Sarah-Jade Latulippe: Perseverance Overcomes All

For over a decade, Sarah-Jade Latulippe has steadily made her way through the world of figure skating. Whether skating solo or with her partner Alex Leak, she continues to turn heads and chase a dream—competing one day at the Olympic Games.

Turning 16 this December, Sarah-Jade is wrapping up a season of hard work in both novice singles and junior pairs categories. A student at École secondaire des Sources, she has been skating since the age of five, training four hours daily as part of her sports-study program. But beyond the training hours and technical goals lies a young woman with a remarkably mature mindset.

Here are a few excerpts from an interview where most of the questions came from young aspiring skaters looking to follow in her footsteps.

Patrick: Does your sport affect your academic success?
Sarah-Jade: No, because I’m in a sports-study program. I go to school in the morning, finish around 12:20, then head to the rink for training. We also have a study period to finish our schoolwork.

P: Do your friends support your passion?
SJ: Most of my friends are also skaters—that’s how we met.

P: Do you have a private coach?
SJ: Yes, several. Éric is my head coach for pairs. I also have a spin coach, a skating technique coach, and a choreographer.

P: Has a coach ever been too strict?
SJ: Not too strict—just demanding. They’re there to help me improve.

P: Is there a move you’re scared of?
SJ: Yes, the lifts in pairs. Sometimes I think, “Oh my God, what if I fall?” But the more I practice, the more comfortable I feel. We rehearse a lot off the ice too.

P: Which move was the hardest to learn?
SJ: The axel. I started at age seven and worked on it every morning at the Cité-des-Jeunes arena. One day I got it—it was a Friday. I’ll never forget it.

P: Do you dream of the Olympics?
SJ: Of course! If I work hard enough, it might come true.

P: Who’s your role model?
SJ: Joannie Rochette. After what she accomplished at the Olympics following her mother’s passing, I always remind myself that if she could do it, I can overcome my own challenges too.

P: How many competitions have you won?
SJ: I’ve participated in many—about six major ones each year—but I’ve lost count of how many I’ve won. It gets tougher as you grow older.

P: Have you ever wanted to quit?
SJ: Never! Even when I was injured and took a short break, I missed it after two days.

P: Do you have a rival?
SJ: No. My biggest rival is myself. I’m always trying to beat my last score.

P: What makes your parents proud?
SJ: My perseverance. Skating teaches life lessons. Overcoming obstacles is part of it, and that’s going to help me in the future.

P: What are your athletic goals?
SJ: I have two—qualify for Team Quebec in singles, and earn a Grand Prix in pairs to reach the international stage.

P: What does it take to do this sport?
SJ: Passion. You have to love it, because it takes time, effort, and lots of falling. But you get back up every time.

P: Any advice for aspiring skaters?
SJ: Do it for yourself. Set a goal each day. Even a small one. That’s how you grow—and that’s how you find joy in what you do.