Kyla Kelley, a seventh grade student at Chief Kanim Middle School in Fall City, brought home a first-place medal from a figure skating competition this winter.

Kelley competed with the Cascade Valley Figure Skating Club during the WinterFest Basic Skills Competition and U.S. Figure Skating Exhibitions, held February 18 at the Castle Ice Arena in Renton.

She was awarded a first place in the Free Style 3 event.  She has been skating for eight years, since age 4, and has been competing with the club for three years.

Why do you skate?

“I skate because I’m determined to go as far as I can in my skating career. It makes me feel I’ve accomplished something special.”

What has helped you be successful?

“My coach Heather Van Hulle has helped me to continue to reach for my best.  Also my teammates, especially Ciara Maryanski, has pushed me and made skating fun.  My family has been a huge supporter in driving me to and from the rink several times each week and also competitions around the state on the weekends.”

What is club skating like for you?

“Club skating is a fun experience as well as meeting new friends at the rink. My challenges are learning new jumps and landing them. In addition, getting over having stage fright at competitions while performing in front of a large audience. I find the dancing, choreography, and spins come pretty naturally for me.”

Where do you hope to take this sport?

“My short-term goal is to land an axel perfectly.  My long term goal is to go to regionals and nationals and maybe the Olympics.”