Local figure skaters rake in the Gold at Lethbridge competition

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Alexandra Morgan

Pincher Creek Figure Skaters Alexandra Morgan and Tessa Roy spent the weekend of March 30 to April 1 at the annual Chinook Open Invitational Figure Skating Competition, held in Lethbridge.

Tessa earned 4 gold medals in the competitions, in the categories of Elements, FreeSkate, Interpretive, and Pairs.
Alexandra earned 3 gold medals, in the categories of Interpretive, FreeSkate, and Pairs.
The two young ladies performed together in the Pairs competition.

Tessa Roy, Coach Krystle Anderson, Alexander Morgan
at the
Chinook Open Invitational Figure Skating Championship
Sherry Morgan photos

"It was a nice way to end the year," said Alexandra.  "I like knowing that I worked so hard for it, and after a nice skate in front of friends and coaches it's the ultimate for me because I know I worked hard all year and something paid off."


"When it's just me and my coach, you just forget what you're doing, and skating in a competition just steps it up that notch further," she continued.  "You feel like you just know what you have to do, and you just perform."

"It's always tough," Alexandra said.  "The Freeskate was probably the hardest, because of the jumps, they're more challenging."

"Tessa is a great person to have around," Alexandra said.  "We critique each other, we created our Pairs routine, and we sometimes use each other's footwork.  I love how precise she is.  Whether it's simple or difficult she makes it look simple.  I think skating should look effortless, even though it's quite painful sometimes, and she makes it look effortless."

"Dance has taught me the legacy of perfection."

There were over 600 participants in all age categories in the Chinook Open.  Some came from as far away as Inuvik, many came from the British Columbia interior, and many from Alberta participated as well.

Mom Sherry Morgan was very proud of the achievements of both girls.  "They started together," she said.  For them to get gold after gold after gold... what are the chances of that happening?  That was kind of surreal."

Alexandra has had a very busy time of it, and the pace hasn't let up yet.  First she and Tessa practiced for and performed in the Pincher Creek Figure Skating Club's annual show, themed "Under the Big Top" this year.  Then she performed in the Lethbridge competition.  Then she participated in the Kiwanis Music Festival, held in Lethbridge, earning second place for her vocal performance of 'Chanson de Florian' on March 28.

She's now preparing to perform again, this time as a Turning Pointe dancer.  Turning Pointe is participating in The Great Canadian Dance Challenge, to be held at the Yates Theatre in Lethbridge from May 2 to 6.  She's a Turning Pointe Teen Group dancer.

"Dance helps with singing and skating," Alexandra explains.  "I learn new moves, I learn how to use my body, it helps me get comfortable moving around."

Alexandra is in Grade 9 and attends Matthew Halton School.  Tessa is also in Grade 9 and attends St. Michael's School.

Related links:
Tessa Roy to participate in Alberta Winter Games
Under the Big Top a rousing success
Turning Pointe Dance Studio