Love figure skating? You’re in luck! This month the UAE will host the FBMA Trophy. Figure skaters from more than ten countries, including five Emirati skaters, will participate in this top-level competition. Many will be contenders for Olympic competitions, whether in 2018 or the 2022 games. We sat down with Olympic-hopeful Zahra Lari, reigning UAE National Champion and the first-ever covered skater to reach her level in the sport.
How did you get started?
I started skating when I was 12 years old. I saw the movie Ice Princess and immediately fell in love with it. I loved the idea of it being an art and a sport.
What do your parents think about you figure skating?
My mum supported me because she was always with me at the rink. It was a little bit more complicated to convince my father but when he realised how passionate and dedicated I am to this sport, he supported me one hundred percent. I am very lucky to have such an understanding and supportive family.
Have you faced difficulties because you wear a hijab?
I haven’t found any difficulties due to my hijab. The UAE has never participated in the Winter Olympics. I want to qualify and participate in the Olympics to prove that a Muslim covered female coming from the desert can do it. I have both Muslim and non-Muslim skating friends worldwide and they all support me and understand my hopes, dreams and goals. We have a mutual respect for one another.
How do you prepare physically and mentally for a competition?
Physically, I train on-ice and off-ice for between four and seven hours per day at the Abu Dhabi Ice Rink at Zayed Sports City.
Mentally, I am working with a sports psychologist to learn stress management techniques that build my confidence and eliminate nerves on the day. We break my routines down so I can concentrate on the most basic movements, like the sound of my blade on the ice or how my foot feels in my boot. If I focus on that micro-detail, my mind doesn’t have time to think about the judges, the medals or falling. In addition, I practice imagery so I can do my routine with my eyes closed and actually feel myself landing a double axel, for example. I used to tell myself, “don’t fall,” but now that’s changed to a code word, like “shoulder” which reminds me to get into the proper position to land.
With thanks to Heather Long Vandevoorde, Ph.D.