Spotlight on Michelle Boulos
By Anna. Exclusive to Unseen Skaters. September 22, 2002.

Michelle Boulos, 13, won the Intermediate Ladies bronze medal at the 2002 US Junior Figure Skating Championships in December 2001. As a result, she was invited to compete in the 2002 North American Challenge Skate in Huntsville, AL (August 22-24), where she placed 5th overall (8th in SP, 4th in FS). Boulos will compete at the Novice level in the 2002-2003 season.

Anna: When and how did you begin skating?
Michelle: I began skating when I was three. My parents took me to the Cranberry Bog to skate during the winter and I loved it.

What are your long-term goals?
My long-term goals in skating are to do my best and to go to the 2006 Olympic Games. Off the ice, my goals are to go to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and to learn to fly a plane.

Do you have a most memorable skating moment?
My most memorable skating moment was at Regionals [Intermediate level in New England, October 2001]. It was the first time I had gotten through to go to Junior Nationals. I was really happy and it had taken a lot of work, and the gratification of getting through was great!

What do you consider to be the strongest and weakest aspects of your skating?
The strongest and weakest aspects of my skating are always changing. My weakest is usually something new, but as I work on new things with my other stuff, something that I've been working on for a while becomes a strong point.

What music and jump content are you planning for next season?
In my short I'm planning on doing a triple/double combination. Along with a double axel and double lutz. My music is to "West Side Story." In my long I have a double axel and two triples. My music is to the "Hunchback of Notre Dame."

Do you have a favorite jump?
No, I like all of them.

Who are your favorite skaters?
I like Michelle Kwan because she has such a pretty personality and is a great skater. Also Nancy Kerrigan and Paul Wylie because they are great skaters and are wicked nice.

What are some of your hobbies?
Off ice I like to spend time with family and friends. I love to shop and read. I'm almost always listening to music. I like making things, craft stuff. Also, things that are fun.

What motivates you to skate?
I love skating just because skating is fun. I love it, all of it. The self gratification of overcoming hardships, and the challenge.