Figure Skaters Are Role Models ON and OFF the Ice

Last summer, I asked a very famous figure skater about what she thought about the arrest of Nicole Bobek. (Nicole Bobek was the 1995 U.S. Ladies Figure Skating Champion.) She told me that it was so very sad, but also mentioned that she and most figure skaters should know that what goes on in their lives is on display. She said, "When things go well, no one says anything, but when something goes wrong, everyone notices."

This got me thinking that figure skaters should realize that what they say or do may be noticed by someone else. Every person involved with figure skating should keep in mind that he or she may be someone's role model ON and OFF the ice.

This also means that what you do on the internet is also on display. If you take part in figure skating forums or social networking sites, keep in mind that what you do or say online is public. Also, be up front about who you are. Do not pretend to be someone else. Be honest about what you have accomplished in life and in skating.

Happy Skating!

Further Reading:

• How to Become a Figure Skater
• Proper Behavior for a Skating Parent

_{Figure Skaters Are Role Models ON and OFF the Ice - Photo by Comstock/Getty Images}