Contest Draws 260 Junior Ice Skaters

More than 260 competitors from around the nation gathered this week at the Disney Ice Complex for the seventh annual Junior Olympic Figure Skating Championships, marking the first time the event has been held on the West Coast.

The three-day competition, which ended Thursday, included categories in free skate, dance, pairs and short program.

“We’ve recognized these skaters as our future, and we’re trying to develop them,” said Doug Williams, co-chair of the event. “This is their national championships.”

Skaters in the juvenile division, age 12 or younger, qualified for the championships by finishing in the top two in their respective events during one of nine regional competitions. Those competing in the intermediate division can be any age and qualified by finishing in the top four in their events one of three sectional events.

“I just wanted to go out there and have fun,” said Johnny Weir, 12, of Newark, Del., who placed fourth in the juvenile men’s freestyle event.

Having fun was an important theme at the event.

“I just wanted to do what I could and enjoy it,” said Michael Villarreal, 10, of Downey, who skated in the intermediate freestyle on Thursday. “If I fall, then I’ll just get up and keep going.”

Williams said that the top four finishers in each event will attend training camps around the country sponsored by the United States Figure Skating Assn.

Several skaters who took part in previous junior championships have become members of the national team, he said.