Geneva Ice Dancer Captures National Title

GENEVA, IL — A ice dancer from Geneva captured the U.S. Senior Solo Ice Dance Championship title at the USFSA Solo Dance Nationals in Provo, Utah, last month. Chloe Ryan, a senior at St. Francis High School in Wheaton, set a new record with her history-breaking Rhythm Dance score, according to a news release from the school.

Chloe began skating when she was 5 years old and for many years was a freestyle competitor. In
2014, she began Solo Ice Dancing and started competing in 2015. She has qualified for and
medaled in the National Championships each of the last five years.

The road to her success required much dedication and sacrifice.

"It took many years of trials and tribulations before finding a balance that worked best for me," Ryan said.

Her day begins much earlier than her high school peers. Chloe wakes at 4:40 a.m. and is on the ice
by 5:30 a.m. to begin 2.5 hours of training before she reports to school. Having a study hall for her first period of the day, and the permission of the St. Francis High School administration and staff to be excused during that time, allows Chloe some extra time to focus on her training.

“St. Francis High School taught me balance,” Ryan said. "I can have the best of both worlds – I can be an elite athlete and I can attend school full time.”

During competition season, and most afternoons during her off-season, Chloe heads to the rink after school for additional training, followed by off-ice conditioning, according to the news release.