Jason Wong '09 Crowned 2008 U.S. Collegiate Figure Skating Champion
October 31, 2008
Taking home the 2008 U.S. Collegiate Figure Skating Championship in August was the culmination of an incredible comeback to competitive fi gure skating for Jason Wong '09.
After a knee injury and subsequent surgery convinced him to hang up his skates and focus on coaching, Wong's reacclimation has been both quick and imposing. Despite having minimal competitions under his belt in the past few years, his accomplishments since his return to the senior men's circuit already include serving as an alternate for last year's Nationals and an invitation to represent U.S. Figuring Skating at the 2009 Winter World University Games in Harbin, China in February, thanks to his recent victory.
"It's all been very unexpected," said Wong.
Representing Emmanuel at the collegiate championship, Wong put together a solid showing in both his short and long programs to claim his fi rst U.S. collegiate title. Leading all participants after his opening performance, he overcame a fall early in his long program, nailing the remainder of his routine to capture the crown.
"After the first program, I have had a history of dropping so low in the second that I either end up low on the podium or just off of it," said Wong, who began skating at the age of seven. "So to put it together for both programs was a first."
For Wong, the victory was especially sweet considering the heavy workload he maintained throughout his training, a schedule that often started before 6:00 a.m. with teaching lessons at the Skating Club of Boston, of which he is a member, followed by a full load of classes and at least three hours of practice on the ice daily.
While he admits the effort was stressful, the result certainly speaks for itself. And to be able to represent the College in a national competition made the experience all the more worthwhile.
"It was different because I'm so used to hearing the same introduction when I come out onto the ice," said Wong, a graphic design major. "It was nice to hear Emmanuel College get some credit. It was a lot of fun."
In just a few short months, Wong will get set to represent Emmanuel again, this time on the international stage. Described by Wong as a "mini Olympics," the Winter World University Games will take place from February 18th-28th and feature some of the globe's finest athletes.
"Most countries don't have qualifying events for this, meaning they send their very best," said Wong. " I have never done anything like this so it should be fun. It's going to be tough, but I am ready for it."
