Zaytsoff aims for success

Times Reporter   

 

Fresh off her two golds in freeskate and dance from the 2013 Special Olympics in Korea, Strathmore’s Kennedy Zaytsoff is setting her sights on skating regionals in March.

“It’s the kind of beginning competition before going to provincials, to nationals, and to worlds,” Zaytsoff said.

Zaytsoff, 18, has been skating since she was five-years-old.

“I think I saw it on TV or something and I wanted to try it and see. I just like the jumps and spins, and how graceful it is,” she said. “For Special Olympics, I’m in level five. Level six is the highest level.”

Zaytsoff plans on participating in the Special Olympics once more in 2017, and practices four times a week with the Strathmore Skating Club.

“They made me a better skater, and maybe made me where I am today,” Zaytsoff said of her club. “It’s good. It’s a fun experience.”

Zaytsoff also assists with the club’s Can Skate clinics and volunteers when she can. After graduating high school this year, Zaytsoff plans on enrolling in college programs where she can include her love for skating.

“I wanted to get maybe into broadcasting for sports,” she said. “I want to inspire people to skate and stuff.”

Zaytsoff says then when she’s on the ice, nothing bothers her in the zone.

“But I feel nervous when I compete,” she laughs.