TeamSG Figure Skaters Target PBs in ISU Junior Grand Prix!

Team Singapore's McKayla and Pagiel. Photo Credit : Singapore Ice Skating Association

Team Singapore's Pagiel Sng and McKayla Ong are currently in Italy for the 2022 ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating. And this is the 2nd stint for both athletes at the coveted event. Pagiel was 13 when he made his debut in 2017 in Brisbane. And the upcoming event is his first time travelling overseas to compete in 3 years. As for McKayla, her debut was only 2 months ago at Courchevel, France for the first leg of the ISU Junior Grand Prix.

Prior to her departure for Italy, McKayla told ActiveSG Circle, "I'm definitely still nervous to compete in this Junior Grand Prix, as it is only my second overseas competition since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, I am very excited and proud to represent Singapore amongst other skaters from different countries."

TeamSG's McKayla Ong in action. Photo Credit : Singapore Ice Skating Association

McKayla, via an email-based interview, expands further on her aspirations and hopes.

Q : What are you hoping to gain from this experience in Italy?

McKayla : I hope to have a full junior Grand Prix experience: to watch the exhibition gala, meet both old and new friends, and to see amazing skaters from all over the world skate their hearts out on the ice.

Q : What have you been working on since your performance at the inaugural SEA Open Figure Skating Trophy in Singapore 2 months ago?

McKayla : I injured my left ankle in August while training for the JGP in Courchevel and then injured my right during official ice training before the short program. Because of this, I had to change most of the elements in my skating program. I am happy with my performance in the SEA Open Trophy, gaining a Personal Best (PB) in my free skate. And I'm currently training hard on my competition programs, while working on my ankles recovery at the same time with a physiotherapist.

Q : How did you feel while performing in front of a full house crowd for the 1st time since the start of Covid-19?

McKayla : I recently competed in a Junior Grand Prix in France. It was nerve-wrecking, as I hadn’t competed with such a large group of skaters from so many different countries. Back at the SEA Open Trophy hosted in Singapore, I felt at ease, as I knew I had my friends’ support.

TeamSG's McKayla Ong in action. Photo Credit : Singapore Ice Skating Association

Q : What is the key lesson from that event, which you've learnt about your performance and now looking to implement at the ISU Junior Grand Prix?

McKayla : While competing in the Junior Grand Prix in Courchevel, I put a lot of pressure on myself because my competitors were amazing skaters, and I started to doubt my abilities. However, through comparing my experience in Courchevel and the SEA Open Trophy, I’ve learned that when I put less pressure on myself and change my goals from skating perfectly to skating the best that I can, I’m able to perform more calmly and confidently.

Q : What is the motivating factor that keeps you involved in the sport?

McKayla : The thrill of learning and executing new jumps and spins keeps me motivated to improve. The idea of having the ability to nurture a future generation of skaters in Singapore motivates me to do my best.

Q : After the Junior Grand Prix, is the Four Continents Figure Skating Championship next February in Colorado Springs USA, your next major event?

McKayla : The 4cc (Colorado) is a Senior event. I’m currently in the Junior category. I was advised by my doctor to take a rest to fully recover from my ankle injuries and work on strength conditioning off the ice, so that I can come back on ice stronger, and prepare for nationals in 2023.

TeamSG's Pagiel Sng in action. Photo Credit : Singapore Ice Skating Association

Q : What are you hoping to gain from this experience in Italy?

Pagiel : Hoping to achieve two well skated programs and achieving the 'qualifying' scores for the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships 2023 for both programs.

Q : This time last year - what were you doing and did you imagine that 12 months later, you'd be representing TeamSG in Italy?

Pagiel :  I was just training for nationals 2022 with no set goal in mind and I did not know if I was going to compete internationally anytime soon, let alone in Italy.

Q : What have you been working on since your gold-medal winning performance at the inaugural SEA Open Figure Skating Championships in Singapore?

Pagiel : Quad jumps and consistency of my jumps and spins.

TeamSG's Pagiel Sng in action. Photo Credit : Singapore Ice Skating Association

Q : What is the key lesson from that event, which you've discovered about your performance and now looking to implement at the ISU Juniors?

Pagiel : Key lesson: Trusting in yourself / Learnt: Do not doubt myself - believe in my training!

Q : What is the motivating factor that keeps you heavily involved in the sport?

Pagiel : I want to be better, and just keep on improving in all aspects.

Q : After the Junior Grand Prix, what is your next major event?

Pagiel : To continue the tournament momentum, I’ll be competing at the Asian Open Trophy in Jakarta from 5 - 9 December 2022. And that's followed by the coveted Four Continents Figure Skating Championship next January in Denver.

TeamSG's Pagiel Sng in action. Photo Credit : Singapore Ice Skating Association


Pagiel's target at the ISU Junior Grand Prix in Italy is a top-10 finish. And he's looking to set a new personal best this season. And Makayla's objective over the next few days in Italy, is to also set a new personal best!

You can catch McKayla and Pagiel LIVE in action (See date/timings below) via this link. 

EVENTS 

Thur 13 Oct @ 9.15pm (SGP time) : Men's Short Program

Fri 14 Oct @ 8.30pm (SGP time) : Women's Short Program 

Sat 15 Oct @ 6.30pm (SGP time) : Men's Free Skating + Women's Free Skating