#JacksonFamily Interviews Kaetlyn Osmond
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 quite the decorated skater: Kaetlyn Osmond, 2017 World silver medalist, a 2014 Winter Olympian, a two-time Nebelhorn Trophychampion, and a three-time Canadian National champion (2013, 2014, 2017).
For those who don’t know you, give us a quick intro:
Where you’re from, where you train, etc.
I am originally from Marystown, Newfoundland. I’ve been living and training in Edmonton, AB for the past 11 years. My coach is Ravi Walia.
How did you get into figure skating?
I started skating when I was 2 years old because of my older sister Natasha was a skater and I wanted to be just like her!
Outside of the rink, what are some of your hobbies?
I don’t have many hobbies outside of skating. But I do read, watch tv, play with my animals, and try to hang out with my friends every now and then.
When there is so much time dedicated to the sport, how do you balance life outside of skating?
The way I balance life and skating is by enjoying the time I spend away from the rink. When I am not on the ice, I am not focusing on skating.
What was the hardest part about leaving Newfoundland?
I was only 8 years old when we moved away from Newfoundland so it wasn’t too hard for me. But going to new schools in new places was always very hard.
On the flip side, what do you love about living and training in Alberta?
Living in Edmonton feels so calm, but there is still so much to experience. I know I can find something to do if I want to have fun. Training at the West Edmonton Mall is one of my favorite things because there is always an audience around.
Has there been a defining moment in your career? Or a highlight or proudest moment as a skater?
Of course the 2014 Olympics was an incredible experience and winning a silver medal in the team event is something I will never forget. But I think my proudest moment is winning silver at Worlds this past year (2017). Dealing with injuries and having to redevelop my skating between 2014 and 2016, it made me proud of how I skated at Worlds and the whole experience was so much more rewarding.
Tell us something we might not know about you!
When I was younger I absolutely hated jumping while I was skating! It wasn’t until I was about 15 years old when I started doing more triples that the excitement for jumping kicked in!
What can we anticipate from Kaetlyn in this upcoming season (17–18)?
I have put a lot of work into my new programs. I’m skating to Summertime by Renee Olstead for my short and Black Swan for my long. I am using the momentum I built through last season to motivate me to skate even better this year. I am keeping the same elements in my programs but I am going to be more consistent and hopefully that will keep me in medal contention.
⚡️Lightning Round ⚡️
What is your favorite animal? Koala
Window or aisle? Window
Favorite Color? Purple
Favorite place to compete? Um, Canada of course!
Favorite style of music or band/artist? Ed Sheeran
What does the #JacksonFamily mean to you?
I’ve been in Matrix blades for a number of years now and I feel like I can control my speed and edges quite a bit better. The #JacksonFamily has been truly remarkable, ensuring that my blades are strong and that I will always have everything ready when it comes time to switch into a new set of skates.
Kaetlyn’s Equipment: Matrix Freestyle Blades