Danielle Kahle Follows Her Dreams (10/03)

Danielle Kahle at the 2003 State Farm U.S. Championships Photo by Paul Harvath

Danielle Kahle captured another medal for Team USA in the ISU Junior Grand Prix Series when she took the silver in ladies in Mexico City, Sept. 25-28. "I went into the Junior Grand Prix with a lot of confidence," Kahle said. "Winning a medal and representing the USA was awesome. It builds your confidence and makes you strive to become a better skater, both technically and artistically."

Kahle skated her short program to music from the movie Chicago.

"I had a lot of fun with my short program," she said. "I was disappointed that I missed the triple flip, but other than that I was pleased."

She was also pleased and excited with her free skate.

"I am very comfortable with both my programs. They offer a lot of personality, and I have a lot of fun with them."

Kahle is planning to improve a bit technically before she goes to Croatia for her second JGP assignment next week. She also wants to add a triple-triple combination to her free skate.

For Kahle, being in an international competition was an unbelievable experience.

"You get to meet all the skaters from other countries, and you all share the same love of ice skating," Kahle said. "You form special friendships with them. It's like you all share the same dream and all work hard to accomplish it. I can't wait to do another competition to see them again."

While being in Mexico City was centered on skating in the competition, Kahle also spent some time away from the ice.

"Mexico City was a wonderful experience," she said. "All of the skaters had an opportunity to visit the pyramids of Teotihuaca, and Brittany and I climbed to the top!"

The 14-year-old silver medalist has moved up quickly in the skating ranks and has a bit of advice to any young people considering turning skating into a career: "Follow your dreams, and never give up. Have fun while participating and competing — these are experiences you will always remember."