California skater Leonard once again overcomes injury
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BY TOMMY DAHLK / Lincoln Journal Star
Hockey players are known for being tough guys who return to the game right after getting stitches.
Figure skaters really don’t have that reputation. But Nicole Leonard’s track record at the USA Roller Sports Figure Skating National Championships at Pershing Center reads just like a hockey player’s.
Four years ago, Leonard broke her arm, but still competed.
On Wednesday night, the 16-year-old from Yorba Linda, Calif., was injured again during her warm-up sequence.
“I’m really not sure how I fell, but all of sudden, I just hit the ground and my face hit first,” Leonard said. “I didn’t have time to catch myself with my hands, so my face hit and my front right tooth got cracked.”
After getting up, Leonard told her coach about her injury and the event was halted so people could search for part of her tooth. While they looked, Leonard was determining if she was going to be able to skate in the free dance competition. Luckily, a dental hygienist was in attendance and told her she wasn’t seriously hurt.
So, Leonard calmed down and decided to keep going and completed her warm up. She later went on to win the event and earned a spot on the U.S. National Team again.
Memories of her broken arm gave her the confidence to perform.
“I had done it before injured, so I guess I knew it was possible,” Leonard said. “Adrenaline took over and I was on autopilot and it went fine.”
Leonard got her tooth fixed Thursday morning.
Her brother Derek, who is 21, has made several national teams and is competing again this year.
Their 23-year-old brother, Bobby, competed in artistic skating for many years.
Another brother, 13-year-old Brett, skated this week as well. Their parents, Bob and Carole, also skated and are coaches.
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