Clare Schellerer knows United States National Champion Pairs Figure Skater Alexa Scimeca better than one might think. That’s because Scimeca, who will represent the United States at the 2018 Winter Olympics, is Schellerer’s granddaughter.
“She loves life and loves to skate,” Schellerer said. “When Alexa was little, she said ‘Nana, when my blade touches the ice, I’m in that zone.’”
National Pairs Figure Skating Champions Alexa Scimeca Knierim with partner and husband Chris Knierim competing. (Photos provided)
Scimeca is still very much in the zone, winning gold at the recent U.S. Pairs Figure Skating National Championships with her partner and husband, Chris Knierim.
“The excitement is unmatchable,” said Scimeca. “I have really enjoyed training the last few weeks. It’s been very light and free because we know we’re about to go to our biggest dream.”
Schellerer, and her husband Michael, have been a part of that dream, supporting Scimeca at skate meets and taking her to the rink to practice when she was young.
Scimeca said, “She’s been a part of the journey since the beginning. She would drive to the rink to watch me skate and look through the window and smile and wave.”
Currently, Scimeca and Knierim live and train in Colorado.
Scimeca Knierim at Sun City with her grandmother and resident Clare Schellerer.
Scimeca said that their current challenge is “just trying to be present and stay in the moment. It’s hard not to get wrapped up in the pressure of the Olympic games and the pressure of wanting to be perfect in your biggest defining moment in your career.”
Schellerer reminisced about spending time with Scimeca when she was growing up in Illinois. Schellerer especially enjoyed going to the park together, roller blading on the driveway, and going to Jameson’s in Huntley.
What will Schellerer be doing during Scimeca’s Olympic skating routines?
“Oh, I’ll be crying. I was crying just watching the Nationals. It’s just a joy to watch them. Two people in love with each other and in love with the ice.”
Schellerer and granddaughter Alexa in 1995.
