Barbara Murry Began Figure Skating Lessons at Age 62:
Barbara Murry began figure skating lessons when she was 62 years old. At 69, she began working on the
Axel jump. She hopes that she can master the Axel and double jumps. She believes that age should not discourage anyone from experiencing the joy of figure skating.
About Barbara Murry:
Barbara is retired and lives with her husband, Bill, on the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Maryland. The couple has three grown sons and four grandchildren. She is the only skater in her family. Before retiring, she worked as an academic and career counselor at several universities including the University of Maryland and the University of Chicago.
How Barbara Began Figure Skating:
In 2001, at the age of 62, while Barbara was working at the University of Chicago, the school built an outdoor ice rink right outside of her office window. Ice skating seemed like a great way to get some lunchtime exercise. She began group lessons and then advanced into private lessons. Soon she was hooked on the sport.
Ice Skating Accomplishments:
At 69, Murry passed both the Bronze and Silver tests, and has competed at four
Adult US Nationals. At the
Bronze level, she twice earned first place for her technical program (in
2005 and 2006) and she has also earned a 2nd and a 4th place
finish for Interpretive programs (in 2005 and 2007).
Favorite Competition Memories:
In 2008, Barbara competed at the
US Adult Figure Skating Championships in Lake Placid, New York. There, she had a wonderful time with the many friends and acquaintances she has met through figure skating. One of them is
Dr. Marci Richards, who also began skating late in life.
Skating Club :
Murry is a member of the Washington Figure Skating Club.
Coach:
Since 2004, Alexei Kiliakov, a former Russian ice dance
champion, has coached Murry. He mainly works with
young ice
dancers, but he teaches a few adult
freestyle students. He holds Murry to the same standard as younger skaters and
never lets her age be an excuse. Barbara is mainly interested in
single skating, but he is also teaching her some
figures and
ice dancing.
Practice Schedule:
Barbara takes two lessons a week from Alexei Kiliakov. In addition, she tries to practice two or three days a week.
What Barbara Murry Loves About Figure Skating:
What Barbara Murry loves most about figure skating is that, in addition to keeping her in shape, is that
developing and performing programs brings together many creative elements, especially music and dance. Music and dance are two of her life long interests.
A Message From Barbara Murry - April, 2008:
Barbara Murry wants to get the message out that that no one should be discouraged from enjoying figure skating. She wants to share this message:
"Of course we older starters will have some limitations compared with those who start as kids, young or even middle aged adults. At 69 I am working on the Axel and am hopeful that I can learn it and possibly one or two double jumps as well. I hope no one will say anything to discourage people in their 50's or 60's from taking up the sport and, depending on their physical condition, attempting all the jumps and spins as I have. It has helped me stay in great shape and I want to see others benefit and enjoy the sport as I have."
