Pretoria teen overcomes injury and triumphs to taste national skating glory

The Citizen

6 days ago

The 2025 Advanced Novice High-Performance National title was never a certainty for 15-year-old Tristané Schmulian.
The Pretoria east resident said nationals almost didn't even happen due to injuries.
Plagued by injuries for much of the season and forced to adjust training, routines, and expectations, Schmulian entered the nationals with the resolve of someone who had fought just to make it to the competition.
'There's an element of surprise in winning this title,' she said.
'This season was really tough. So, there's definitely a huge feeling of gratefulness, especially for all the support I received from my family, coaches, the medical team, sport psychologists, friends, and fellow skaters.'
She said she feels fortunate because she knows how hard every other skater also worked.
Her skating journey has been defined by a mix of humility and determination.
Schmulian added that winning the national title is an acknowledgement that if you keep pushing and don't quit, anything is possible.
'I learnt that I do have perseverance and determination. This title isn't just mine. It belongs to everyone who supported me.
'I'm just the one who got to wear the medal,' she said.
Behind the scenes, it took a team effort to get her to the finish line.
Since November 2023, injuries have disrupted her jump work and forced frequent changes to her training regimen.
'An injury is also not just physically hard; it takes a huge mental toll as well.'
Despite the setbacks, she delivered a performance at the nationals that showcased not only technical strength but also emotional maturity.
'I'm really proud of my short programme.'
She said when she started her skating career, she used to skate with her head down, focusing only on the ice.
Schmulian now loves performing.
'I also landed both of my double axels. After struggling with my jumps all season, that was a massive achievement for me.'
Off the ice, her schedule is just as intense.
Most days begin before dawn with early morning practice, followed by school, hockey, revue rehearsals, and late-night study sessions.
'It's a balancing act,' said Schmulian.
'However, I've learnt valuable time management skills, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.'
She admitted that there are moments of exhaustion and days when it all feels a bit too much.
However, skating is her passion, and the drive to improve keeps her grounded.
'I love this sport. Even though it's demanding, it's worth all the hard work.'
To unwind, she loves spending time in the kitchen. 'I make flawless pancakes every time,' she shared.
She also escapes into watching television series. 'I've watched every episode of Friends multiple times.'
She added that Joey is her 'spirit animal', and she doesn't share food either.
Looking ahead, her goals remain ambitious.
She's focused on achieving the ISU international qualifying score in Advanced Novice.
When she is ready, she hopes to move into Junior Ladies, once she's nailed the required jump elements.
'I'll follow my coach's advice in this regard. I was unfortunately not able to work on triples this season due to injuries.'
What she is very sure of is that she wants to stay in the sport for the long haul.
She's already begun shadowing a coach through a Teaching Assistantship Program she is part of and hopes to one day give back to the community that's shaped her life.
'Skating has taught me to work hard, be resilient, humble, and confident. It's part of who I am.'
Her message to other young skaters is to keep going.
She added that even small steps move you forward.
'Believe in yourself. Listen to your coach. Work hard, on and off the ice. And never, ever give up on your dream.'
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