Jenny Shyu

The Kingsgate Skating Club is excited to honor our club member and international competitor, Jenny Shyu, for participating in the recent DU Open collegiate competition at Denver, Colorado. A silver medalist of the 2019 Chinese Taipei Figure Skating Championships, Jenny is now pursuing a major in Math and Economics and a minor in Data Science at the University of California San Diego.

We have had the wonderful opportunity to interview Jenny about her experiences balancing college life with her commitment to the UCSD skating team. We hope that these insights will help our skating community make the most of their individual journeys through skating and fulfill our motto to “live, love, skate!”

What do you enjoy most about figure skating?

I absolutely love the combination of athleticism and artistry in figure skating. The freedom to express myself on the ice, along with the precision required for each movement, is incredibly fulfilling. The beauty of figure skating lies in the blend of physical strength, creativity, and the opportunities to continuously push my boundaries. I am constantly motivated by the unlimited challenges that figure skating offers—there’s always a new jump to learn and a new style of music to skate to. The rush of adrenaline and endless nuances have kept this sport exciting for me.

How do you balance skating and college?

In my fifteen-year journey of figure skating, I learned the effectiveness of setting goals to help me effectively and efficiently finish my tasks. Daily and weekly goals on both skating and school work help me plan and overcome each milestone. Although I have less time to spend on the ice now, ‘skating smart,’ which I learned from my coaches, has allowed me to maximize my training sessions, ensuring that each moment on the ice is purposeful. Furthermore, when I’m on the ice, my attention is fully dedicated to perfecting my routine and honing my skills. Similarly, when I’m in the academic realm, my focus shifts entirely to my studies and college responsibilities. This approach helps me make the most of each moment, ensuring that I give my best whether I’m on the ice or in the classroom. It’s about finding that balance and being fully present in whatever I’m doing.

How do you sustain your passion for figure skating? 

I vividly recall the moment I first stepped onto the ice at the age of five, attending the Leap into Summer skating camp at Kingsgate. It was during that initial lesson that I acquired the skill of getting up on my own after a fall. That experience marked the beginning of my journey in figure skating, and I’ve been deeply committed to the sport ever since. I always enjoy the positive atmosphere at the rinks, where I can leave behind any stress and fully relish in the joy of performance, jumps, and spins. My Coaches Jared, Lisa and Jeri also help me push my limit, challenge my ability to help me grow. Most importantly, they teach me and help me realize the power of belief in not only my skating career, but also my personal life. I truly appreciate all the support from friends, clubs, coaches and family. With their belief in me I am able to continue what I love. Staying connected with the skating community, attending events, and exploring new routines keeps the sport exciting and motivates me to continually improve. Now in college, I have experienced a different side of the sport through collegiate skating. The friendly and supportive energy has added a new dimension to my figure skating journey. We all encourage each other to try events we never tried before. It’s incredible to share the rink with fellow students who share the same love for the sport, and this collegiate experience has deepened my appreciation for figure skating as both an individual and a team pursuit. 

Is there anything you’d like to add? 

I am forever grateful for how close-knit the skating community gets, like a family. As I got to travel to many places / countries for skating, the lasting bond formed during these journeys always remains close to my heart. My skating career would not be as amazing as it is without the love and support from everyone. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Coach Jared, Coach Lisa, and Coach Jeri for always being by my side, believing in me, and providing guidance on what I can achieve. I always look forward to reuniting with skaters, parents, and coaches at competitions and when I come back home from college.