Synchronized skating has taken the world of figure skating by storm, captivating audiences with its seamless choreography and precision. Rising synchro star Olivia Rush, a junior attending MATA’s TV production pathway, reflects on the highs and lows of her first season representing Team USA as a member of DC EDGE’s junior synchronized skating team. 

Olivia’s passion for synchronized skating ignited in 6th grade when she tried out for Team Ashburn. It was love at first glide, and she knew she had found her calling. The sport set her “heart in motion” and motivated her to pursue it further, embarking on a remarkable journey that would lead her to the pinnacle of success.

Before earning her place on Team USA, Olivia viewed each season as an opportunity to progress, learn from her mistakes, and refine her skills. She understood that this was not the end goal and kept her eyes on the future, always “looking for more down the road.” When the dream of joining Team USA finally came true, it was a defining moment for Olivia. Years of hard work and determination had paid off, and she was eager to represent her country on the international stage. However, being part of Team USA was not the ultimate destination for Olivia. Competing in international events and practicing for national competitions fueled her ambition to achieve even greater heights within the sport. She was determined to surpass this milestone and continuously improve her skills, setting her sights on becoming a more competitive skater for college synchro. Being a member of Team USA brought “new excitement to the sport” for Olivia. 

The path to joining Team USA was fraught with intense competitions and pivotal moments. The Boston Synchronized Skating Classic held significant importance as it determined whether Olivia’s team would make it to Team USA. The pressure was intense, as the future of her team’s success heavily relied on their performance. 

“But then, when our score was finally called, we all went ballistic. We were jumping up and down, and I almost wanted to cry,” said Olivia, recalling the moment when her team found that they qualified for Team USA. They went on to secure first place at the Britannia Cup in Great Britain and fourth place at the French Cup in France during their international season. 

Initially, Olivia served as a swing—sharing a spot with another skater—for both the short program and long program. This required her to switch out during practice sessions. While being a swing demanded additional effort and dedication, it also served as a catalyst for her growth. She embraced the challenge and used it as motivation to enhance her skills. During winter training, the team announced the positions for the upcoming season, and Olivia secured a full-time spot for the long program — she realized her hard work had paid off. Even though she continued as a swing for the short program, Olivia saw it as an opportunity to push herself further, adopting a mindset of always striving to “do a little bit more.”

The French Cup presented a stumbling block in their journey. Despite their confidence after winning gold at the Britannia Cup, Olivia’s team encountered a few falls during this event. It was a disheartening experience for Olivia and her teammates. They realized that they needed to address issues as a team rather than individually fixing their parts. This realization fueled their determination to work together and tackle challenges collectively. At the nationals, they delivered their best performance to date, achieving a fifth-place finish nationally. It was the highest DC EDGE has ever placed in the junior category. Identifying and rectifying their problems allowed them to showcase their true potential.

Looking toward the future, Olivia has her sights set on attending Miami University in Ohio. The university boasts a varsity senior synchronized skating team, the highest level in the sport. With a “redemption mission” in mind after the setback at the French Cup, Olivia aims to reach the podium as a senior-level skater. However, beyond the desire for personal success, Olivia’s love for the sport is what truly drives her. She hopes to become an even better athlete, continually pushing herself to new limits.

Synchronized skating has not only influenced Olivia’s athletic pursuits but has also had a profound impact on her personal life. Once realizing that “everyone comes from different walks of life and goes at their own pace,” she knew it was “okay to slow down and remember that not everybody is working towards the same thing.” This taught her to be more confident in herself, even when her goals differ from those around her. The sport has also improved her time management skills, as she has learned to coordinate with teachers and prioritize her commitments while traveling for competitions. “And to make sure there’s WIFI at hotels.” Her biggest takeaway from synchro was that “there are some people you’re not going to get along with in life, but it’s all about how you communicate and work together as a team.” 

“Don’t be intimidated,” Olivia emphasizes to aspiring skaters and anyone who’s scared to pursue their passion. Her motivation to succeed pushes her to attend as many morning practices as possible and continue progressing. Skating is all about “relaxing into the team and letting them support you.”

You can follow the success of Olivia and her team DC EDGE at https://www.dcedgesynchro.org/ and on instagram @dcedgejuniorusa. 

 

written by Sarasi Rout

edited by Saanvi Gutta