At just seven years old, Aalia is already making waves in the figure skating world with her grace, determination, and passion for the sport. Inspired by Olympic figure skaters and driven by her own love for spins, jumps, and the thrill of performing, Aalia’s talent on the ice is undeniable. From training at the Pasadena Figure Skating Club to practicing at the same rink as her idols, Aalia is well on her way to achieving her dream of competing at the elite level and, one day, representing Team USA in the Olympics. In this exclusive interview, Aalia shares how she got into figure skating, her favorite moves, and what keeps her motivated on the ice.
Q: Aalia, you’ve become quite a talented figure skater at just 7 years old! How did you first get into figure skating?
Aalia: My papa was working at the Burbank Pickwick Rink and saw Mirai Nagasu practicing, and thought that I might like figure skating. My mom thought it was a great idea too, so we joined a group class, Snow Plow 1.
Q: What do you love most about being on the ice?
Aalia: I love the attention! I really like the spins, edges, and jumps! I also really like when people see me practicing, doing my program, and say nice things to me.
Q: Do you have a favorite move or trick that you like to practice the most?
Aalia: My favorite is the double axel, and it is what I like to practice the most too! I haven’t landed it yet, but that’s why it is my favorite. It’s very difficult, and I think it will take me more time to land this clean. I also really like edges too!
Q: You must be very busy with school and figure skating! How do you balance your time between schoolwork and practicing on the ice?
Aalia: My mom and dad. I know I have to wake up early and do homework whenever I can, like while in the car, eating lunch, or between coaching.
Q: What is your favorite subject in school? Do you think figure skating helps you focus in class?
Aalia: I really like science, art, and history! I like science because I learned that water has three forms, and one is ice! I really like art because I like to draw and paint. I also really like history because I can see how things used to be ‘before’. I once asked my dad, “What is the internet?” And he laughed and said I’ll learn about that now in history class!
Q: Figure skating requires a lot of practice and discipline. What motivates you to keep working hard every day?
Aalia: I really love new elements—especially the ones I see the older girls in higher brackets do! I love figure skating and really, really love the feeling of landing or doing a new element.
Q: Can you tell us about a time when you found something really difficult but didn’t give up?
Aalia: Yes! Right now! The double axel jump is one of the hardest elements, and the hardest jump I have ever tried. I have been practicing for over a month now. I feel really good that I can land a clean, fully rotated double axel soon! The other really difficult element is the Biellmann spin. I recently had a clean extension and rotation in competition! I have been practicing this for at least 7 or 8 months. It’s really difficult for me, and I have had to really prepare and practice hard. The stretching is really tough, and my stretching coach is super tough! But my dad says giving up is not an option. He says that’s the Marine in him. My brother and I love the music video, “We’re Not Going to Take It” by Twisted Sister. My brother and I laugh all the time because that’s like my dad!
Q: What’s your favorite part of being a figure skater? Is it the feeling of skating fast, or maybe performing in front of an audience?
Aalia: Both! I really love when people compliment me on the jumps, my skating, and when I can finish a strong, clean program and win a medal! I’m still working on my speed. Everyone tells me that my strength will come soon, so I’m excited to skate faster and jump higher!
Q: Who inspires you the most in the figure skating world? Do you have any favorite figure skaters that you look up to?
Aalia: Yes! So many! Mirai Nagasu—because of her, my dad got me into figure skating. She has a triple axel too! Plus, Mirai skates for Pasadena Figure Skating Club like me. Michelle Kwan—because we practice at her rink all the time. I really love looking at all her medals. Alysa Liu—because she has a quad! I also like Mao Shimada, Nathan Chen, Ilia Malinin—they all have triple axels and quads! I want to land a quad axel like Ilia one day! I also really like Minsol Kwon—because she is so pretty and has a cat program like me! And of course, Yuzuru Hanyu—he’s like Michael Jackson on skates!
Q: For other kids who want to start figure skating, do you have any tips or tricks they can try to get better?
Aalia: The most important thing is to start slow and find a really good coach. Get good skates, and learn to balance on one foot at a time. Don’t get scared—that’s very important. The coach should be nice, patient, and always challenge you, but not push too hard because falling is very painful. Also, get into as many group lessons and ice time with coaching as you can. That’s what my mom and dad did. So I would say start slow, and when you’re ready, add more lessons and as much ice time as possible—or “ice mileage” as the coaches say.
Q: What advice would you give someone who is just starting and might be scared of falling on the ice?
Aalia: Don’t be afraid and listen to the coaches. Always sit down when you fall—try not to fall forward or backward, just sit like you’re sitting on the ice. Also, get your own shoes and blades, knee pads, and a padded butt pad. That’s very important! Get good gloves, not mittens, because mittens absorb water and don’t dry out, so your hands get cold. Always wear skating socks too.
Q: When you’re not on the ice or at school, what do you like to do for fun?
Aalia: I like to play with my little brother, Aadyn. He’s 4. We love to listen to our favorite songs—right now, we love Stray Kids and Supertramp. I love Olivia Rodrigo, and Aadyn loves Guns N’ Roses. We also love playing at the playground. Sometimes, my brother slides down the slide, and his hair stands up like a rock star!
Q: If you could design your own figure skating costume, what would it look like?
Aalia: It would look like what I have now—a black and white suit with lots of crystals. I love the character from Cruella, and I love my black cat, white cat program!
Q: What are your dreams for the future? Do you want to compete in the Olympics one day?
Aalia: My dream is to be an elite-level competition figure skater and skate on Team USA. YES! My dream is to skate in the Olympics someday! But my biggest dream is to land a quad axel! Some people say that maybe a girl can’t do it, but I don’t believe that. My dad says that something is only impossible when we don’t try.
Aalia may be just 7 years old, but her incredible talent, fierce determination, and love for figure skating are sure to take her far. With dreams of landing a quad axel and competing in the Olympics, Aalia is already proving that no goal is too big. Her story is only just beginning, and we can’t wait to see what she conquers next on the ice. Stay tuned for more jaw-dropping spins, dazzling performances, and record-breaking jumps from this rising star! To keep up with Aalia’s journey, follow her on social media and witness her skate toward greatness.
https://www.instagram.com/aaliacheng?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Photo Credits: Kuo Brigadela
Splash Magazines
What a Beautiful little girl she is. I love figure skating. I can tell that she has a passion for the sport. Her smile and her physical abilities shine. I wish her the very best and I hope to get to see her on tv figure skating championships.