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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Snapshot: Novice skater aims for 2014 Olympics

Emmanuel Savary

Joel Savary, left, often accompanies his brother Emmanuel to competitions. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)

Emmanuel Savary, 12, was a silver medalist in the Novice Men’s competition this week. The Newark, Del., skater travels with his family, including brother Joel Savary, 22.

Joel: I’m in my last year at the University of Delaware, majoring in computers and minoring in Japanese, but I try to travel with him as much as I can.

Emmanuel: My mom took me to the rink on my 3rd birthday, on Jan. 6, 2001. I never fell, but it’s probably because I never picked up my feet at all. I did my first regionals at 4 years old.

Joel: He just shot out there. He started trying tricks he’d seen on TV. It was where he belonged, on the ice. He was happiest there.

Emmanuel: This was my first nationals. I messed up on one jump, but when I was done, they still gave me a standing ovation. How many autographs have I given? A lot. My long-term goal? Win the 2014 Olympic games. I will be 16.

Joel: He has everything it takes. I tell him: “You can do anything. The sky’s the limit.” All of us feel that way.