Twelve-year-old Katherine Hadford won the Novice ladies' pewter (4th place) medal at the 2002 U.S. National Championships. After placing 9th in the short program in Los Angeles, she dazzled the audience with her wonderful spins and presentation to finish 2nd in the free skate. In April 2002 (following her Unseen Skaters interview), she competed in her first international competition, Triglav Trophy in Slovenia, and took home the bronze medal in the Novice ladies' event. She represents the University of Delaware FSC and is coached by Jeff DiGregorio.

When and how did you begin skating?
I began skating at age six at the Fairfax, VA Ice Arena.

What are your long-term goals in skating?
My long term goals are to be at the Olympics and win a gold medal by being the best skater in the world that I can be.

Who are you favorite skaters and why?
Peggy Fleming, Kristi Yamaguchi, Michelle Kwan and Irina Slutskaya because they are not only "great" skaters, but also have great characters and have persevered through many difficulties.

What are you favorite jumps and spins?
I love all spins and jumps. Don't have a favorite or least favorite.

Who has influenced your skating the most?
My family.

What is your most memorable skating memory?
2002 US Nationals and winning the fourth place medal and my long program where I was second.

What aspects of your skating do you feel are the strongest and weakest?
Strongest: spins, jumps, and presentation. Weakest: speed.

Describe your Nationals experience a little.
Very memorable and a lot of fun! Nationals was very exciting for me this year because I was part of the US Team 2006 [Novice] athletes competing in it. In prior years I was just there to watch (2001 in Boston and 2000 in Cleveland), but this time I got to compete and to share my talents, rather than watch others share theirs. Being part of the team gave me the greatest feeling of accomplishment!

What do you love about skating that makes you willing to devote so much energy to it?
Competing, exhibitions, getting new programs, traveling to different places, meeting new people, practicing.

Photographs copyright © Richard M. Hartman for Cat's Lair.  Skate photograph copyright © Dave Amorde.  Unless otherwise noted, all content Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.