After a series of setbacks and injuries at sectionals, the Florida Sunsations put themselves back together and did what they had hoped to do at nationals recently: skate their best. We really acted like we got first place. The team finished in last place out of 12 teams from across the nation, but performing well was their No.
It was such an accomplishment. It was very overwhelming. See the video of their long program performance at nationals as they skate to the music Material Girl by Madonna and Sparkling Diamonds by Moulin Rouge. Two years ago the team started participating in the more competitive US Figure Skating events, which have strict rules and guidelines for performance and allows teams to compete at sectionals and nationals.
Rachel Duckworth, who co-coaches the junior Sunsations along with Nicole West, says she never doubted the team would compete at nationals this year.
The top four teams at sectionals go to nationals. After skating their personal best at the March 1, , national championships, the Sunsations came back home to compete again. While they ended their synchro season on a high note, their road to nationals was a bumpy ride fraught with setbacks.
Intermediate member Carla Brunini and junior members Alisa Goldstein, Alisha Sarley, and Tori Kerr were all taken to the local hospital for a variety of injuries. Carla had an asthma attack. Alisa fell during the competition and someone accidentally ran over her finger.
