Year one is successfully under their belts.
U.S. pairs team
Olivia Serafini and Mervin Tran are Finland-bound for the start of their second season together where they will make their international debut at 2019 Finlandia Trophy, part of the ISU Challenger Series, this week in Espoo, Finland.
Excited and ready are the two words that came to mind when thinking about their first international competition together.
"We are continuing to build our foundation and this year we have shifted the focus on ourselves and not our placement," expressed Serafini. Tran adds, "Our main goal for the season is to do our job and stay healthy."
The duo will be skating to "Better Than Yourself" by Lukas Graham for their short program, a song they both first heard on the radio while driving and agreed the fast pace and edginess of the tune would fit their style. Their free skate will remain the same as the 2018-19 season, skating to "Chasing Cars (live)" by Snow Patrol. "This piece is much slower and comfortable for us," says Tran.
Each week they train Monday through Friday at the Skating Club of New York with both on- and off-ice workouts. Part of their weekly workout regimen also includes connecting with their trainer, Joe Shields, via text, email and Skype to get new workouts. "Having this technology has helped us a ton," notes Tran.
As a former singles skater, Serafini continues to learn about the pair's environment and says, "It helps that he (Tran) remains calm in competition." Tran, having more extensive pairs experience, adds, "We both agree on the overall philosophy of training. She (Serafini) knows how to be an athlete and I have continued to learn and tackle things differently than in the past."
Additionally, Serafini says, "I believe our biggest strength is our communication with each other and our coaches. We are always open with one another and that helps us progress."
Tune in on Friday, Oct. 11th to watch them take the ice for the first time together internationally!
