#JacksonFamily Interviews Kirsten Moore-Towers & Michael Marinaro
The #JacksonFamily is a large family of skaters wearing Jackson product. Whether it be Matrix Blades, Ultima Blades, Jackson Skates or GAM Skates, skaters are encouraged to tag #JacksonFamily in their social posts and be a part of the largest skating family, from recreational to elite! Innovation, Development and most importantly FUN are the core fundamentals of #JacksonFamily.
In our interview series, we go behind the scenes and talk with some of our skaters to get to know them a little bit better!
Today’s interview features Kirsten Moore-Towers, a Canadian Pairs skater, World Competitor and 2014 Olympian and her pairs partner Michael Marinaro, World Competitor and former Junior National Champion.
Thanks for hanging out with us guys! For those who don’t know you, tell us a little bit about yourself, where you’re from, when and why you started skating?
Kirsten: I am from St. Catharines, ON and I am 25 years old. I am short, blonde and often, very sparkly! I started skating when I was 2 years old because my mom was a figure skater and thought I should learn how to do it too. Surprisingly I hated it but was told that once I knew how to do basic skating, I could quit (apparently I don’t remember this). Once I go through the basics, I loved it so much that I stuck around!
Michael: I am 25 years old, born from Sarnia, Ontario. Both of my brothers took from learn-to-skate and transitioned into hockey. It was assumed that I would do the same. I started learn-to-skate at age 2 and I fell quickly in love with the sport. I was very determined to skate in the ice show at the end of the year all by myself! Who would of known that this start would eventually lead me to travel the world, representing this beautiful country.
What are some of your hobbies outside of skating? And how do you guys balance life with being an elite athlete?
Kirsten: In my spare time I love reading and playing with my dog. I also love the endless activities and festivals that living in Montreal has to offer.
Michael: Some of my hobbies include watching sports, skateboarding, softball and playing card games. I have a very busy weekly schedule with training and coaching so I try to find time on the weekends to relax and enjoy my hobbies.
Kirsten, I hear you are in school too? It is such a rigorous schedule!
Kirsten: I only take a few classes at a time through an online university. Currently I am immersing myself in the French language! Check back in on how that’s going later ;)
Tell us a bit about a highlight or proudest moment as a skater? Together or separately?
Kirsten: I have a few ‘proudest moments’ as a skater. The first being performing to the best of my ability with my previous partner, Dylan Moscovitch at the 2013 World Championships in front of a home crowd; helping Canada earn three spots for the 2014 Olympic Games.
The second being competing at the Canadian Tire National Figure Skating Championships in 2016 in the long program. Mike and I both dislocated ribs on a bad fall in our short program but fought through to compete in the long.
Michael: My proudest moment would also be from the 2016 season, representing Canada at the World Championships in Boston. We were put in on 2 weeks notice and performed to an 8th place finish. A lot of our friends and family came down to support us, which created a special atmosphere to compete!
What can we anticipate from Kirsten and Mike in the 2017/2018 season?
Kirsten: I think in the 2017/2018 season you will see a different side of Kirsten and Mike. We will show up with more diversity to our skating and more strength within our partnership.
What’s something we might not know about your partner?
Michael: Something people might not know about Kirst is that she can speak French!
Kirsten: Something you might not know about my partner is…he has a crush on Lizzie McGuire.
⚡️ Lightning Round ⚡️
My Favorite Animal Is A:
Kirsten: Dog!
Michael: Monkey
Window or Aisle Seat:
Kirsten: Window
Michael: I’ll take the aisle!
My Favorite Color Is:
Kirsten: Pink or teal blue
Michael: Blue
Favorite Place to Compete Is:
Kirsten: Canada, obviously. Besides Canada, I love Japan
Michael: Gotta go with Canada. Close second is Italy
What does the #JacksonFamily mean to you?
Kirsten: I have been a member of the #JacksonFamily for ten years now and their support has really made the difference in my career thus far. It’s much easier to train when you know your equipment is reliable and your technicians are dependable and resourceful.
Michael: I have worn Jackson boots and blades for many years. Their equipment is cutting edge and there customer service is second to none.
Michael’s Equipment: Elite Supreme Boots, Matrix Elite Blades
Kirsten’s Equipment: Elite Supreme Boots, Matrix Freestyle Blades
