[ rachael young - australia ] j a y s o n s u t c l i f f e . c o m

Victorian State's - 2005

Performing in 2004

joining forces..

2005 Vic Championship

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RACHAEL YOUNG - Former Australian champ and World Team member

Status: Coach / School teacher
Club: Caribbean Rollerama, Australia
Former: Champion artistic roller skater and member of the world Top 5 Precision Team in 1999.

Rachael has represented Australia at many International competitions, including both Junior and Senior world meets between 1995 & 2000. Now, a primary school teacher and skating coach, Rachael devotes her time to putting her knowledge back in to the sport to help others. More recently, Young joined forces with Sutcliffe, to form a coaching partnership in the upcoming 'Skate Victoria' supported program, i-Sk8r. In approaching the programs launch, we spoke with Rachael and asked how she was feeling about her involvement, her past.... and the future.

In 2005, choreography has been a big focus for Young, working with many skaters in Victoria in an effort to add something special to their performances. More recently, I had the pleasure of putting Rachael through a 'grueling month', when we worked together on my new long program. The end result, I can only say was something we are both very proud of, if anything - our best work to date!

Q1: Can you recall the first time you put skates on your feet? When, where and how old?

I still remember the day so clearly… My Nan and Pop took me to Caribbean Rollerama for the ‘learn to skate’ class. I was 7 years old at the time and it took me about a year to get out of star one because I didn’t have the guts to skate away from the barrier.

Q2: Are you excited about your involvement in the new i-Sk8r.com program?

I am very excited about my involvement in this program as I am always looking for ways to keep on enhancing and developing our sport.

Q3: As a coach, what will your primary focus be throughout the initial stages of its implementation?

Through out the initial stages I think I would like to promote this program to new skaters. I am always keen to teach others and continue to keep learning, I’m sure this will be another fantastic learning experience and will only benefit my coaching for the future.

Q4: How do you feel a program like this will benefit skating in Victoria/Australia? And why is it necessary for the future of our sport?

I think it is a great way to try to promote our sport to beginners. We need to implement various strategies (like this program) that will appeal and represent our sport in such a way that people want to be involved. As these sessions will be structured in such a way that skaters will be taking part in an appealing, fun but effective training program they will then come out ready to undergo private lessons, knowing what is required to continue to improve.

Q5: What do you enjoy most about coaching? And how does the role differ to being a Primary School Teacher? Or doesn’t it?

I have found that since I have become a teacher, it has really changed my approach to coaching. Especially when confronted with larger groups of skaters. I really enjoy working on choreography and I guess nothing is more rewarding when you see your skaters train hard and then perform to the best of their ability, no matter what the outcome.

Q6: If you could suggest a change for the development of our sport, what would it be?

I guess I would continue to push the idea that all coaches need to work together, to ensure the best outcome for our skaters. Programs such as skater achiever, development squad and this program will and are helping develop our sport by providing support for our beginners. Obviously money is also a huge issue as equipment, facilities and training time all effect a skater’s development.

Q7: … and how would that change make an impact?

By being involved in such programs, skaters will learn the fundamental elements of the correct skating technique. The important issues of body position and the correct way to skate forwards and backwards will be demonstrated and taught. This way it will eliminate skaters going into private lessons before they are actually ready.

Q8: What level of skaters do you enjoy working with the most?

Tough question I know, but the rewards vary in so many ways and its always interesting to know! Obviously skaters working at a higher level are in the spot light and give you a lot of joy. As a coach I guess you finally get recognized at a National level, when you get a skater to place at nationals. In saying that though I also love teaching the real little ones. I love choosing music appropriate for them so that the crowd, judges and skater all get enjoyment out of it. My all time favorite skater is the kind that enjoys to train…. It is so pleasing when improvement is made no matter what the level is.

Q9: Where do you think Roller Sports could benefit the most, in terms of support?

I guess support is required by the media to promote our sport, as so many people are still unaware that it exists or refer to ‘Roller Derby’ of the 70s??? Media requires money and I guess that has to come through government grants. These grants then depend on the success of existing people in the sport, which means that we have to develop more skaters up to this level. It all goes round in a circle really.

Q10: If ‘Roller Sports’ were to be selected for participation in the Olympic Games, do you think the inclusion would really change the profile of the sport that much?

Definitely!!! Roller skating is a unique sport that involves great skill and expertise. You only have to attend a world championship to be mesmerized and motivated to be involved. Involvement in the Olympic games would give us media coverage as long as we still have the skaters at the top. I’m sure that it would also encourage other past skaters to return to the sport.

Q11: Now that you are a coach, do you miss competing in the freeskating singles?

I won’t say that I miss competing but I do miss performing. There was nothing more pleasing to me when I finished a clean routine and you knew the audience was with you all the way. I find it more nerve wrecking now as a coach because I’m not in control on the rink, something I am still learning to deal with.

Q12: Can you describe for us, a dream day for you (involving your skating life).

To choreograph a skating show that involves all the top skaters of Australia. It’s a pity that a lot of money would be required.

Q13: Do you have a special message for the site?

Personal message from Rachael:
Coaches: I guess I would like to thank my own coach Simon Reeves who taught me for 12 years of my skating. But I also wouldn’t have got to the level I was if it weren’t for the support of other coaches in Australia such as you (Jayson Sutcliffe), Debbie Mestrinho, Adrian Lomman and Steve Bowman. I just hope that we all continue to try and work together because it does make so much of a difference.

Skaters: I was never a skater that had a high degree of difficulty in my routines. I remember achieving because my main focus was always on the complete package that I presented on the day of competition. I guess now being a silver level judge, I now realize that this is one of the key points that they are looking for. Judges want to see what you can do… not what you can’t… Keep training hard!!!

Below: Rachael participates in the Peter Berlic seminar held in Melbourne.

Special thanks to Rachel Young for participating in this interview.