Katy Lynn Taylor, whose nickname is "Skaty Katy," was born on October 22, 1989. She lives in Houston, Texas, and represents the Texas Gulf Coast FSC. She is coached by Jana Conter and B.L. Wylie. Jana Conter choreographed her 2002-3 season long program and Caryn Kadavy choreographed her 2002-3 short program.

When and how did you begin skating?
I started skating the week before my 6th birthday, but I only skated one day a week that first year. I had been talking about skating since I was 4 1/2 years old. We aren't really sure how I became interested in figure skating, but it was probably because the 1994 Olympics were on TV. My mom remembers the first time I mentioned it was when my parents picked me up from Sunday school. We had learned that Jesus was a carpenter, and we made paper sack masks of what we wanted to be when we grew up. After Sunday school I asked my parents to guess what I was with my mask on. They guessed a ballerina because I was taking ballet at the time. I answered, "No, I'm a pretty, famous ice skater!"

What has been the most memorable moment in your skating career so far?
My most memorable experience in my skating career has been landing my first clean triples at Sectionals and making it to "big" Nationals. It was also really cool winning the bronze medal at Junior Nationals [as a Juvenile in 2001] my first year and then getting to do an exhibition at the Compaq Center Arena for the Houston Aeros hockey playoff game!

Do you have an embarrassing moment in skating you can share?
So far I haven't done anything real embarrassing, but I'm sure it will happen someday!

How would you describe the feeling of qualifying for "big" Nationals, and on your first try, too?
It is an amazing feeling qualifying for "big" Nationals! I have such a feeling of satisfaction, accomplishment, and excitement all at the same time! I can't wait for Nationals to be here!!!

What technical elements did you do in your Novice free skate at Midwestern Sectionals (November 2002)?
I landed double Axel/single toe (supposed to be a double toe), a sit-layback-back sit combination spin, double Lutz/double toe, triple Salchow, flying camel, spiral sequence, 2nd double Lutz, footwork sequence, three turn out of a triple loop, camel combination spin, 2nd double Axel into a double flip, and then a layback spin.

What music are you using this season?
My music for this season for the long program is a medley from Forrest Gump and my short program is to Capriccio Espagnol.

What should we watch for in your Novice programs at Nationals?
My programs for Nationals are going to be pretty much the same as Midwesterns. We have just been working really hard on making things bigger, stronger, and more consistent.

What are your goals for Nationals in Dallas? Long term goals?
My goals for Nationals are to skate my best, have fun, and get anywhere from 11th place to 1st place. My long term goals are to medal at the Olympics.

What do you consider to be the strongest and weakest aspects of your skating?
The strongest aspects of my skating are my jumps and my speed. I have to work real hard on the artistic side and the spirals, but I think the hard work is really paying off.

What is your current favorite jump, spin and connecting element to do?
My favorite jump is triple loop, my favorite spin is the layback, and my favorite connecting element is an Ina Bauer.

Who are your favorite skaters and why?
My favorite skaters are Sasha Cohen because she is such an awesome and exciting skater to watch; Michelle Kwan because she is so graceful; Paul Wylie because he is short like me [Katy is 4' 7" as of this interview] and has to work hard to look tall on the ice, plus he is an awesome skater and really nice, too; and Alexei Yagudin because he has great footwork and awesome quads.

What is your current schooling arrangement, grade, favorite subject(s)?
I go to a public school called Mayde Creek Junior High; I am in 7th grade, but I take some 8th grade classes, and my favorite subjects are reading and English.

What do you like to do for fun away from the ice?
When I'm not skating, I love to cook, write, swim, hang out with my friends, and play with my dog, Sandy.

What do you like the most about skating that motivates you to keep going day in and day out?
I'm not sure what I like the most about skating because I really like everything about it! It is so much fun to skate real fast around the ice, and I like the thrill of big jumps and fast spins! I like the challenge skating offers and the feeling of satisfaction when you accomplish something new! I keep going day after day because there is so much to learn and you always want to skate faster, jump higher, and spin faster, so you must practice, practice, practice!!!