HOUSTON – You probably know me as the reporter on KPRC, but off the air, you can often catch me at the local ice rink.
Figure skating has been a big part of my life for nearly two decades. It’s a sport that’s taught discipline, resilience and sportsmanship, lessons that shape who I am today. I’m forever grateful it remains a part of my life.
I started skating after watching the 2006 Torino Olympics on TV. There was a skater named Sasha Cohen, and I wanted to be just like her. Her gracefulness, flexibility and artistry stood out to me at a young age.
Jaewon Jung old skating pictures (KPRC)This was when I met Sasha Cohen at a show in Atlantic City! My friend in middle school was a sports photographer and got us VIP tickets to watch an ice show. I got to meet all the greats including my favorite skater! (KPRC)
This had such an impact on me that I begged my mom to put me in skates and eventually she signed me up for Learn-To-Skate lessons in Wall Township, NJ near where I grew up.
By then, I had already missed the cutoff to chase any Olympic dreams. Most elite skaters begin the sport at around four or five years old.
Also, my family had no idea how expensive the sport was. From ice time, lessons, costumes, skating boots, skating blade to competition fees, test fees and travel expenses; my family didn’t have the means to have me seriously train in the sport.
Still, I was incredibly fortunate to have a supportive childhood coach, Barbara Delaney-Smith, who was so gracious and understanding. She is a big reason why I love the sport so much to this day and why I feel like I can be a part of it. When I couldn’t afford new skating boots, I was able to purchase an old pair from one of her other skaters. When I competed at the North Atlantic Regional Championships, she let us stay at her condo for free because she knew otherwise there was no way I could go.
Jaewon Jung skating (kprc)
Truthfully, figure skating can feel like an exclusive sport. For a while, I stepped away for that very reason.
But every time I took a break, I ended up missing it so much.
There is something about the way the blades scrape the ice and the cold air blowing through your skin that is so liberating. It’s a feeling I can’t get anywhere else but the rink.
Recently, I’ve made it a goal to skate on my own terms. No matter where I go, where it’s New Jersey, California, Oregon, Nevada or Texas; I end up back at the rink because it’s been one of the only constants in my life.
It really does feel like home.
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