Photo by Paul Harvath, courtesy of U.S. Figure Skating

What's it like to be 16 and trying to make the U.S. Figure Skating team for the 2010 Olympics? Mirai Nagasu knows. She started ice skating when she was 5 years old and hasn't looked back! Mirai lives in California, where she trains and goes to high chool. Like lots of kids, she likes to hang out with her friends and read. She also does a lot of ice skating! Jill got to catch up with Mirai and ask her some questions.

Jill: How long have your been ice skating?
Mirai: Eleven years.

Jill: How did you get started?
Mirai:I used to play golf with my dad until it rained in Los Angeles, and my mom suggested ice skating. Things just started rolling after that.

Jill: What was it like to be a figure skater at a young age?
Mirai: Sometimes it would be tough for me because I wasn't able to hang out with my friends as much as I would have wanted. But when I was on the ice I would forget about any of my worries.

Jill: How often do you practice? What's your schedule like?
Mirai: Well, I'm still getting used to my schedule, training with Mr. Carroll [Mirai's new coach], but it's a lot of fun. I skate six days a week, and now that I don't have to wake up at 5 a.m., I can skate while being fully conscious.

Jill: What do you love about skating that makes you want to get up every day and practice?
Mirai: What makes me get up every day and practice is my hope to make my dream come true. Also, I'm really competitive!

Jill: How many competitions do you skate in during the year?
Mirai: It depends on how well I skate, but this year I might be skating in around six.

Jill: What ice skating accomplishment are you the most proud of?
Mirai: I am most proud of my debut at the Junior Nationals because I was able to prove to myself that if I have fiath in myself, I can do what I put mind to.

Jill: I hear that you're a 2010 Olympic hopeful. That's so esciting! What do you have to do to try to get on the team?
Mirai: Blast everyone away at Nationals. :)

Jill:Do you have any advice for kids you want to start ice skating?
Mirai: Dreams do come true... Just believe.

Watch Mirai compete in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships January 14,24 as she tries to qualify for the Olympics! Good luck, Mirai!