Determination and Perseverance Earn Tristané Schmulian the 2025 National Skating Title

For 15-year-old Tristané Schmulian from Pretoria East, winning the 2025 South African Advanced Novice High-Performance National title was far from a foregone conclusion.

In fact, there were moments when it seemed nationals wouldn’t happen for her at all.

Plagued by injuries since November 2023, Schmulian’s season was riddled with setbacks that forced her to constantly adjust her training, routines, and expectations. Yet, through sheer determination and resilience, she not only made it to the competition but emerged victorious.

“There was definitely an element of surprise in winning this title,” she admitted. “It’s been an incredibly tough season, but I’m so grateful—for my family, coaches, medical team, sport psychologists, friends, and fellow skaters who stood by me.”

Her victory, she insists, is not hers alone. It represents the collective effort of everyone who supported her journey.

Behind the scenes, her season was a battle—injuries disrupted her ability to train, especially her jumps, and took a toll not just physically but mentally as well. Despite these challenges, Schmulian delivered a national performance that displayed not only technical skill but remarkable emotional maturity.

“I’m especially proud of my short programme,” she reflected. “I also landed both of my double axels, which was huge for me considering how much I struggled with my jumps this season.”

Schmulian’s skating journey has been shaped by hard work, humility, and a growing love for performing. Once a shy skater who focused only on the ice beneath her feet, she now thrives under the spotlight.

Balancing elite-level sport with a demanding academic and extracurricular schedule isn’t easy. Her days often start before sunrise with practice, followed by school, hockey, revue rehearsals, and late-night study sessions.

“It’s a balancing act, but I’ve learned valuable time management skills—and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she said.

Of course, there are tough days—moments of exhaustion and self-doubt—but her passion for skating keeps her grounded. “I love this sport. It’s demanding, but it’s worth every second of hard work.”

When not on the ice, Schmulian enjoys unwinding in the kitchen—“I make flawless pancakes every time,” she smiled—and binge-watching her favourite series. “I’ve watched every episode of Friends multiple times. Joey is my spirit animal—and no, I don’t share food either,” she joked.

Looking ahead, her ambitions remain as focused as ever. She is working towards achieving the ISU international qualifying score for Advanced Novice and hopes to eventually transition to the Junior Ladies division, once injury-free and her required jump elements are in place.

She’s also laying the foundation for a future beyond competing, already participating in a Teaching Assistantship Program that allows her to shadow a coach.

“I want to give back to the sport that’s shaped me. Skating has taught me resilience, confidence, humility—it’s a part of who I am.”

Her message to young skaters is simple but powerful: “Even small steps move you forward. Believe in yourself. Listen to your coach. Work hard—on and off the ice. And never, ever give up on your dream.”

Pretoria Sports News