Nyah Bay and Lisa Duplesis both won gold as the Canmore Skating Club performed admirably at the East Kootenay Skate Competition in Invermere, Saturday (Jan. 15-17).
In a competition that attracted 140 skaters from British Columbia, Alberta and Montana, Bay took top spot in the gold level solo dance and interpretive category, all while launching a new program. Duplesis, 13, followed that performance up with a win in the bronze interpretive category and a third-place finish in junior silver solo dance.
Coached by Sonya Christina, both teenage skaters are coming into their own and continue to improve as several big competitions approach.
“Both are working towards the Starskate champs and the Alberta Winter Games. They are both really coming into their theme. Every time they skate interpretation, you can see their improvements,” said Canmore Skate Club coach Kendra Domenico.
On the whole, Domenico was extremely pleased with the team’s performance, as the entire group, save for Paige Domenico who was fighting a bad cold, was healthy and prepared for a strong result.
“Everyone was in a good headspace, and confident. The training had set them up to deliver on everything they have strived for, and their performances rose from that,” Domenico said.
The Invermere competition falls outside of the club’s regular region, and many skaters had to commit to a heavy training schedule over the holiday break. Fortunately, the hard work paid off.
