Veronica
Age: 18
Hometown: Como, Italy
Spirit Animal: Lion – “It’s my zodiacal sign and I’ve always related to it since I was younger (my favorite film is The Lion King!). I love how Lions do not pay attention to anything else rather than they’re target! I think in some ways I look like them!”
Veronica began her skating career at the age of three.
“My mum was in love with the sport since she was younger, so her and my grandma decided to let me try and choose if I would continue. I totally fell in love with figure skating.”
After placing second in her first competition, she continued to win events until the age of nine at which time she again placed second in the “Coppa Italia”.
Also at the age of nine, Veronica notes that she had some struggles with her training environment and switched to a different coach.
“I stayed with the new coach for three years but it was totally worthless. Since I was one of the many skaters that they had to teach, I was left behind while my friends from different groups continued to grow.”
At the age of 13 she again began training with her former coach, who she remains with today.
“I started to win again and [was able to] enjoy my time on the ice.”
Some of Veronica’s more recognizable international achievements include placing second at Trento Cup in 2019 and placing fourth at Skate Victoria in 2019. She also placed seventh at the Sofia Trophy in 2019 and was ranked 19th overall for junior and senior level skaters in Italy.
“I’m enjoying my time on the ice as much as I can.”
Currently training in Milan at Agorà lo Stadio del Ghiaccio, she also occasionally trains in her hometown of Como at the original rink where her journey first began.
Veronica is now entering her last season as a junior with a brand new program and a brand new [mindset].
Q: Who was your skating ‘role-model’ when you were younger?
“Carolina Kostner has always been my role model! Her skating is beautiful and she is such a beautiful jumper even though she’s not always as perfect as the Russians skaters.”
Q: Who is someone in your life that inspires or motivates you?
“Now, Evgenia Medvedeva is my role model with the amazing Anna Cappellini. Evgenia is amazing on and off of the ice, she has such a nice way of skating and jumping, and in this period, is also showing that she’s human. I’ve always loved how Anna and Luca (her partner on the ice) express their feelings during their routines, when I have to look and find new music for my programs I always choose the same as them!”
Q: What is your favourite element in skating?
“Double Axel; because now It’s really effortless and easy to do!”
“My least favourite is the flying sit! I think it’s the worst element in terms of beauty and every time I try to do it I’m terrified [plus] my knee starts to hurt! I try to convince myself to [practice it] because it’s obligatory in my short program; so I need it to be good!"
Q: What is your favourite type of off-ice training?
“I love jogging since the last quarantine because I really enjoy the feeling that comes right after – a mix of euphoria and happiness. I love off ice jumps too, but jogging … it’s absolutely my favourite."
Q: Do you have any pre-competition rituals or superstitions?
“Before competition I must change my laces and clean my skates.”
“Before entering the ice, I have to put on the left skate before the right one and lace them in the same way.”
Q: Do you do any type of visualization or meditation?
“I do not meditate but the night before the competition I usually Imagine my program perfectly done.”
Q: You’re at an event, oh the ice, in your starting position, waiting for your music to start... what are you thinking?
“Now, look at the judges and put them in the condition to have fun with you.”
Q: What is your ultimate goal with skating?
“Continuing to enjoy my life on the ice without suppressing my life outside of the rink; enjoying my time in competitions and expressing my personality both in and out of my programs.”
Q: Did you ever endure some type of adversity in your career?
“I had to deal with a cyst on my ankle in 2018 but luckily nothing worse than that!”
Q: What is one major life lesson you’ve learned from skating?
“Figure skating teaches me every day that I'm worthy, that I belong in this world, and no one deserves my spot more than me. I understand how to bypass the bad things people usually say because of jealousy, and most important, I understand that I have to look at my path, time takes time.”
Q: What is it that you love most about skating?
“The unique feeling of when you land a new jump or the jump your less confident to do, especially in competition.”
Q: What is something funny or unique that most people don’t know about you?
“I love meeting new people, I'm not shy at all and I bond with almost everyone. On the other hand, I'm really touchy and I don’t take it well when people lie to me!”
Q: “If skating didn’t exist…”
[I would probably be] a dancer because I really love how classical dancers look and I understand that It takes as much practice as ice skating to become this perfect.”
Q: What does your life look like after skating?
Veronica has completed her final year of high school.
“In Italy we must do five years of high school to be able to attend university. My school address is scientific so we study mostly mathematics, physics, [and other sciences], and we must be able to translate sentences from Latin to Italian. I plan to continue studying at Politecnico di Milano, since I'm planning to become a biomedical engineer.
“I want to be a biomedical engineer [for one], because I love the idea of engineering itself; it’s like playing with math and physics in the real world. Secondly, because it's a part of engineering that is used in many sports.”
Outside of skating she also loves to read.
“It’s a passion that I have had since I was younger! I also love to draw and go outside to jog around my city!
Q: One place you’ve never been but hope to visit?
“I’d love to stay one week in Portofino. I fell in love with Liguria when I was younger and Portofino has a special place in my heart. A place outside Italy would probably be the Niagara Falls. They’re amazing in photos and many friends of mine have said that they’re even more breathtaking in person!”
Lastly, what does it mean to you to have a #ChampionshipMindset?
“[For me], having a #ChampionshipMindset means to live your life to the fullest – understanding your mistakes and learning from them. A champion is not someone who always wins different competitions against others, but someone who wins everyday against themselves. A champion is not someone [who brings down others], but instead is someone who [builds] them up like a leader; when everyone is at their best, only then the competition will be equal.”
