KSHB 41 reporter Olivia Acree covers portions of Johnson County, Kansas. Share your story idea with Olivia.
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The world is watching Team USA's medal count climb in Milan, Italy. But none more closely than young figure skaters at the AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk in Overland Park.
"They're incredible to watch," said Emma Ryan, figure skater.
Figure skaters at all levels make the sport look effortless. In reality, they're training every day, most of them for nearly their entire lives.
For these Overland Park skaters, knowing what it takes makes seeing their home team take the gold even sweeter.
"I love seeing the US men succeed, and it's definitely an inspiration," said skater Ethan Suen.
Emma Ryan and Alexis Snyder watch the Olympics for inspiration and ideas. Both girls skate at the senior level, the same as the Olympians we're watching.
"The storytelling that each skater has, and then also just aspiring to do the same jumps that they do," Snyder said.
Snyder can perform some of the same challenging jumps as Olympic competitors.
"I can do triple toe, triple salchow, triple loop that they also do. Some people can do triple axel now," Snyder said.
That's one of the hardest jumps, but skaters like Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu make it look easy.
"You have to do three and a half revolutions in the air," said Olivia Kang, figure skater.
All eyes are on the sport, and coach Sharon Brilliantine says that means new skaters at Bluhawk. The sports park hosts classes for beginner skaters of all ages.
"There's a cycle of skating, and as we approach the Olympics, our classes are pretty full," Brilliantine said. "We currently have well over 300 people in our Learn to Skate."
Because of the success of Team USA, these young skaters get to watch the sport grow, with hope for the same success themselves.
"It's a dream to be at the Olympics," Suen said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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