It was a terrific debut on the international stage for Wesley Chiu.
The Connaught Skating Club member was selected by Skate Canada to represent his country at Skate Milwaukee where he was up against the top Novice level skaters on the continent as part of the North American Series.
Chiu thrived in the competitive environment — earning a bronze medal thanks to a terrific long program that was highlighted by landing a triple lutz jump for the very first time in a competition.
“There’s been lots and lots of practice,” smiled the 13-year-old who will be entering Grade 8 in September at Richmond Christian.
Chiu’s invitation to Wisconsin was the next step in his promising career that included being selected to Skate Canada’s Next Generation Camp last September in Montreal.
He enjoyed a terrific 2017 season — highlighted by a bronze medal at Skate Canada Challenge. Now he enters his second year competing at Novice with even higher expectations.
“This is his year in Novice and this was a great way to start going into the season,” said Chiu’s coach Eileen Murphy. “We do have things we need to work on which was also what that competition was all about. It’s getting better while enjoying it and having fun. It’s still early in the summer and he is already hungry.”
The North America Series, which will feature more events in the U.S. and Canada, was created to give young skaters a taste of international competition as they progress towards the Junior and Senior Grand Prix level.
Chiu was among 11 Canadian and American skaters selected to compete in his division.
“I really didn’t know a lot of the skaters. The first time I saw them was on the ice at practice,” added Chiu. “I really didn’t know what to expect.”
Murphy added her prize student handled the unfamiliar surroundings very well. Now it’s full speed ahead for the upcoming competitive season, starting with next month’s B.C. Summer Skate in Burnaby.
“He had some experiences that were very good for him to learn because with his ability, talent and where he is going, the international circuit is what he is working towards,” she said.
