I hope this thread is ok, as I’m not discussing competition. These are things I’ve learned in Greensboro (and before) that I wish I knew before I came to my first US Champs.
1. There is such a thing as Friends of Figure Skating and one can join and get a brunch ticket and meet and mingle with the athletes. It is well worth it. It also supports the athletes.
2. Don’t just go to practices. Figure out the best spot and most of the athletes are really nice and will sign autographs and chat briefly. In Greensboro this spot was at the left corner all the way down by the ice.
3. Look at everything you want to take. Divide it in half. (Except stuffies). Then divide in half again. You don’t need more than 2 pairs of sparkly shoes. You don’t need a sparkly dress unless you are going to a specific event.
4. For the love of all that’s holy, if you meet Nathan Chen, don’t scream “I’m dead” repeatedly at a volume even higher than I can scream. For the sake of those around you.
5. Be nice to people and answer their questions. You might get invited into a suite. Which are nowhere near as nice as the ones in Detroit (not in the same universe), but do have private bathrooms. One lady even carried a bunny down to the ice and threw it for me and she was sooooooo excited she got to throw it.
6. Be EXTRA nice to new fans. They are unicorns and we need them.
7. Don’t be embarrassed to use the wheelchair volunteers. This is what they are here for. Vow to rehab your knee when you get back and actually do it.
Feel free to add....
1. There is such a thing as Friends of Figure Skating and one can join and get a brunch ticket and meet and mingle with the athletes. It is well worth it. It also supports the athletes.
2. Don’t just go to practices. Figure out the best spot and most of the athletes are really nice and will sign autographs and chat briefly. In Greensboro this spot was at the left corner all the way down by the ice.
3. Look at everything you want to take. Divide it in half. (Except stuffies). Then divide in half again. You don’t need more than 2 pairs of sparkly shoes. You don’t need a sparkly dress unless you are going to a specific event.
4. For the love of all that’s holy, if you meet Nathan Chen, don’t scream “I’m dead” repeatedly at a volume even higher than I can scream. For the sake of those around you.
5. Be nice to people and answer their questions. You might get invited into a suite. Which are nowhere near as nice as the ones in Detroit (not in the same universe), but do have private bathrooms. One lady even carried a bunny down to the ice and threw it for me and she was sooooooo excited she got to throw it.
6. Be EXTRA nice to new fans. They are unicorns and we need them.
7. Don’t be embarrassed to use the wheelchair volunteers. This is what they are here for. Vow to rehab your knee when you get back and actually do it.
Feel free to add....