Mexico’s Skater sticks to Her Roots

Mexico’s Reyna Hamui

GRANADA – Right now in Mexico City, the temperature is 25 degrees Celcius.

And as good as stepping into an ice rink would be, to get away from the heat, ice sports are still not popular in the South American country.

“It’s growing slowly,” said Mexico’s Reyna Hamui. “When I started there were no full size rinks.”

That’s why for eleven years, Hamui, has practiced her figure skating and had her training in Michigan, USA.

But in 2013, when Mexico competed in the Winter Universiade, she knew she wanted to perform for her home country.

“It’s so cool to represent your country at an event like this,” said the two time National Champion. “The sense of knowing that you did everything in your power to prepare something that you’ve worked so hard for. It’s the best feeling in the world.”

And skating really has brought Hamui all over the world; she has competed in France, Hungary, Italy, Australia, Austria and many more.

“But [Universiades are] so cool,” she said. “[They’re] a different experience from what I am used to. What’s cool about this as opposed to other competitions is there are athletes from other sports.”

And Hamui is just trying to soak this whole experience in.

“I just want to enjoy it,” she said.

Catch Hamui and her competitors battle it out for medals on 7 February at the Universiade Igloo starting at 13:35.

Kelcey Wright, U-Media Reporter