Olivia Jordan

Finding My Edge: How the Right Rink Made All the Difference

This past competition was a milestone for me. I achieved a personal best, something every skater chases but never takes for granted. I have spent countless hours training and refining my routines, but this experience reminded me that performance is not just about preparation. Environment matters more than we sometimes realize.

From the moment I arrived at the rink, I felt a difference. Everything about the space felt intentional and supportive. There were clearly designated areas for checking in, warming up, and preparing mentally. Instead of chaos, there was flow. I did not feel rushed trying to find my place or distracted by everything around me. I felt like I could settle in.

There was space to focus, space to breathe. Coaches could talk with skaters without interruption, and families and friends had comfortable places to watch and relax. That atmosphere helped me feel calm in a way that is hard to describe but easy to recognize when it is there. It stayed with me all the way onto the ice.

That calm made a real difference. I felt ready, not rushed or overwhelmed. I could focus on my program, trust my training, and actually enjoy the moment. I remember stepping onto the ice feeling present instead of pressured. In the end, that translated into my best performance yet.

Earlier this year, I had a very different experience at another rink. Everything was crowded into a single lobby space, with vendors, skaters, coaches, and spectators all sharing the same tight area. It felt noisy and confusing from the start. There was no clear signage, no sense of direction, and everyone entered through the same set of doors. It was hard to find where I needed to be, and even harder to stay focused once I got there.

I remember my coach saying to me, “I’m not sure what happened, but it seems everyone is struggling today. Maybe it’s the rink. I never like it anyway.” Hearing that in the moment made me realize it was not just in my head.

It was not just me who struggled. No one in my group performed at their usual level. Looking back, it makes sense. It is difficult to stay mentally ready when your environment feels overwhelming and distracting.

Later, I heard from my coaches that this rink is set to be demolished and rebuilt elsewhere. While that may bring some inconvenience for local skaters and coaches, I cannot help but feel hopeful. A fresh start is an opportunity to do things differently.

I hope the new rink will be designed with people in mind, with spaces that support athletes, guide visitors, and create a positive experience for everyone who walks through its doors. Because I have felt the difference it can make. When a rink supports you, it allows you to focus on what you came to do.

This competition reminded me that success is not just about what happens on the ice. Sometimes, it begins the moment you walk through the door.