Sports

Buffalo Grove Ice Skater, 13, Has Olympic Dream

Lindsay Weinstein shares her accomplishments and her goals on and off the ice.

Buffalo Grove resident Lindsay Weinstein, 13, is a medal-winning figure skater who earned fourth place in a national pairs competition in Boston earlier this month. Here, the Aptakisic Junior High eighth-grader shares what drew her to the sport and what she hopes her future holds.

How long have you been skating?


I have been skating for 10 years and competing for 9 years. I just love to perform for people. When I was 3 years old, I went to Twin Rinks to watch my brother's friend's ice show.  I loved the music, their costumes, the makeup, and the gifts my mom bought for them. I knew I wanted to skate, too. My parents signed me up for classes never knowing that it would turn into my passion.

Why did you decide to start pairs skating last year?

Four years ago, a few of the girls at Twin Rinks began skating pairs. It looked like so much fun to be lifted and tossed. I started working with Jeremy Allen to just learn some basic pair elements, but there were no boys in the area to skate with so I stopped my lessons to focus on singles. And, it was the right decision, because I had some success as an individual skater. I qualified for Junior Nationals in 2011 and Midwestern Sectionals in 2012.

Last March, Jeremy asked if I would be interested in a tryout. I skated with Jacob a few times and did some off-ice exercises. Jeremy thought we really looked good together, and our partnership began on April 23, 2013. Pair skating is a lot of fun, but it is a lot harder than it looks.

I competed as an individual intermediate lady and a novice pair throughout this past season. I had success in both disciplines. I finished 3rd at Upper Great Lakes Regionals in Intermediate Ladies giving me an opportunity to compete at Midwestern Sectionals as both a single skater and a pair skater. My single season came to an end there, but Jacob and I became the Novice Pairs Champions earning our way to Boston.

What is your practice schedule like?

I practice 6 days per week, 3 to 3 1/2 hours per day. I also do physical training 2 hours per week and ballet 2 hours per week.

What is it like balancing your skating schedule with school? Are you involved in any other activities?

My school and teachers have been so supportive of my skating. They have worked with my parents to adjust my schedule so I can get more time at the rink. Before competitions, my teachers give me all the materials that I will miss. I always get my work done, before I return, and sometimes, believe it or not, I am ahead of the class. I keep my grades up and always try to succeed off the ice and on the ice. Skaters tend to be overachievers.

There isn't much time to get involved in other activities. But, I do volunteer on the weekends as a "buddy" at Keshet, a Sunday school program for kids and adults with disabilities. I really enjoy doing this.  My parents encourage both me and my brother to get involved in the community. And, before I started skating pairs last April, I played travel soccer. I loved soccer and being part of a team. I think soccer is one of the many reasons why Jacob and I were able to work so well together. Knowing how to work with others to get what you want is a really good skill to have.

Were you satisfied with your performance in Boston? How did it feel to medal there?

Our goal was to improve on our scores from Midwestern Sectionals and get credit for all our elements, and we did. Although our programs were not perfect, both our skates were enough to earn us a place on the podium and the pewter medal. It was really amazing to medal at nationals, especially since we haven't been working together very long.

What is your goal as a skater?

My goal is to get the opportunity to represent Team USA at international competitions and hopefully one day make it to the Olympics.

The Winter Olympics are coming up. Do you have a favorite Olympic skater?

I am rooting for both Jason Brown and Gracie Gold. I have grown up skating at Twin Rinks with both of them. They are really nice people and great skaters.

What do you like to do when you’re not skating?

I like to hang out with my friends, go to the mall and bake.


What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to become a makeup artist. I also hope to continue performing as a skater and would like to become a coach. Alana Cohen, Jeremy Allen, Denise Meyers, Susie Wynne and Kevin Spada have all helped me learn so much, and I want to be like them.


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