I competed in April 2009 at a USFS Showcase event near where I live.  There were only four in our Adult Bronze Dramatic Group.  The morning of the event, I was so nervous I could barely walk!  And this was not my first competition!  It was just that last April, at this very same event, I skated horribly.  Last year's skate was the worst I have ever had in competition. 

Two of the other ladies I already knew were more highly skilled than me.  When I took the ice for my turn, I had one of the *best* skates I have ever had.  EVER! 

When it was my turn to take the ice, I did so with confidence.  I was just happy to have the health and good fortune to participate. Skating my program gave me the most satisfied feeling, and performing it was indescribable.  While my skate, in comparison, did not come up to the 1st and 2nd placers in terms of skills, and it was not "perfect", it was easily the best I've ever done in competition for myself.  I came in third out of four, and it was the BEST third place I have ever gotten. 

So far, anyway, this is my best skating memory.  I did not wilt in the face of better skaters, and I enjoyed skating in competition!  Nothing, and no placement, even if it had been "last" can take that feeling of knowing you can do, and DOING it, away!  I was out for redemption for myself after last year, and I got that and more!

Happy skating everyone!