SPRINGBANK — Heading into this past weekend Jessica Sergeant certainly didn’t feel like a champion.
She was sick, battling the flu, and was skating on sprained ligaments in her foot.
By Sunday, however, Sergeant was standing on top of the podium, claiming her fifth provincial title, her first in senior ladies figure skating.
“It’s a very good feeling, a very accomplished feeling,” said Sergeant, 19. “I am proud of how I handled myself under the circumstances. This is what you work towards.”
The Red Deer skater posted a 36.53 in the short program on Saturday and sat in second place. On Sunday she was feeling a little better and posted the second best score again — 69.82 — but it was enough to leapfrog her into first place with a new personal best total of 106.35.
“I was a point and a half behind (after the short program). Saturday was not good. I was feeling sick and nauseated,” she said. “Today my coach and I talked about pacing myself. I have a tendency to let it all out at the beginning and then I have no strength at the end and that’s when I usually die. But I was able to pace myself today. I’m proud of what I did.”
Sergeant has also won two provincial championships at the junior ladies level, one in pre novice and one in juvenile. Winning this year, however, was a bit more of a surprise.
“I just wanted to make it through with the injury and being sick,” said Sergeant. “Winning gold was just a bonus.”
Next step for Sergeant is the BMO Skate Canada Western Challenge in Mississauga, Ont., Dec. 2-6 as she tries to qualify for the Canadian Championships in London, Ont., Jan. 14-17.
l Three other local skaters had qualified for provincials. Amy Severtson finished 30th in pre-novice ladies after posting an 18.20 in her short program and a 49.89 in her free skate. Kylie Pelletier, also in pre-novice, scored an 18.56 in short program, but pulled out due to injury before the free skate. Mackenzie Larson withdrew from the novice ladies competition.
jaldrich@www.reddeeradvocate.com