CLARENVILLE, N.L. — As figure skater Kaetlyn Osmond transitions in retirement, she’s been “soul searching” and looking to give back to young skaters who wish to follow a skating path similar to hers.
Osmond, along with Matthew Power, was in Eastlink Events Centre in Clarenville on Sunday, Dec. 8 with the Off the Rock seminar for skaters from the region.
The Off the Rock training tour has been to Conception Bay South, Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor, Clarenville and Labrador City.
“We touch a bit on everything, from basic skating skills to a couple jumps and spins, and to the fun movements of skating,” she says.
Osmond adds they also emphasize off-ice tips like warming up, cooling down, and the mental side of skating.
Osmond says the mental aspect is important, noting building goals and getting help from others is essential not just in skating, but all parts of life.
As a way to continue this development, Osmond is selecting two skaters to come to her home club Ice Palace in Edmonton to train — all expenses paid.
“Our main goal is to expose the kids to a training atmosphere that is really high performance.”
She says the lucky skaters will train for a week in the summer.
Osmond says she didn’t know what she wanted after retirement but figured starting the next chapter of her life, where she started the first chapter, would be a good choice.
“I love seeing interest of skating, or seeing a light go off, or just someone showing me that it’s okay to have fun.
“And I want them to know skating has taught me a lot … about life and it makes me excited when I get to see that in younger skaters.”
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