Emma
Emma Jianopoulos
Hometown: Belleville, Ontario, Canada
Spirit Animal: Snow Leopard – “Graceful yet fuzzy!”
Favourite Warm-Up Song: Under Pressure by Queen
Fun Fact: “… I used to pole-vault in high school. I was named the top pole-vaulter in my district in my grade nine year!”
Competing in women’s singles for the majority of her career, Emma initially began skating at the age of four and continues today as an active member of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues Figure Skating Team. Emma is a sixth year veteran of the team and competes in multiple events including partnered and solo pattern dance, dance fours, and synchro.
Q: Who was your skating ‘role-model’ when you were younger?
“I always looked up to Kaetlyn Osmond because I loved the mix of athleticism and artistry she brought to the ice. She was someone who you could tell worked exceptionally hard to achieve her accomplishments, which is something I greatly value in life.”
Q: What is your favourite element in skating?
“Flying camel spin. I love the feeling of flying into a spin and landing in a strong position. It takes strength, focus and precision for this spin, which is thrilling and motivating to me.”
“Least favourite element… Toe-loop jump. For some reason, I have never really been able to master this jump on its own. Only in combination would you see me doing a toe-loop!”
Q: What is your favourite type of off-ice training?
“I really enjoy strength training and cycling. Both have a way of making me feel strong, satisfied and happy.”
Q: Do you have any pre-competition rituals or superstitions?
“I always chew lots of mint-flavoured gum. It helps me relax and focus for the upcoming task at hand.”
Q: Do you do any type of visualization or meditation?
“Visualization has been super helpful for me in terms of improving my performance and calming my nerves. The more I do it, the better I feel heading into practice, skating tests and competition!”
Q: You’re at a competition, on the ice in your starting position… what are you thinking?
“I focus on my breathing in that moment.”
Q: Did you ever endure any type of adversity during your career?
“I have been injured before, however, those experiences enabled me to develop my skating in other areas. It has also introduced me to sport medicine and the art and science of athlete health. Now, I am excited to be pursuing physical therapy and hope to support athletes someday.”
Q: How has collegiate skating benefited you?
“Varsity skating has enabled me to develop my skating in other areas. Specifically, I have had the opportunity to compete in the ice dance events, which has exposed me to a whole new set of skating skills. I have also acquired valuable time management skills and have made life-long friendships as a member of the team.”
Q: How does it feel to be back with the team after last season being cancelled due to COVID?
“Returning to the ice again since COVID hit is the best feeling ever. Skating allows me to be athletic, artistic and musical in a way that’s unique [to] any other activity. Being able to combine my passion for strength, artistry, and musicality on the ice makes me feel energized, excited and happy!”
Q: What’s your favourite (collegiate) Varsity Blues memory?
“OUA 2019, competing in the dance fours event. The energy in the building was so strong, it was like a big celebration before we took the ice. Our dance fours team also performed our twizzles the most in-sync we had ever done – it was a super exciting moment!”
Q: Favourite non-collegiate skating memory?
“Competing at Nationals in Kingston. Being from Belleville, I had lots of hometown support. It was exciting to experience this special competition nearly in my own backyard.”
Q: How did skating prepare you for life?
“From skating, I have acquired an inner determination that leaves me always striving to reach my greatest potential. Skating has also provided me with a strong skill set for performing under pressure.”
Q: Do you have any advice for young and aspiring skaters?
“Cherish every moment and experience through your skating journey. Even in those difficult moments, whether they be at competition, test day, or practice, remind yourself of the happiest moments that come their way throughout your skating. They will become memories forever.
Describe yourself in one word:
“Sunny! – sunshine, bright, etc.”
Q: What are you doing now? Do you have any career goals outside of skating?
Emma completed an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at the University of Toronto, where she is also now participating in a Masters of Physical Therapy program.
“I am currently exploring the many fields of physical therapy as part of my academic training. I am also working towards my coaching certification to be able to support skater’s rink-side in training and competition. I hope to support athletes through both lenses in the future.”
Lastly, what does it mean to you to have a #ChampionshipMindset?
“Having a championship mindset means you see every experience as an opportunity to grow. Whether it is the result you wanted or not, being a champion means you take all that you can learn from the experience and apply it in the future. With this mindset, one is in a state of continued improvement and growth, which I believe sets the path for ongoing personal success and beyond.”
