get on the ice, I touch the boards and tell myself I will be safe, strong, balanced, and brave."

Kate has been skating for 4 years. "Not only have I found an incredibly welcoming and supportive community (shoutout to FSC Minneapolis!), I'm also a coach. I'm grateful that I get to share my love for the sport, and it's so amazing to see skaters get just as excited about skating as me! On the skating side, my strength is my toe loop; on the coaching side, I'd say it's my ability to come up with silly and unique ways to explain skills. As a skater, I think one of the most important things you can do is to help create a welcoming community. Figure skating is for everyone, and I truly love getting to know other skaters and make them feel like they belong. Everyone has different goals and different reasons they love skating, but what makes it more amazing is sharing that joy with each other."

Further information here:

https://dscclub.com/events/dsc-adult-skating-summerfest

Congratulations to the US skaters on a job well done! Several US skaters stood on the podium. Bravo!

Complete event results here:

http://www.deu-event.de/results/adult2026/

Since resuming skating from early childhood, Marty has been on ice for 5 years. "I wish I hadn't quit skating when was I was a kid and look lessons from the great Ruby Maxson at The Broadmoor. I've always loved figure skating since watching the Winter Olympics as a child back in the 1960s. It's my preferred way to keep fit and healthy. In 2025, I was diagnosed with generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG), a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause mild to severe fatigue. I experienced that fatigue last year at the Adult Championships, in-between my two showcase events, and again recently at the Omaha Winterfest competition. Rest breaks and naps are not optional for me. I've hit some plateaus but never want to stop learning new skills and improving my skating."

The 2026 ISU International Adult Figure Skating Competition began today. Here is the team picture. Two USA skaters were featured on this year’s promotional banner! Ben Daidone and Dranae Jones! Wishing you all the best from your fellow USA skaters back home!

Good luck to all the USA skaters set to compete in Obertsdorf! Skate Great!

Event info including scheduling, live streaming details and results will be available on the Sportity app. The Sportity password for the 2026 event is Skate26Obi. The app is available in the Apple and Google play stores.

Link to survey:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemlZmpHUsBn1bjvH1-bECGxlBrew0vRI8Vt9CY7AQ9hBBp6Q/viewform

When Charnell tragically lost his sister in 2008, tiny 2.5 month old Kiara transitioned from being his niece to his daughter. Charnell says simply, "Sometimes the most beautiful gifts come in the ugliest of wrappings." Charnell has been on ice for 35 years and skates at the Masters Junior/Senior level. "As a skater, I like to work towards a goal, and achieving success feels good. I enjoy providing an enjoyable moment with my skating. I like to skate smarter, have fun, and not feel like I'm skating harder. In the next year, I hope to get into better shape to create a Gold Free Skate program for me to test and to pick up with a few more Adult Championships appearances. Initially, it was never the plan for Kiara to follow in my skating footsteps. I was coaching, so being at the rink was always where we were. She tried it, enjoyed it, and progressed. I never expected to coach her, but watching her on the ice is always a joy for me as her father and coach."

Kiara has been skating for 15 years and is at the Senior Ladies Excel level. "As a skater, I am determined and always willing to put in the work to improve my skills and reach my goals. I am also expressive on the ice, using my performance to show emotion and connect with the program. I stay resilient and don't give up, even when skills or tests become challenging. I like the sense of freedom I feel on the ice and the rewarding feeling of finally landing something I've been working hard on, along with the supportive community around me. In the next year, I hope to pass my Gold Free Skate test and continue building my confidence in my overall performance as a skater."

Charnell adds, "Both of us passing the Gold Skills almost simultaneously is truly a monumental achievement that was never planned. The original idea was to take the test the same day just to say we did. But to have passed in the same year with the idea of 'Let's see what happens' feels good. The hard work and dedication has paid off, and I have several members of the skating community to thank for their support and positive influence on Kiara's and my skating achievements."

Join here:

https://teams.live.com/meet/9356445140328?p=JaYFZwHXChA7NbpHOe