Arctic Edge figure skaters bring home two medals

Four Arctic Edge skaters were at the BMO Skate Canada Sectionals BCYT Section in Richmon, B.C. this past weekend, with two bringing medals back to the Yukon.

Four Arctic Edge skaters were at the BMO Skate Canada Sectionals BCYT Section in Richmon, B.C. this past weekend, with two bringing medals back to the Yukon.

“This is the biggest competitive event of the year and the one that qualifies people to move on to Westerns which is the qualifying event for the Canadian Junior National Skating Championships,” said Cheryl Van Blaricom, publicist for the Arctic Edge Skating Club.

Ten-year-old Rachel Pettitt skated a personal best in the pre-juvenile ladies division earning her a silver medal last Friday afternoon.

Pettitt placed second over 34 other skaters of her age.

“That was a good accomplishment,” she said Thursday evening after practice. Her high place was due in part to her high jump marks.

Kevin Caron managed to qualified to skate at the 2010 BMO Skate Canada Western Challenge that takes place Dec. 2 to 6 in Mississauga, Ont. after his third place finish in the junior mens category. Caron placed third in both his short and long program, giving him the third place finish overall.

This is the fourth time Caron has qualified to skate at the Western Challenge.

“This is a significant achievement,” said Van Blaricom. 

Caron has also earned himself a place on the B.C. provincial team after his performance.

Millie Austin, 17, skated a personal best in the junior ladies division, finishing fifth in her short program on Saturday evening. In her long program she finished seventh, giving her a seventh place finish overall.

This was Austin’s first year in the junior category. In her short program she received high element marks, the highest in her category. She also moved up a category in her footwork and spins.

“It was good, it was a good experience,” said Austin.

Teneil Caron competed in the novice ladies division and finished 21st after her short program last Wednesday. Her free program earned her an 18th place finish last Friday, bringing her to 20th overall.

“She had her personal best skates and had two judges come up to her and comment on the improvement that has been made in her skating,” said Van Blaricom. “She finished middle of the pack in a very challenging group and was very happy with her skates and placement.”

Both Pettitt and Austin have qualified for membership to the B.C./Yukon Provincial Development Team due to their performance last weekend.

Trials for the Arctic Winter Games will be held at Takhini Arena on Dec. 4, together with the Yukon Figure Skating Championships.