Meissner decides to attend Delaware

On Wednesday, the world champion figure skater told The Examiner she has decided to continue her education at the Newark school.

“Obviously, I know everything about Delaware, but also because they have sports science program,” Meissner said during a brief intermission from practice at Delaware?s Fred Rust Ice Arena. “And my coach is here.”

Moving closer to her coach, Pam Gregory, makes sense. Meissner, 17, has been commuting from her family?s home in Bel Air every day for training ? roughly an hour trip one way.

“Our car just automatically comes up here,” Meissnerjoked.

Meissner, who isn?t sure yet whether she will move away from home to attend Delaware, will likely take a part-time course load to start towards a degree in physical therapy.

The Fallston High senior took sixth in February?s Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy before winning the gold medal at the World Championships in Calgary in March. In November, she took third in the Trophee Eric Bompard in Paris.

Meissner, who leaves school early every day to travel to Delaware for training, is trying to maximize her time with close friends her senior year.

“It?s gone by fast,” Meissner said. “We have a lot of fun events, a lot of different things for seniors. I?m trying to be as involved as I can with senior activities and everything.”

She still hasn?t found time to get her driver?s license, though she has her learner?s permit and has been driving with her parents around town. Meissner still isn?t completely sure she wants to leave.

“I like Bel Air,” Meissner said. “I don?t know.”

UP NEXT FOR KIMMIE

» Kimmie Meissner is currently training for the 2007 State Farm National Championships, to be held in Spokane, Wash., on Jan. 21-28.

» Meissner, who is recovering from an ankle injury suffered in September, is still on track to attempt her triple-Axel at nationals.