Ice Skating Diary

[Ice Skating at Singapore's JCube Rink]
Growing up, I have never tried any winter sports. Most of the sports I did were suited for the summer climate, like swimming, running or playing team ball sports. Therefore, I have always been in awe and maybe slightly jealous of people living in countries with winter. The only time I could enjoy the winter season was during the time I travelled to other countries in December with my family.
Since the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, I found myself enjoying watching videos of ice figure skaters. I think that it is probably one of the hardest sports to master (maybe it's easier to pick it up as a kid compared to as an adult). It requires not just the grace of a ballet dancer, but also the strength and agility of a martial arts athlete as well as the endurance and perseverance required for marathon training. It is a mix of artistic, technical and physical skills.
After watching so many beautiful videos of figure skaters from around the world, including Russia, China, Korea, Japan, and the United States, I decided to give the sport a try.
This video contains a series of short video clips, on different days, all taken at the The Rink at J-Cube shopping mall. I look pretty awkward in the video because that was actually my first time trying Ice skating. Today, the 30th July 2023, is the last day that the shopping mall and thus the ice rink will be open to the public. Afterwards, they will cease operations forever and the mall will be taken over by another property developer.
Enjoy!
[Subtitle]
With trembling legs on my rented skates, I timidly step onto the glistening ice of JCube's rink.
Each movement feels uncertain, but I am determined to learn and improve.
I push myself to get off the walls and practice skating in the open.
My heart flutters with a tinge of fear and excitement.
As I practice more and more, I gain more confidence.
My baby marches evolve into small glides.
"I can do it!" I encourage myself.
With my hands outstretched, I attempt to find my balance as I glide across the ice.
I look like I am swimming in the air, with my arms flapping around.
Well, at least I am moving.
The effort makes me sweat, but I wipe it away, knowing that dedication is the key to progress.
My ultimate goal is to become a graceful skater, one who glides effortlessly and confidently across the ice.
One day, I promise myself, I will skate on a frozen lake amongst tall magnificent mountains. One day.