Features
At this 2008 Junior World Roller Figure Skating Championship in Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei, waiting for the time to cheer for Team USA is not at all like watching paint dry, because there is so much to take in while you wait. There are warm-ups to study, skaters from other countries to support with cheers or clapping but no flags, skates to adjust, strategies to implement and lots of small spectators who want to share smiles.
Coaches and skaters from all of the participating countries take time to greet each other, exchange memories of past events and discuss training methods. They also talk about other important things like the best local restaurants, shopping areas and tours to take after events are done.
Then time finally comes for our skaters to do the best they can at the moment it's needed - that's cheer time. Hearing the voices of crowd support, catching a glimpse of a flurry of American flags flying and knowing that there is a section of the arena audience standing behind them helps the positive adrenalin pump for our athletes. Having Team USA members to cheer for is a rush for the USA spectators, too!