On September 15th, 2024, skater Taapti Rana, a junior at Morris Hills, glided into a great win for her career, taking home the Bronze medal at the National Solo Dance Finals in Wesley Chapel, Florida. This competition is shown to be a highly competitive event, allowing the top 6 scorers from each region – East, Midwest, and Pacific – to advance to the national level. Her outstanding skating performance earned her a staggering 25.48 points and an additional 4.92 points for exceptional skill and presentation.
However, the journey to this vast achievement was anything but effortless, as even outside of the competitions, Taapti faced many challenges that tested her vigor. In particular, after suffering a major knee injury, she stated, “I had to change my discipline from figure skating, which entails rigorous jumps, to ice dance, which focuses more on the artistic and precise nuances of skating.”
Despite this, Taapti’s perseverance and mental strength continues to shine through all of the issues that are thrown her way, competing for the last five years at the national level. Last April, she debuted in the international stage and participated in hundreds of other tournaments.
Her constant practice and discipline behind the scenes makes her art on the ice almost like a habit, as she highlights that “the easiest part of the competition was the actual skating because I totally dissociate when I compete.”
In the future, Taapti hopes to take her skating skills to another level by improving her strength and precision during her performances. Along with this, she aspires to continue to compete in future events and represent her home skating club.
Off the ice, Taapti balances her strong “work-life” by befriending the majority of the competitors she faces, turning these competitions into “more of a reunion with friends,” as she claims. Her skating friends support her successful journey and make the ride to fame less lonely. In addition, with her friends, she was able to sightsee and explore the various exciting activities that Florida had to offer, making the best out of a rather serious and nerve-racking milestone in her skating career.
Skating for over 11 years, Taapti Rana’s story doesn’t end here. She highlights that skating is and will continue to be a part of her life. Her compassion for skating and positive mindset compel her to continue ice skating and spread the love she has for the sport.
“I’d describe this competition as a major success and I can’t wait to compete next year!” she said. “I’m really happy with my performance this year, so I hope I can replicate it next year as well.”