Japan Skates’ exclusive interview with Gracielle Jeanne Tan – Thornhill Summer Skate, August 16, 2008
More photos and videos from the interview can be found HERE!
Central Ontario (Thornhill) Summer Skate is a great opportunity to meet skaters trying out their programs early in the season. Often, skaters from the U.S. and other countries are in Toronto or Barrie to train for a few weeks, and use the Summer Skate as an opportunity to put their training to the test. One such skater was top Philippines competitor Gracielle Jeanne Tan, of Los Angeles, California.
Some readers from Japan had asked Japan Skates back in the spring if we could feature some Asian-Canadian or American skaters, those who compete for Canada or the U.S. but also for Asian countries. In April, we interviewed Canadian champion Patrick Chan and the interview received much positive response. Interviewing an American who competes for the Philippines sounded like an exciting idea that would be a popular feature. I was familiar with Gracielle from seeing her name on the Worlds and 4CC competitor lists, and I hoped that she would agree to an interview. Fortunately for us, she agreed and we met following the ladies short program.
We at Japan Skates hope that you enjoy meeting this friendly and talented university student who travels the world representing her family’s homeland in her chosen sport.