Elyce Lin-Gracey: Mental training, consistency & Olympic dreams at 18 | Figure skating interview

Meet 18-year-old American figure skater Elyce Lin-Gracey as she discusses her journey training at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Since moving there in March 2023, Elyce has been training alongside athletes she's looked up to, thriving in the competitive environment as she pursues her Olympic dreams.

In this candid interview, Elyce opens up about the mental side of figure skating and how she works with a sports psychologist to manage competition nerves. She shares specific techniques like breathing exercises and tension-release strategies that help her stay centered under pressure. Her approach to this Olympic year is refreshingly grounded: rather than fixating on making the team, she's focused on skating her best and strongest, knowing that will bring happiness regardless of the outcome.

Elyce reflects on the importance of consistency after a mixed season last year, her process for choosing music that plays to her strengths, and the joy of teaching young skaters at clinics. With one of the strongest fields in years, she knows the competition is tough—but she also believes that if she skates her best all season, she has a good shot at making the Olympic team.

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