Skate champ eyes winning return from foot injury
SYNCHRONISED figure skater Samantha Kadar is preparing for one of the biggest challenges of her career, when she returns to the ice for the inaugural Junior World Synchronised Skating Championships in Helsinki, Finland, next month.
SYNCHRONISED figure skater Samantha Kadar is preparing for one of the biggest challenges of her career, when she returns to the ice for the inaugural Junior World Synchronised Skating Championships in Helsinki, Finland, next month.
The two-time Maccabi NSW Sportswoman of the Year has watched her Majestic Ice Australia team from the sidelines for several months after having major foot surgery in August.
Following a rigorous rehabilitation and training regime over the summer, the 18-year-old says she is looking to silence the doubters.
“Lots of people are doubting me,” Kadar told The AJN.
“But I want to show them that I can do it and I want to show my mum that I can. I’ve worked really hard since I’ve gone back and it’s been a lot of effort.
“And it would make all of the hard work and all the times that I’ve had to miss out on going out with my friends to go to training really worth it.”
Kadar will head to Helsinki with plenty on her mind, but is looking forward to the chance to shine again on the world stage.
She was a reserve for Australia at the World Synchronised Skating Championships in Finland two years ago.
Kadar will now return for the junior championships hoping to regain the form that won her gold medals at state, national and international events.
“Going back to Finland is an opportunity for me to prove to everyone that I can skate,” Kadar said.
“When I went to Finland last time I was a reserve because I was new to the team, so this time I’m feeling a lot of pressure because it was a big let down for me last time.”
Kadar said that while she is still hampered by the injury, she is adamant not to let it affect her performance.
“[The foot] is not 100 per cent,” Kadar admitted.
“And especially [after] all the training and everything, it’s quite sore, but I’ll have to tough it out because if [my coach] sees that I’m weak, she’ll start to doubt me.”
After a disappointing 2012 season, Kadar will hope this year will be one of redemption and possibly change.
“When we get back, I want to train really hard and try out for Disney on Ice,” Kadar said.
“That’s my main goal, because I’ll be too old to skate in my team when we come back … and I’ll have to compete at senior level.”
Ashley Shenker
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