Meet Christina Carreira

(Photo courtesy of Caitlyn Nicole Photography) — *(Photo courtesy of* *Caitlyn Nicole Photography*)

I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH GOOD THINGS ABOUT THE INCREDIBLE SKATER AND PERSON THAT IS CHRISTINA CARREIRA. In an environment where competition can bring out the worst in people, she has remained true to herself and led with kindness and positivity.

Even more than being a technically and artistically gifted skater, Christina is a good person who cares for those around her - and that’s really what matters, right? Read on to learn more about the 2018 U.S. junior ice dance champion who’s already making a splash in her first senior season.

Quick Facts

BIRTHDAY: April 3rd, 2000 (18 Years Old)

BORN: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

HOMETOWN: Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada

CURRENTLY: Novi, Michigan, USA

COUNTRY REPRESENTED: USA

SKATING CLUB: SC of New York

DISCIPLINE: Ice Dance

LEVEL: Senior

PARTNER: Anthony Ponomarenko

TRAINING LOCATION: Novi Ice Arena in Novi, Michigan, USA

COACH: Igor Shpilband

BOOTS: Harlick

BLADES: MK Blades

OFF THE ICE: High School Student, Dog Mom to Charlie

*(Photo courtesy of Christina Carreira)*

Questions

Q: Let's start from the beginning! How did you get into skating, and when did you start?

A: I got into skating at the age of 3 because my mom was a figure skating coach, so I was always at the rink. I loved being there, so she decided to put me in learn-to-skate classes, and I fell in love with it right away.

Q: When did you realize that you wanted to pursue ice dancing and devote your whole life to this endeavor?

A: I decided I wanted to pursue ice dancing when I watched Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir win the Olympics in Vancouver in 2010. I was watching them in my living room with my parents, and when they won, I turned to my parents and said, “I’m going to do that too."

#tbt to baby Christina on the ice (Photo courtesy of Christina Carreira) — #tbt to baby Christina on the ice
(Photo courtesy of Christina Carreira)

Q: After previously representing Canada with partner Simon-Pierre Malette-Paquette, you teamed up with American ice dancer Anthony Ponomarenko in 2014, moved to Michigan to train with Igor Shpilband, and had to learn a new language and skate for a new country - what was that difficult transition like, both in your skating and personal life?

A: I actually went to see Igor for the first time in 2010 with my previous partner, and I fell in love with the training center right away. I knew I wanted Igor to be my coach, so in 2013 I moved to Novi, Michigan, with my old partner, but after a couple months he got injured and had to move back to Montreal. I stayed in Novi and trained there by myself for nine months; that was pretty hard because my parents weren’t with me, I didn’t really speak English, and all the other skaters were much older, so I was often alone. Once I started skating with Anthony, it was much more fun because we became really close friends right away - even with the language barrier haha. Since I’ve lived in the US for many years, I consider it my home as much as I do Canada, and I think it’s an honor to represent the US and be part of Team USA.

Christina and Anthony's first season together, pictured with coach Igor Shpilband (Photo courtesy of Christina Carreira) — Christina and Anthony's first season together, pictured with coach Igor Shpilband
(Photo courtesy of Christina Carreira)

Q: How has the transition from the junior to senior level been for you this season? And what are the biggest differences you've noticed between junior and senior competitions - both on and off the ice?

A: Transitioning from junior to senior is extremely difficult for ice dance teams, it’s a huge step. We worked extremely hard during the off-season to make our skating look more mature and smooth. It was difficult for us, mainly because we’re two teenagers competing against 25- and 30-year-olds, so the maturity of our skating had to improve if we wanted to be competitive. I think we had a good start to our senior career, we’re really happy that we medaled at 2 of our Challengers and won our third one, we’re also very excited about our Grand Prix medal.

Q: The figure skating world is notorious for the pressure it puts on its athletes - especially its female ones - to look a certain way. What advice would you give to a young girl who may be struggling with body image issues in skating?

A: I think every girl struggles with body image issues, I still do. I would tell a young girl it’s normal to be going through this but it’s important to be mindful of what you put in your body without going crazy. I also think speaking with a nutritionist is important to make sure your body is getting everything it needs.

Christina and a puppy at US Figure Skating's annual #ChampsCamp (Photo courtesy of Christina Carreira) — *Christina and a puppy at US Figure Skating's annual* *#ChampsCamp*
*(Photo courtesy of Christina Carreira)*

Q: I've noticed that a lot of skaters have dogs, and you yourself have an adorable maltipoo named Charlie! Why do you think so many skaters have furry friends?

A: In this sport, it’s hard to find real friends, which is why I got Charlie. No one is more sincere and loving than a dog. I think so many skaters have dogs because they’re the best companions and friends. Coming home after a long day to your happy puppy is the best feeling.

Christina and her BFF, Charlie (Photo courtesy of Christina Carreira) — Christina and her BFF, Charlie
(Photo courtesy of Christina Carreira)

Q: What's a typical day in the life of Christina Carreira?

I usually wake up at 7 AM to walk my dog and have breakfast, then I do school until 10:30, then I get ready for skating. At 11 we start our off-ice warm-up and get on the ice from 11:45 am until 3:45 PM (we have two 15 minute breaks during that time), then we either have a workout or some kind of dance class. After that, I go home and have dinner, go on a run, do more school, and then I just watch Netflix or read a book until I fall asleep around 11 PM.

Q: The #CPom fanbase has definitely grown in the last year - what's it like having so many people admire you and look up to you? And what's it like interacting (on social media and at competitions) with the very enthusiastic fan community?

A: The #CPom girls are honestly incredible, they are the most kind and supportive people. It’s so nice having so many people supporting us no matter what, I don’t think we would have been able to make it through the transition to the senior level as easily if we didn’t have all of you cheering for us. It’s still very strange to me that so many people care about us, but I’m incredibly grateful for the love and support.

Dream-gazing (Photo courtesy Melanie Heaney / ice-dance.com) — Dream-gazing
(Photo courtesy Melanie Heaney / *ice-dance.com*)

Q: You're set to graduate high school this year, what are your plans for the fall? And then post-skating, what long-term career dreams or goals do you have?

A: I haven’t figured out what I will be doing in the fall, but I will of course keep doing school, and I would eventually like to go to law school.

Q: I can't believe you'll be going to your first senior U.S. Nationals in two weeks! What are your goals and expectations for Nationals, the rest of the season, and also the next four years?

A: We’re so excited to compete at our first senior U.S. nationals, our goal is to put out our best performances this season. We’re very aware that the competition in the U.S. is probably the strongest in the world. I don’t know what will happen with the rest of the season right now. For the next few years, we want to establish ourselves as a strong senior couple, and our goal is to make the Olympic team in four years.