SSM Figure Skating Relishes International Trip

The Flyver Cup, which celebrated its 34^th anniversary in 2025, hosted skaters from 13 different countries this year including Norway, The Netherlands, England, Scotland, France, Italy, Japan, Taiwan, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, the United States, and Denmark. At the competition, the Sabre figure skaters had the unique opportunity to not only represent SSM, but their home countries as well.

Sabre skaters claimed six medals at the event. SSM came away with a 1-2 finish in the Junior Ladies K1 event as Miranda Ewing ’26 and Chloe Rund ’26 were separated by just .08 with Ewing taking the gold and Rund claiming the silver. Emily Brown ’25 landed all of her double jumps en route to a bronze medal in the Junior Ladies K3 event. Junior Cassie Brown ’26 skated a strong program that earned her a bronze medal in the Junior Ladies K2 event while sophomores Maya Kvernberg ’27 and Caitlyn Sjam ’27 skated technically ambitious programs to claim the bronze medal in the Junior Ladies M and Novice Ladies K3 events, respectively.

While in Denmark, all 19 SSM skaters had the opportunity to work with Danish coaches to refine their technique and learn specific rules that differ from US competitions.

The trip helped foster the development of the skaters by introducing them to new perspectives and giving them competition experience that differs from what they are used to when they compete stateside. “The trip was definitely a positive learning experience for our skaters that will stay on their mind forever,” said SSM assistant coach, Surya Bonaly, who as a three-time Olympian, has a wealth of knowledge competing internationally. “I'm sure it was stressful for some, but also very rewarding and educational for many of the kids who previously had never left their state for skating competitions.”

Sabre skater Shelby Robinson ’25 echoed her coach’s sentiments. “I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to compete in another country. Everyone at the competition welcomed our team as if we were family, it was unlike any other competition we have attended before. I believe this experience will make each one of us stronger competitors, and more knowledgeable in our sport.”

The Sabres arrived in Denmark a few days before the competition to allow for an acclimatization period as well as some sightseeing and team building opportunities. “Aside from skating, my favorite part of the trip was walking around Kongens Nytorv and getting to know a little more about the history of the country,” said Robinson. “Although we compete individually, we have various ways that we come together as a team. Being in a new country, we were able to try new things together and support one another through the challenges of being outside our comfort zones.”

After such a successful trip, Bonaly hopes that the team will participate in more international competitions in the future, including in her home country of France, and possibly Norway as well.