Douglas Razzano, 15, won the gold medal in his junior level and junior international debut at Slovenia's Triglav Trophy in April 2004, and placed 5th in Novice Men at 2004 U.S. Nationals in Atlanta. He represents the Coyotes SC of Arizona and trains at the Alltel Ice Den, in Scottsdale, Arizona. His coaches are Doug Ladret, Lara Ladret, and Grant Rorvick, and Doug Ladret choreographs his programs.

When and how did you begin skating?
In 1998 after watching the Winter Olympics in Nagano on TV, I decided that skating looked fun, so I tried it and immediately started into private lessons.

What are your long-term goals in skating and off the ice?
I would like to compete in the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver and win a medal. Off-ice, I would like to graduate from college and become a coach.

What are your goals for this season?
To be top four at Nationals in Junior.

Will you reveal what music you'll be using this season?
Program music: Short: Kalinka. Long: Tosca (same as last season).

What competitions are you planning to skate this summer?
I am planning to skate Liberty in July, then NACS (Waterloo) in August.

What do you hope to improve the most about your skating in the year ahead?
I hope to improve my presentation even further, and to better my triple-triple combos.

Who has had the greatest influence on your skating?
I think my coach, Doug Ladret, has had the biggest impact on my skating because he has taught me good technique and good work ethic, and also helps me get through the bad days.

In a recent local Arizona news article, your coach is quoted as saying that you were a brat when you started with him in 2000. Why do you think he said that? ;-)
My coach said I was a brat because I had a bad attitude and thought I was the best.

What is your favorite jump, spin and connecting move?
Jump: Triple toe loop. Spin: Combo spin. Connecting move: Spread eagle.

What do you feel are the strongest and weakest aspects to your skating?
Strongest: Jumps and spins. Weakest: Triple salchow! And flying sit spin, and my presentation could be a little better...

Describe and evaluate your programs at Regionals, Sectionals, and Nationals last season.
Regionals: My programs were strong and confident... only fell on triple lutz in my long.

Sectionals: Short program was clean, then got nervous before my long and popped a few jumps in my program. I did land my first triple flip in competition, though.

Nationals: Short program was not so good, popped a 2flip, and put hand down on triple lutz. Long was clean! And pulled up to fifth overall! [Editor's Note: Razzano's 3rd place long program at Nationals went as follows: 2axel, 3lutz-2toe, 3loop, flying camel, 3flip (low landing with turn out), outside spread eagle, 2axel into 3toe sequence, camel-sit-back sit half pancake-upright spin, 3salchow (slight lean on landing), Ina Bauer, straight line steps (good speed), walley into 3toe-2toe, outside spread eagle, death drop to back sit, forward scratch spin (nice centering and good speed).

At Nationals I felt much more pressure because I wanted to do really well. But I learned that I just need to relax and just skate!

Describe your experience at Triglav Trophy.
It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life! I had no pressure, I just went out and skated. Even though I didn’t skate my absolute best, I still had a great time! I love representing the US!

My program jump content... Short (debut of "Kalinka"): 3flip (hand down), 3lutz-2toe, 2axel. Long (Tosca): 2axel, 3toe-3toe (doubled the 2nd 3toe), 3lutz(fell), 3flip, 3loop, 3sal, 3lutz(hand down), 2axel.

Off ice highlights... Our trip to Venice and into Klagenfurt, Austria. I love to travel! Also the competition committee was extremely helpful and were all very nice!

Who are your favorite skaters and why?
Alexei Yagudin because he is a tough competitor and he has the whole "package" in skating.

What are some of your off-ice hobbies?
I love just hanging out with my friends, going out to dinner, to the movies, etc.

What is your current school arrangement? What is your favorite and least favorite class?
I go to school at Marcos de Niza High School for four hours a day and have four classes (Geometry, Science, English, and German). My favorite school subject is German and my least favorite is Geometry.

Why do you love to skate?
I love to skate because I love learning new elements, and I love the feeling of skating well and having success! Also, because I love the challenge!