Molly Oberstar, age 15, represents Duluth FSC in Minnesota. She placed 2nd at 2004 Upper Great Lakes Regionals; 3rd at 2004 Midwestern Sectionals and 11th at 2004 Nationals in Novice Ladies. She is coached by Zoë Hill and Heather Seyfer and works with Jill Enerson and Tom Dickson on her programs. Oberstar trains in Duluth, Minn. at the Hermantown Arena in the summer and the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center during the academic term. She has been invited to compete in the 2004 North American Challenge Skate in San Jose, California, August 19-22, in Novice Ladies.

When and how did you begin skating?
I found out about group lessons through my Dad's friend whose daughter had been skating for a while. I started skating and I was hooked!

What are your long-term goals in skating and off the ice?
My long term goal in skating would be to compete in the Olympics....I plan on coaching and/or doing choreography when I finish with my eligible skating career.

Who has had the greatest influence on your skating?
It would be hard for me to pick just one person. My parents have probably been the biggest influence for me. They push me hard and know what's best for me. I would also have to say that all three of my coaches have been strong figures in my life - in and out of skating. I learn a lot from them.

Who are your favorite skaters and why?
I would definitely say Michelle Kwan is my idol. The emotion she expresses through her skating is unbelievable - when I watched her compete at Nationals I felt her power through the whole rink. Someday I want to be as respected and looked up to as she is today. I also really admire Sasha Cohen for her drama and exquisite artistry, grace, and technical abilities.

What is your favorite jump, spin, and connecting move?
My favorite jump is double axel. I think it's my favorite because it took me so long to master it that it’s so fun to just be able to do it now without thinking so much. My favorite spin would have to be either Donut, Biellmann, or the Sasha spin. I also like doing Charlottes and finding any new and interesting positions that nobody has done before.

What do you feel are the weakest and strongest aspects of your skating?
I feel that my strong point is artistry - being able to put emotion into my skating, and skating from my heart. Having said that, I think my weakest point is lack of power and speed in my skating. I have been working really hard to improve this.

Describe and evaluate your performances at Nationals this past season.
I'm very proud of my performances at Nationals. They weren't as good as I know I'm capable of doing, but I felt that I handled myself well in the new environment that I was in. I had never been exposed to anything like that before so that was my first major competition. I had an amazing time in Atlanta and I felt so lucky to be there. It was a very humbling experience.

Have you selected your music for the upcoming season?
My long is Rachmaninoff's "Trio No. 2 in D minor, Op. 9" and Rachmaninoff's "Piano Concerto No. 3." My short program music is the Cinema Paradiso Love Theme by Ennio Morricone.

What are some of your off-ice hobbies?
I love shopping! I love hanging out with my friends - we always find something fun to do - even if we are a weird bunch of kids sometimes! I also instant message a lot online with all of my friends.

Why do you love to skate?
I love being able to express myself in skating. I love the rush you get when you finally master something you've been working on for a long time. I love the joy of flying around the ice. The feeling is unexplainable.