“Setbacks don’t set me back, but instead push me forward in my skills on the ice.”

Arushi Chanda: “My first experience of ice-skating started when at a very young age. My parents first took me to Dublin Iceland, an ice-rink in Dublin, as a fun family break to try to get me to learn how to ice-skate. They filmed the whole experience of me timidly skating, practically walking baby steps, across the ice while engulfed in a puffy jacket and wearing a helmet, shoulder pads, and knee pads because my mom was afraid of what would happen to me. Despite the many times I fell, I learned to enjoy the sport, and I soon started to take actual lessons. I progressed rapidly from being able to do various spins that required me to lift my leg in the air, and doing double jumps, however, in 7th grade, I experienced scoliosis, a heavy twist in my spine, so I had to temporarily stop. However, after rest, frequent visits to the physiatrist, and a healthy diet, my spine repaired itself and I was back on the ice. I realize that through my many downfalls in life, the thrill of being able to float freely on the ice continues to motivate me to continue competing and doing what I love the most. Also, ice-skating in times of COVID-19 can be a little tricky, as I have to skate with a mask on. But, I do what I can to ensure my safety and continue practicing.”