#JacksonFamily Interviews ft Michelle Long
The #JacksonFamily is a large family of skaters wearing Jackson product. Whether it be Matrix Blades, Ultima Blades, Jackson Skates or GAM Skates, skaters are encouraged to tag #JacksonFamily in their social posts and be a part of the largest skating family, from recreational to elite! Innovation, Development and most importantly FUN are the core fundamentals of #JacksonFamily.
In our interview series, we wanted to go behind the scenes and talk with some of our international competitors to get to know them a little bit better!
Hi Michelle! So let’s start off with a quick intro. Tell us a bit about yourself, where you came from, how long you’ve been skating, training grounds, coaches etc.
I am 24 years old, born and raised in Newmarket Ontario and have been skating my whole life. My dad used to play hockey growing up so I was put into skates quite early, actually when I was 3!! In my earlier years, I skated at the Newmarket Skating Club. I was actually a bit of a “late bloomer” in the sport and didn’t land my double axel until I was 18 years old. When I moved up to the senior level, I made the competitive switch to train at the Richmond Training Centre in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
I work with my coaches Robert Burk and Danielle Rose, as well as world renowned choreographer Lori Nichol. I have competed at the last three National Championships, and have placed respectively in the top 10 each year. I am also a member of the 2016–2017 National team.
So you are a student, worked multiple jobs and continue to skate competitively. What is your secret? What can you tell people who say “There isn’t enough time in the day?”
My secret… Love what you do! Or why else are you doing it?! Balance and time management is key to make it all work. In order to make skating my priority, I had to put my studies second to training. I am currently a part time student, working towards a Bachelor of Science, at York University, in Toronto. I have to do a lot of planning and scheduling to try to balance everything.
I have been fortunate enough to be able to work within the skating community, at my own rink, and for a company called Flexafit, teaching sport specific off ice programs to younger skaters at local skating clubs. Working a job like this as opposed to a late night restaurant job, like I used to have, allows me to optimize my training time and resting hours. It has definitely not been an easy to manage everything, but I have an amazing support group around me, including my family, friends, and coworkers.
As for people who say I can’t do it all… I say, “Watch me!”
Wow, that is quite the schedule! So for you, what has been the highlight of this 2016–17 season?
The highlight of my season was being a part of the National Team. I received many wonderful opportunities, such as, participating in the National Team camp, competing in my first international competition, and getting to meet some wonderful people who I have looked up to for years! There were so many amazing experiences, it’s hard to pick just one highlight.
What can we look forward to with Michelle Long in 2018?
I am super excited and looking toward to the 2017–2018 season. The off-season is my favorite time of year because I get to play around with new jumps, techniques, and combinations. After missing last year’s off-season due to a knee injury, I am very eager to get going this year. I am hoping to up my technical game by adding a triple-triple to my short program, as well as a triple Lutz into my arsenal. There may be a few other tricks up my sleeve but since the new season hasn’t even started yet, I don’t want to give away too much!
Super excited for what’s to come! What do you like to do outside of work & skating?
Outside of skating and work, I like to go to dance classes, practice yoga, or take naps with my dog.
⚡️Lightning Round ⚡️
Window or Aisle Seat? Window
Favorite Animal? Monkey or Dog
Favorite Color? Purple
Favorite Place You’ve Competed? Halifax
Figure Skating’s Class Clown? Kurt Browning
What does #JacksonFamily mean to you?
To me, Jackson Family is an inclusive support system linking all skaters under their umbrella. They provide the best customer service in the figure skating industry, and you can trust that you are getting cutting edge, innovative, high-quality products.
Michelle’s Equipment: Jackson Elite Supreme 5500 & Matrix Elite Blades
