G
OLYMPIC HOPEFULS …
old ….. The word “gold” sounds powerful. It’s bright, coveted, sought-after, and shines like a proud Marines’ boots at inspection. It’s the reason people flocked to California in 1849, and the material we slide on our ring finger when we get married. It’s also the substance that’s shaped into a round, cherished medal placed around an athlete’s neck every four years, while their country’s national anthem is played. Such is the power of the Olympics, and the trip to get there. Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier are in the midst of that exciting, adventurous pilgrimage together, searching for gold in Russia at the 2014 Olympic Games. Haven and Brandon’s history together began in 2002, as competitive roller skaters. After winning the Silver Medal in 2003 at the USA Artistic Roller Skating National Championships, the pair traded their “wheels for blades”, proving to be a wise choice. In 2008, the duo was awarded the Bronze Medal in the US National Intermediate Pairs Competition Championships. As with any young person, growing, maturing, and development played a major part for both of these wonderfully talented athletes. The couple parted ways for a period, and as fate would have it, gravitated back together in 2011, realizing that the chemistry was stronger than ever ……. ultimately becoming the 2013 Gold Medal winners at the World Junior Pair Champions held in Milan, Italy. Work-ethics, goals, dedication, and devotion are the main components shared by this charming team. Add to these goal-oriented qualities the brilliant coaching of Silvia Fontana and John Zimmerman, and you can see how the 2014 Olympics is a realistic goal. Andrew Torgashev, lacing up his skates at the age of 5, became enchanted by the sport, and after two short years convinced his parents to allow him to compete …. a decision that did not go unrewarded. The North Broward Prep student is a true warrior on the ice. After turning in a top performance while winning the Juvenile Division of the 2012 U.S. Junior Figure Skating Championships, Andrew backed it up by winning the 2013 Prudential U. S. Figure Skating Championship in Omaha, NE. His performance in Omaha was so solid, not even a fall on the ice detracted from his routine. Seventeen year-old Briley Pizzelanti desires to get her Italian citizenship and skate for the Italian National Team. The dedication and hard work Briley exhibits, has transformed this beautiful skater into a “force” on the ice. Winning the Junior Ladies Freestyle (Unrestricted) Division at the Sunshine State Games Figure Skating competition has certainly set that dream in motion. Every single one of these marvelous skaters hasn’t won their medals ….. they’ve EARNED them!
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Parkland / Coral Springs / Coconut Creek & Surrounding Areas • November • www.TheOurTownNews.com