Spotlight Interview: B.J. Conrad — Competitive Figure Skater

Editor: B.J., how long have you been homeschooled?
B.J.: Three years.

Editor: What’s your favorite subject?
B.J.: Literature. It’s fun to read and learn about different people and stories. Currently, I am enjoying Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol but another favorite is the Blackfoot legend, The Story of Scarface. “Casey at the Bat” was a fun poem our whole family loved.

Editor: If you could meet anyone at K12, who would it be?
B.J.: The people who design and develop the art courses. Last year I started with American Art A. Visiting museums, suddenly I saw items from our American heritage pop out from cases and walls. Now I could identify them because I had actually studied and made pieces. I love design, color, and experimenting with different art forms so I think I’d like to meet the artists behind K12’s art programs and ask them what I might expect to find in future courses.

Editor: Between school and skating, you really have a jam-packed day. Can you describe your typical day for us?
B.J.: I wake up at 4:45 a.m. and travel from Katy to Sugar Land Texas (about 30 minutes) to work out at Plex from 6:00 to7:30 a.m. Plex is an off-ice workout gym for athletes training in many different sports. It is fun, challenging, and offers personal trainers, a well-equipped gym, and a physical therapy department. Then I go to school at Logos Preparatory Academy where I do my math, science, literature, and history from 8:15 to 12:30 p.m. After that, I skate from 1 to3 p.m. at Sugar Land Ice and Sport Center, then return home to do language arts and art with my Nana. I also do whatever homework I have during that time. One or two nights a week from 7 to 8:30 p.m. I do mental toughness training with Alison Arnold through a web camp I can do on the computer, then I go to bed at 8:40 p.m.

Editor: What do you like to do in your free time?
B.J.: Read, watch TV, and play with friends.

Editor: When did you start skating, and how did you first become interested?
B.J.: I started skating when I was seven years old on public ice, and then moved on to group classes. Soon after that I met my coach, Ms. Shanyn Vallon, and started skating seriously, taking one-on-one private lessons. Also, my other coach is Mrs. Wylie (mother of 1992 Olympic Silver Medalist Paul Wylie). I have known her my whole life and off the ice I call her Nannie BL. I was lucky enough to find coaches who believe in me. They are both creative and have lots of good ideas. Sometimes my mom coaches me, too.

Editor: Tell us about a highlight skating experience you’ve had.
B.J.: My best moment (so far) was definitely when I heard my name called at the ending ceremonies of the Junior Nationals. I was so happy! I received my pewter medal for coming in fourth place in the whole country.

Editor: That is so exciting, BJ. You obviously work extremely hard and it must have been rewarding to receive that medal. What has been your greatest skating challenge?
B.J.: Overcoming fear on new elements—when I am trying to perfect techniques, maybe a difficult jump when I know how hard the ice is. There are physical aids to help overcome this fear when I try out a new element. Padding can cushion a fall, or the use of a harness eliminates contact with the ice when I try new jumps. But eventually I have to say goodbye to helpers and make the decision to land the jump by myself. In this way I’m able to develop mental strength. That is where Alison Arnold (web camp) comes into play. There are techniques you can use to clear your mind, concentrate, and focus on your goals. In skating, mental toughness is very important. It’s mind over matter!

Editor: Who do you admire most in the world of skating, and why?
B.J.: [2007 and 2008 US National Champion] Evan Lysachek. I admire Evan because he is a hard worker, he’s a good image for figure skating, and he always has a great attitude.

Editor: What are your short- and long-term goals?
B.J.: Short term is to medal at the Junior Nationals in Intermediate Men and land my double axel. Long term is to get accepted into one of the top five colleges in the U.S.

Editor: How has homeschooling helped you pursue your skating goals?
B.J.: I think education is important and homeschooling makes it much easier for me to fit in courses around my busy schedule. K12 provides me with high quality learning.

Editor: B.J., thank you so much for taking time out of your schedule to tell us about yourself and help us learn more about the world of figure skating. Do you have any advice or words of encouragement for other students who might be considering skating competitively?
B.J.: Always work hard, never give up even when your training is hard, and believe in yourself.