Figure skating champ has qualities ‘that create those golden moments’

Canada's Kaetlyn Osmond salutes the crowd following her free program in the women's competition at Skate Canada International Saturday, October 27, 2012 in Windsor, Ont. Osmond won gold in the event. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

Days after Kaetlyn Osmond skated to her first senior’s national figure skating gold; those who know her describe a humble, driven athlete, who’s headed for the world stage in the coming weeks.

Last weekend, 17-year-old Osmond delivered a flawless performance on the ice in Mississauga, ON – becoming the first female figure skater based in the Edmonton-area to win the national title in 16 years, it’s an accomplishment that’s not lost on the teen.

“To be senior, it’s completely different,” Osmond said. “It’s something you can only dream of, and now it’s actually happened, it was unbelievable.”

Back in Edmonton, many of her fans were cheering for the Sherwood Park teen, including Rick Ramsay, who is not only a fan, but an assistant principal at the school she attends.

“It sure is exciting for us to have her walking our halls for sure,” Ramsay said.

Osmond attends class at the Vimy Ridge Sports Academy, where Ramsay said she’s a dedicated student.

“You wouldn’t know to see her in the halls that she’s a national champion,” Ramsay said.

“She’s so humble in how she handles herself.”

Her coach, Ravi Walia calls her unique.

“I’ve never taught someone like [her],” Walia said. “She’s so driven, and she loves the excitement of competition.”

The last Edmonton-based skater to win the same title, Susan Humphreys, met Osmond Tuesday, and said the blossoming athlete is the total package.

“She can jump, she can spin, she has charisma, she’s very comfortable competing,” Humphreys said. “Those are the things that create those golden moments.”

Osmond’s next major competition is the World Figure Skating Championships in London, ON, in March.

It’s a stage Osmond is looking forward to making her mark on.

“It just feels amazing to go out and skate in front of everyone in your home land.”

With files from Susan Amerongen