When Im competing, I need to be strong.

The Grand Prix Final is an opportunity for me to go out and experience new jumping passes in competition. I put in a triple loop-half loop-triple Salchow in the second of the program. It's a very difficult jumping pass so this is a chance for me to try out the new elements and the adjusted jumping layout to get prepared for nationals.

Skaters are infamously superstitious.

When Im competing, I need to be strong.

Off the ice, I can be soft, and I can be elegant and sweet.

For me, I have gay family members, and I have a lot of friends in the LBGT community.

I've had so many critics over the past couple of months. I've had so many people who said I'm too old for this, I am burnt out. But, you know what, I am so hungry to make a career for myself. I was able to turn all this negativity into something positive.