Q&A with Erika Choi Smith and Nate Bartholomay ... - Susan L Field

DiGregorio formerly trained Olympic Champions Tara Lipinski and Sarah Hughes when they
were in the novice and junior ranks.
Town&Gown reporter Susan Field recently caught up with Choi Smith and Bartholomay to
reflect on their time in Happy Valley, talk about their skating careers, future goals, and how they
think Joe Paterno would do on skates.
1. Field: How many years have you been skating?
Choi Smith: I’ve been skating for 12 years.
Bartholomay: I have been skating for 11 years and I have been doing pairs for six.
2. Field: How did you get into ice skating, and what made you want to skate pairs?
Choi Smith: I first saw Michelle Kwan at the 1996 World Championships, where she
won her first World Title. After that performance I knew I wanted to skate. She
completely entranced me with her program to Salome and as soon as she finished and
received a standing ovation I was like, “I want a moment like that!”
What made me want to skate pairs? Honestly, I just loved it as soon as I tried it. My
previous coach just threw me into it because she figured that it would improve my singles
skills and that I would have some fun. One of the best things about skating pairs was
actually coming to the realization that it was very comforting to have someone share the
ice and limelight with you, as well as all the perks of being hiked up in the air and or
catapulted across the ice. It gives you a rush!
Bartholomay: I started skating when I was 8 years old. My sister (Jamie Bartholomay)
was a skater. I became acquainted with pairs when I was 13. My first partner called my
coach for a tryout and I gave it a whirl. After that I was hooked and continued to pursue
both singles and pairs.
3. Field: What’s your favorite aspect of pairs skating and what’s your favorite pairs
move?
Choi Smith: My favorite aspect of pairs skating is first of all, having a wonderful partner.
The second is creating a connection between ourselves; one that we can emit hopefully
back to the judges and the audience. It’s acting without words. My favorite element of
pairs skating would be throws. When you nail a throw it is like hitting a home run, you’re
definitely like, “Yeah!”
Bartholomay: My favorite aspect of pairs skating is the start of a new season because
that’s the time when we work on all new lifts! I love to help come up with new and
interesting lifts that no one has ever done. I also really like choreographing new steps and
connections for our programs. My favorite move would have to be the throws. It’s such a
good feeling to “fling” your partner into the air and know that she is going to land safely.