News Patrick Blackwell Looks Beyond the Jumps

[gsk8]

Patrick Blackwell looks beyond the jumps

Patrick Blackwell Looks Beyond the Jumps Patrick Blackwell spent much of last season changing the way he thought about figure skating. By the time he

www.goldenskate.com

Patrick Blackwell's biggest change over the past year hasn't been technical — it's been his mindset.

After a difficult 2025 U.S. Championships, Blackwell changed the way he approached competition, focusing more on skating skills, performance and seeing the program as a whole. That shift helped him win the 2026 U.S. junior men's title.

Now, he's preparing for the new season, beginning with JGP Xi'an and a transition to senior-level competition domestically. His goals include returning to Junior Worlds and landing three quads in competition by the end of the season.

What do you think?

• Do you think Blackwell's increased focus on skating skills and the complete program will help his transition to senior competition?

• What are you most interested to see from his new programs?

• What do you think will be the biggest factor in his development this season — quad consistency, skating skills, stamina or competition experience?

 

[dorispulaski]

I never know how any skater's journey will go; that's why it is fun to watch!

However, I like the path he is describing; and I hope he will succeed in becoming the kind of skater people will want to watch.

I rather like watching him already