Crystal Shum, 14, skates for the Glacier Falls FSC in Anaheim, California. Russell Sessions is her coach and choreographer. In the 2002-03 season, Shum finished 4th in Novice Ladies at Southwest Pacific Regionals and 7th at Pacific Coast Sectionals.

When and how did you begin skating?
I started skating when I was nine and a half. I started ice skating by watching my cousin skate in one of her competitions and I thought it was really cool, so I tried it and I loved it.

What are your long-term goals?
My long-term goal in skating would be for me to skate my best and to see how far my skating will take me. My long-term goal off the ice would be to continue to do well in school and get my college degree.

Have you decided to move up to Junior for this coming season (2003-04)?
I have not decided if I am moving up to Junior yet. On my first couple of competitions I am going to be competing at the Novice level. Then from there I will determine if I will move up or not.

What are your goals for this season?
My goal for this season is to land all my jumps consistently.

Will you be competing at any club competitions this summer?
Yes, I am going to be competing in several club competitions. I am going to do La Jolla, Inter Club, Glacier Falls, and Golden West. That will be determined between my parents and coach.

Will you share your most embarrassing skating moment?
My most embarrassing skating moment would be about two years ago in the Inter Club Competition when I was going on the ice and I tripped before my program even started. It was so embarrassing. I skated really good at that competition though.

What is your favorite jump and spin?
My favorite jump would be the triple salchow. My favorite spins would be all of my flying spins.

Who are your favorite skaters and why?
My favorite skaters would be Michelle Kwan, because of her grace, consistency, and well balanced skating, and Evgeny Plushenko because of his footwork, expression, strength, and confidence.

Who has had the greatest impact on your skating? The person that has the greatest impact in my skating would be my grandma because she does everything she can to make me become a better skater. My coach also has a great impact on me because he has so much confidence in me. My family has the most impact in my skating because they sacrifice a lot for me to stay and be in this sport.

What do you like to do off the ice?
A couple of my off ice hobbies would be to go shopping, dancing, spend time with my family, and playing on the computer.

Why do you love skating?
I love skating so much because I love being competitive.