When and why did you first become interested in competitive skating?

My mom is a really big Brian Boitano fan. I remember watching the 1988 Olympics with her when I was three years old and seeing Brian win the gold medal. But I really started to become a fan myself after watching Paul Wylie win the silver in 1992.

Can you skate? 

I can. I've been taking lessons for a few years. I want to master my single loop and single lutz in 2018.

Who are your favourite skaters?

So many! Michelle Kwan, Mao Asada, Paul Wylie, Todd Eldredge, Adam Rippon, Ashley Wagner, Daisuke Takahashi, Meryl Davis & Charlie White, Yuzuru Hanyu, Mirai Nagasu, Jeff Buttle, Stephane Lambiel, and Kristi Yamaguchi.

Which skaters have you met in person?

I've met Paul Wylie, Adam Rippon, Jeremy Abbott, and Michael Weiss

What was the first event or competition you attended in person as a spectator?

My first show was Stars on Ice 1994. My first live competitive event was Worlds 2016 in Boston.

What has been your most exciting skating - related moment.

Being in the arena for Worlds 2016 was magic! There were so many great, lights-out performances, not only from medalists like Javier Fernandez, Duhamel & Radford, and the Shibutanis, but also Mirai Nagasu, Grant Hochstein, Adam Rippon, and Max Aaron. If I had to pick just one performance, I'd have give it to Ashley Wagner. The atmosphere during her long program was electric.

How did you become involved with Justin Laem’s YouTube channel?

I met Justin on Twitter and then in person at the 2016 World Championships. I've always enjoyed his videos, and when he asked if I wanted to join him for a recap, I didn't hesitate.

How much preparation goes into being a guest co-host? 

To prepare, I make sure to watch all of the performances. I try to watch live, or at least a full broadcast replay. If that's not available, I catch all of the performances on YouTube. I also review the protocols, especially if the scoring is crazy, and I'll sometimes rewatch specific performances, segments, or elements based on the protocols. 

2018 United States Figure Skating Championships
December 29, 2017 - January 7, 2018
San Jose, California

San Jose has twice hosted the United States Figure Skating Championships, in 1996 and 2012.

Ladies and men's singles, pairs, and dance couples will compete in juvenile, intermediate, novice, junior and senior divisions for podium placements and personal bests. Berths for the Olympic Winter Games, World Championships, Four Continents Championships, and Junior World Championships teams will also be determined.

aussieSKATES: Figure Skating DownUnder's aim is to also source and post as many of the top competitive performances from the event as possible on our Facebook Page.

With focus particularly on senior competition, look out for skaters in the following categories.