By Features Editor Noelle Kirkman
Production by Jakob Wastek

As sophomore Anavi Tekriwal stepped onto the ice to compete, she noticed that it was not up to her usual standards. The air was extra cold, and the ice was extra rough and hard. Despite the differences, Tekriwal skated with confidence and grace, no matter what country she was in.

Tekriwal traveled to India to compete in the Indian National Figure Skating Championship on Jan. 3 in the town of Shimla, located in the northern hills of India. Her talent rewarded her with the title of the Indian National Junior Gold Medalist.

“At first it didn’t hit me, I was obviously excited. It was incredible to know that all the hard work, like waking up early [for practice], finally paid off,” said Tekriwal.

It was a sweet victory, more so because the competition came with many complications.

“It was an outdoor rink. Two nights before the competition it rained so the rink was kind of a disaster, “ said Tekriwal.

Because of the unpredictable weather, Tekriwal was told not to bring a coach, as many believed the competition would be canceled. This did not bother Tekriwal. She had experience under her belt.

The competition was not cancelled but delayed for two days. This created three main challenges for Tekriwal to overcome mentally and physically.

“[The biggest challenges were] getting used to the rink, because the ice was really hard. Also, the altitude was really hard to overcome because the rink was 10,000 feet above sea level,” said Tekriwal. “I had to work on my confidence and not having a coach. But that was the one I was least worried about because I came with a lot of confidence.”

As the champion, she now has more opportunities than ever to compete for India.

“They’re sending me to Junior Worlds in the fall, depending on whether India qualifies and my school schedule,” said Tekriwal.

Competing in India brought more than a medal for Tekriwal- the experience heightened her self-awareness.  Usually before competition, Tekriwal gets very nervous, but this time she was relaxed and full of confidence.

“I do a lot better when I’m relaxed, and hard work does pay off. It sounds stupid and cliché, but that’s how it works,” said Tekriwal.