Kailani Craine. Photo: Getty Images FIGURE SKATING: Many consider it the most glamourous sport of the Winter Olympics program, and Australia’s figure skating hopeful Kailani Craine is more than ready to take centre stage.
“I am so excited to be here, I really can’t put into words what this means to me,” Craine said.
“This is the one thing I’ve wanted all my life and now I’m here.”
It’s been something of a fairytale rise through the ranks for the Newcastle teen. Craine started skating when she was eight, and quickly realised her potential.
“I just fell in love with the sport straight away, and that made all the hard work so much easier. I just really love what I do.”
But the four-time Australian Ladies Figure Skating Champion admits her hardest task lies ahead – her goal is to rank in the top 24 of the short program, to qualify for the free skate.
“I really, really want to be there for the free skate, I’m just so excited about that routine,” Craine said.
“I’m feeling good. I’m even getting my dressmaker to design a new costume for that program so I’m really hoping I get to wear it.
“I know that if I throw down a solid performance and have a clean skate it will be enough to get through. I just can’t let the little things slip.”
And speaking of slipping, the 19-year-old says she won’t let the fear of falling even enter her mind.
“I only focus on my technique, and I never doubt myself,” she said.
“I’ve waited so long for this moment, and I’m going to give it everything. I’m just so excited and I really just can’t wait to get out there.”
Her choice of music in the short program – ‘Dream a Little Dream of Me’ – is perhaps fitting then, as Craine waits to skate her dreams into reality.
Craine competes in the Ladies Short Program on Day 12 (February 21). The free skate will be held on Day 14 (February 23).
Katherine Firkin
olympics.com.au
“I am so excited to be here, I really can’t put into words what this means to me,” Craine said.
“This is the one thing I’ve wanted all my life and now I’m here.”
It’s been something of a fairytale rise through the ranks for the Newcastle teen. Craine started skating when she was eight, and quickly realised her potential.
“I just fell in love with the sport straight away, and that made all the hard work so much easier. I just really love what I do.”
But the four-time Australian Ladies Figure Skating Champion admits her hardest task lies ahead – her goal is to rank in the top 24 of the short program, to qualify for the free skate.
“I really, really want to be there for the free skate, I’m just so excited about that routine,” Craine said.
“I’m feeling good. I’m even getting my dressmaker to design a new costume for that program so I’m really hoping I get to wear it.
“I know that if I throw down a solid performance and have a clean skate it will be enough to get through. I just can’t let the little things slip.”
And speaking of slipping, the 19-year-old says she won’t let the fear of falling even enter her mind.
“I only focus on my technique, and I never doubt myself,” she said.
“I’ve waited so long for this moment, and I’m going to give it everything. I’m just so excited and I really just can’t wait to get out there.”
Her choice of music in the short program – ‘Dream a Little Dream of Me’ – is perhaps fitting then, as Craine waits to skate her dreams into reality.
Craine competes in the Ladies Short Program on Day 12 (February 21). The free skate will be held on Day 14 (February 23).
Katherine Firkin
olympics.com.au
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