At age 15, Faith Crooks’ grit and determination have made her one of the top technical figure skaters in Omaha. When she began at eight years old, she was nervous to skate. Now she skates at Moylan Premier Skating Club, where she is the youngest Gold medalist in club history (Skating Skills and Free Skate). She hopes to graduate as the first and only medalist in all five categories (Skating Skills, Free Skate, Solo Dance, Partnered Dance, and Free Dance). Tell her she can’t do something and she’ll keep at it until she gets it.
Edge: What inspired you to take to the ice in the beginning?
Crooks: I was inspired to begin skating after watching the Olympics. I admired all the older skaters who were able to jump and spin really fast. My mom is the one who got me started by putting me into a “learn to skate” program at the local Parks and Rec back in Sacramento, [California].
Edge: How have your parents supported your journey?
Crooks: My parents have supported me by driving nearly every day at 5:30 am and late at night. Also driving to take me to every practice, class, camp, and competition, sometimes up to 12 hours away. Now I try to work as hard as Mom has had to fight [cancer], so she can see as many of my accomplishments while she still can. The thought of losing her is really scary. That’s what made me pick my music this year—“Her” by Anne-Marie. I just want my mom to know I’m thankful, and I want her to be proud. I wouldn’t be here without her.
Edge: What is it like to compete in figure skating?
Crooks: Competing in figure skating is thrilling. The immense pressure we put on ourselves and the nerves we get before stepping on the ice to compete is like no other. You never know what is going to happen. Sometimes it’s terrifying!
Edge: Do you have goals you try to meet?
Crooks: We always have goals: to land new jumps, achieve a certain level on our spins, or get higher scores in our programs.
Edge: How often do you practice?
Crooks: I practice around 25+ hours a week. I also do off-ice classes such as conditioning, jump, and spinner. During competition season, I can practice up to 30 hours a week.
Edge: Where do you get your drive?
Crooks: I get my drive to continue practicing from wanting to improve myself and become the best I can possibly be. For competitions, I focus on the scores, and I always want to win. I tell myself, ‘Now I’ll fight, Later I’ll rest.’
Edge: What skills have you recently accomplished?
Crooks: I have recently achieved my double axel, and I’m currently working on my triple jumps (Loop, Salchow, Flip).
Edge: Has there been a difficulty that you’ve encountered that has made it hard to continue?
Crooks: Mental blocks are very common in figure skating. It can make you feel like you cannot do a jump or make you struggle on an element. Currently, I am working on an overuse injury in my left knee. It is really frustrating when you feel that you cannot do anything or are not improving at the rate you’d like to, but in the end, you just have to trust yourself and take it day by day.
Edge: What does the future hold for you?
Crooks: I have two USFSA Gold Medalist certifications, and am trying to get a total of five. I only have a few more tests in “Solo Dance” for my third Gold!
Edge: Do you want to compete in the Olympics?
Crooks: No, that’s a whole different level of cost and dedication!
Edge: What do you enjoy doing outside of the ice rink?
Crooks: In between skating and classes, I enjoy stretching because I find it relaxing and a time where I can refocus. When I am not training, I create art. I love to watercolor and draw. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends.
