Austin Kanallakan, 13, won the Novice Men's title at this year's Pacific Coast Sectionals after having finished 5th at Sectionals one year ago (which made him a first alternate to 2004 Novice Nationals). He represents the All Year FSC and is coached by Tammy Gambill in Riverside, California.

How would you describe the feeling of qualifying for "big" Nationals for the first time?
Awesome - I am very excited to go.

When and how did you begin skating?
I started skating when I was seven as a hockey player and my sister Chelsea was a figure skater. My sister was doing all these cool jumps and spins and I wanted to do it too. So, I became a figure skater.

What has been the most memorable moment in your skating career so far?
I would have to say winning Sectionals this year, and when I was 9 years old I won the silver medal at Junior Nationals in Juvenile Boys. Both of these moments were memorable.

What has been the biggest challenge or disappointment that you have overcome in your skating career?
The biggest challenge was landing my double axel. Landing my triples came much easier.

How long have you been working with your current coach, Tammy Gambill, and how would you describe her coaching style or philosophy?
I have been working with Tammy for a year and half now. I believe she is technically one the best coaches in the USA. She pushes me to do my best in competition and in practice.

What music are you using this season?
SP - cowboy theme and FS - Gladiator.

Who choreographed your programs?
SP - Peter Oppegard/Erika Shorr and LP - Phillip Mills.

How have you improved as a skater since last year, when you placed 5th in Novice at Pacific Coast Sectionals?
I got all my triples and worked hard.

Was there one competition in which you performed well that helped build your confidence this season?
My first competition Interclub [June 25-27 in Burbank, CA] I skated pretty good and it helped me know I could land my triples in competition.

How would you describe your performances at SWP Regionals (1st) and at Pacific Coast Sectionals (1st)?
I landed 4 triples [in my free skate] at SWP and I landed 6 triples at Coast.
[Editor's note: His jumps in the free skate at Pacific Coast Sectionals were: 3toe, 3lutz-2toe, 2axel-2toe, 3flip, 3loop, 3toe-2toe, 3salchow.]

Will you be making any significant changes in your programs for Nationals?
Yes, I will have a 2toe after my 3lutz and a 2toe after my 3salchow.

What are your goals for Nationals in Portland? Long term skating goals?
Goals for Nationals to be in the top 4. Goals for the future to become a National and Olympic Champion.

What do you consider to be the strongest and weakest aspects of your skating?
My strongest aspect of skating is jumping and some spins and my weakest is the flying camel.

What is your current favorite jump, spin and connecting element to do?
Triple flip - favorite jump, Butterfly - favorite spin with scratch spin, Russian split jump - favorite connecting element.

What person has had the greatest influence on your skating?
Tammy Gambill because she believes in me and helps me strive to be the best. I have improved so much with her.

Who are your favorite skaters and why?
Scott Hamilton and Alexei Yagudin because I like their style of skating. Alexei has the best jumping and artistry.

What is your current schooling arrangement, grade, favorite and least favorite subject(s)?
I take three classes at regular school and the rest of my classes are home school. I am in the 8th grade and my favorite subject is Science.

What are your goals beyond skating?
To go to Yale or UCLA and become a Cardiologist. I have always wanted to go to Yale but UCLA is better for medicine. So, if I decide to study medicine I will go to UCLA and if I decide to study law I will go to Yale.

What do you like to do for fun away from the ice? What are some of your hobbies/interests?
Video games, snow boarding, reading, movies, and playing with my new Kerry Blue Terrier.

Do you have any similarly athletic siblings?
Yes, my sister Chelsea and she is currently ice dancing. She will be going to the Dance tryouts at Nationals.

What do you like the most about skating that motivates you to keep going day in and day out?
It's fun and challenging. There is always something to learn.

Biographical Information