Last year, former world figure skating champion Kimmie Meissner had to cope with driver?s ed classes and the distraction of senior-itis at Fallston High.
This year, her home-away-from-ice is the University of Delaware, where fewer distractions mean a clearer focus for the 18-year-old freshman ? good grades and a consistent skating season.
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“Last year was hard for me,” said Meissner. “I had a lot going on with school, graduation. I felt really shaky. I feel a lot more calm this year. It?s definitely a fresh start, and I?m ready to go.”
Saturday is the start of a new season for Meissner, who won the 2006 world title in Calgary. The defending U.S. national women?s champion will be joined by defending national men?s champion Evan Lysacek in Skate America at the Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa. ? just a short trek from her Bel Air home.
“It?s close to home, so it?s nice,” Meissner said. “I don?t have to go on a plane.”
Driving is more appealing now that Meissner has a BMW. But the rest of her season will require flights ? with stops in Cleveland, Chicago and Paris among others.
Despite her national title and a solid fourth-place finish in last year?s worlds, Meissner ? who also won the Four Continents Championship in Colorado Springs and placed third in the prestigious Trophee Eric Bompard in Paris ? feels she can improve her performances by focusing less on results and more on consistency.
“I want my [performances] to be consistent throughout the entire year,” Meissner said. “I would like to win nationals again, but I learned last yearthat I made too much about placements.”
She says school is going well, although she?s learning that a lot of college is about time-management. Throw in training, and Meissner has a pretty tight schedule.
“It?s so much harder than high school,” she said. “There is so much more work.”
SKATE AMERICA 2007
» WHEN: Today through Sunday
» WHERE: Sovereign Center, Reading, Pa.
» TV: NBC, Sunday, 4 p.m.
» KIMMIE SKATES: Short program, Saturday, 6; Free skate, Sunday, 2:50.
» TICKETS: $20-$255 available via Ticketmaster.
