Lindsey Wilson, 14, was born in Seattle, Washington. She represents the Lakewood Winter Club in Tacoma, Washington, and currently trains in Westminster, Colorado, at the SunMicro Systems Ice Center. Her primary coach is Kelly Clark and she also works with Cindy Sullivan. Rostyslav Sinitsyn assists Wilson with her choreography. Already a high school graduate, Wilson currently takes university classes. In the 2003-04 season, she placed 1st in Novice Ladies at Northwest Pacific Regionals, 4th at Pacific Coast Sectionals, and 12th in her second appearance at Novice Nationals (she finished 8th in 2002).

When and how did you begin skating?
I began skating at the age of 6 in the ISI Learn-to-Skate program at Sprinker Recreation Center in Tacoma, Washington. I just wanted to participate in an activity since my older brothers and sister were all involved in activities. I chose ice skating out of the Park and Recreation brochure because it looked like fun and it was something I had never tried.

What are your long-term goals in skating and off the ice?
On the ice - I would like to be the best I can be - to skate to my fullest potential. I would like to represent the U.S. in international and world competitions and be a member of the 2010 Olympic team. I would also like to coach younger children someday and pass on what I have learned.

Off the ice - I want to complete my education and work in Environmental Science and Marine Biology, travel and spend time with my family.

Who has had the greatest influence on your skating?
There are really several people that have influenced me. The most influential people in my skating life are my parents. They have sacrificed everything for me to move here to Colorado to train and go to school and to have the opportunity to achieve my goals. They encourage me to be my best self and are role models for everything I do in my life. The other person that has influenced my skating is my coach, Kelly Clark. She is positive about my potential and works hard to help me achieve my goals.

What is your favorite jump, spin and connecting move?
Favorite jump: No favorites - I like them all!
Favorite spin: Y spin - my favorite is usually the one I am trying to improve!
Favorite connecting move: Ina Bauer.

What do you feel are the weakest and strongest aspects of your skating?
The weakest aspects of my skating have been my power and speed. I have grown so much in height in the last two years, it has been hard to keep that part of my skating where it needs to be. The strongest aspects of my skating are the consistency of my jumps and my love for skating.

What music did you skate to this season?
Last season I skated to Bond (the group) for my short and a combination of "Pinocchio" and Bond for my long program.

Describe and evaluate your programs at Regionals and Sectionals. What did you think of your performances?
I had great performances at Regionals and skated my long program in the final round very well. I skated clean and felt like I did my best. However, I strained my hip flexor prior to Sectionals and had a difficult time doing my jumps as well as I can normally execute them, but was happy to make it to Nationals.

Describe and evaluate your performances at Nationals. What was competing in Atlanta like?
Unfortunately my skating experience at Nationals was not my best due to severely injuring my other hip flexor just before Thanksgiving. I could not believe that both hip flexors were injured at this point in the season! In the five weeks before Nationals, I was not able to train for several weeks, and then had to work up to skating for a full hour again, which took me another week, so I was not 100% at Nationals. But I did have a great time, skated the best I could for that day, and made some new friends. Atlanta is a busy and beautiful city. I enjoyed seeing historical sites and experiencing the southern hospitality of the people we met.

What did you learn?
I learned that you have to make the best of whatever situation you find yourself in and try to look for the positives available in every day. You have to do the best with what you have at that moment. I also learned that sometimes things happen that are not in your control and you have to be patient with yourself. I think I have learned more through these hard times than through the winning times. Now I am focused on getting well and staying that way so I can train hard and improve this year.

How are your hips doing now? Are the hip flexors healed?
Yes! Both of my hips are completely healed now and I am finally free of pain! I am training again and looking forward to the new season as a Junior Lady!

What are some of your off-ice hobbies?
I play the violin and piano, love to read, baby-sit, paint, and I am active in my church. Since graduating from high school last spring, I am taking several college courses right now. Shopping is also a favorite, as well as spending time with my family and friends.

What was it like to graduate from high school so early? What college do you attend, and what classes are you taking?
Graduating from high school just seemed normal to me - my brothers and my sister also graduated early, and both my brothers had their Master's degrees when they were 19 years old. It was exciting for me to graduate last year and move on to more challenging classes. Right now I am finishing university classes in Humanities, Math, American History, Geography, and English, which are required general education courses. I also have a 50 book literature list I am working on for my own enjoyment this year. I am looking forward to taking classes in my major at the University of Colorado.

Why do you love to skate? I love to skate because it is fun! I can express myself and do something that I think I will always love to do no matter where life takes me! I always feel like I belong on the ice even when I am having a bad day. I skate because it makes me feel complete at this point in my life!