By Ocean Francoeur
Special to The Record
Well-known local figure skater Sarah-Maude Blanchard did not only win first place at the Quebec Summer Championships, she also beat her personal best for her long program, bringing her one step closer to her ultimate goal: the Olympics. Last weekend Blanchard skated against some of the country’s best figure skaters. With two junior teams, each composed of over 30 opponents, she still managed to maintain her winning streak in the singles Junior competition and make her town proud. “The biggest stress was getting past the short program. Once I did well there, I knew I was good for the long program,” said 17-year-old athlete. “And I was, because I beat personal best. I earned 97 points.” Blanchard competed in the short program last Friday. Like the name suggests, it is a shorter routine that must include 3 jumps. The very next day she did the long program, which entails a completely different routine with seven jumps. Luckily, air time is her specialty. See full story in the Friday, August 17 edition of The Record.
