Felicia Beck, 16, is the 2002 Pacific Coast Sectional and Southwest Pacific Regional Champion, and is considered a major contender for the 2002 Junior National title.

When and how did you begin skating?
I started skating at the age of 3 1/2 and when I watched Katerina Witt on television, winning the gold medal after skating to "Carmen" at the 1988 Olympics, I knew I wanted to skate.

What are your goals for the season?
My goals for this season are to skate my best at every competition I enter, return to Nationals to place higher than I did in 2000, and most of all, smile!

What are some of your long-term goals?
I would like to be in the 2006 Olympics and I would also like to attend medical school to become an ophthalmologist. In my spare time: sports broadcasting and choreography.

Describe your most memorable moment on the ice.
I have so many memories about skating that I couldn't possibly share all of them, but I would have to say that I remember so vividly the first time I came to Lake Arrowhead and met my coach Christa Fassi. I had taken a lesson from all the coaches up on the mountain and Phillip Mills kept telling me to wait until Christa came back from her vacation. My mom told me before the lesson to give her a sign as to whether I liked her or not. Well, I not only gave her the biggest smile she had ever seen, but I gave her the thumbs up. I knew from the start that Christa was right for me!

Which aspects of skating are easy for you and which do you have to work at?
I would have to say that my spins and artistic have always come naturally, but the jumps I have had to work on. I have to say, I have also achieved a lot of the jumps by hard work.

What should one look for in your programs this season?
Definitely look for my triple lutz and my Biellmann spins and spirals.

Who has had the greatest impact on your skating?
A lot of people have had a tremendous amount of impact on my skating, but I have to say my parents. My parents have sacrificed so much for me to train and I give them a lot of credit. They have always supported me and give me a lot of strength.

Which skater do you admire the most and why?
I admire Michelle Kwan, not only for her skating ability, but for the person she is. I have had the pleasure of knowing Michelle and our friendship has built in a wonderful way. She is amazing all around.

A lot of skaters train in the South California, or SoCal, region. Do you think this has affected skating (your skating or skating in general?)
I think there has been somewhat of an impact on skating because a lot of skaters have been drawn to Southern California because of all the wonderful skaters that come out of this region, but also this region is one of the toughest regions to compete in because of the amount of talent.

What motivates you to skate?
I have always had a fire inside of me that makes me love this sport. A lot of my motivation comes from my heart, but my parents and my coach also give me a lot of courage and determination which amounts to an abundance of motivation.