Olympian inspires young figure skaters to follow their dream

BY ANDY BLATCHFORD

The Chronicle

As six-time Canadian champion and former Olympian Jennifer Robinson settles into retirement from competitive figure skating, her appetite for a challenge is as striking as ever. Since stepping off the ice as an amateur in March 2004, Robinson furthered her professional career as a touring cast member of Stars on Ice. She also tried something she thought would be easy: coaching.

"I like it, but it's way harder," she told The Chronicle during an interview at the Beaconsfield Recreation Centre following a day of guest-coaching on Sept. 29. "The first time I spent a full day on my skates (as a coach) I had to soak my feet. You always think the grass is greener on the other side as an athlete . . . but coaching is the most challenging job I've had in my life."

The 29-year-old, who finished seventh at the Salt Lake City Olympics, said one of the toughest tasks when training young skaters is managing the diversity of personalities. As a coach, she helps her underlings learn through low self-confidence, shyness and a multitude of personal issues every day. But Robinson loves facing new tests. "It's cool, but hard," she said. "Oh wow, it's hard."

Accepting an invitation by the Beaconsfield Figure Skating Club, she spent the day coaching skaters aged six through 15.

"It's kind of surreal when you look and she's standing on our ice," said the club's past president, Noreen Lavallée. "I think it's good because it takes a star and brings her down to their level. They realize she's a real person."

When the 230-member club's head coach, Colleen Robson, contacted Robinson, she was excited about the chance to instruct the Beaconsfield skaters. "She's really challenging them," Robson said as she watched Robinson run a group of 10 girls through axle practice. "It's an exciting opportunity for them."

Robinson, a Barrie, Ont. resident, was impressed with her one-time class. "Great group, really great group," she said while untying her skates. "On top of them working on their skating, they're really good people. There wasn't one kid today that was disrespectful. They had great attentiveness and they had a lot of energy. They were willing to try what I asked."

Beaconsfield resident and six-year club member Andrea Roulet remembers watching Robinson compete on TV. "It was really exciting because you get to meet somebody you really look up to," the 13-year-old said after her class with Robinson. "I got to learn different techniques from somebody who has actually been there and done it.

"It was amazing to meet somebody who followed their dream."