Sara Wheat is one of the United States’ most promising skaters. The 1999 US National Junior Champion, Sara recently competed at Junior Worlds and placed 10th. She also won the silver at her Junior Grand Prix event in Germany this year.

First, congratulations on being named to the Junior World Team! Was this one of your goals for the year?
Yes!

What are your long-term goals, on and off the ice?
Well, my dream is to win the Olympics. Then when I am done skating, I would like to go to college and do some professional stuff. But ever since I was, like, five, wanted to be a teacher.

How did you begin skating?
There was a ice skating party at my elementary school, and my mom didn't want me hanging on her, so she put me in lessons. I did that until the party. Then a friend of mine went to the University of Delaware for pairs lessons and I followed her. And here I am.

What aspect of your skating do you think you've improved the most and what will you be working on this summer?
I have improved a lot in edge quality, and choreography, and the overall second mark. A little in jump consistency too. This summer I will be working on more consistency, triple/triples and performing more to the audience.

Which skaters do you admire the most?
A lot ... Michelle Kwan for her artistry and consistency. Tara Lipinski for her determination. Kurt Browning for his personality on and off the ice. Dorothy Hamill's beauty on and off the ice.

What do you love about skating so much that you are willing to dedicate your life to the sport?
Getting better each day and just being out there jumping high. It's hard to tell in words why I go out there everyday and do what I love to do.