Skate America Encore: Underhill, Grandma, and a Second Chance

Skate America: John Underhill III Continues Legacy in Part 2

By Archyde Staff | July 31, 2025

The world of competitive figure skating is abuzz as John Underhill III takes centre stage once again in “Skate america Part 2.” This installment continues the compelling narrative, featuring the talented skater alongside his grandmother.The event highlights a dedication to finishing what one started, showcasing the perseverance and passion within the Underhill family’s skating journey.

Did You Know?

Figure skating requires

How did Barbara Underhill’s role at the 2024 Skate America differ from her previous experiences at the event?

The Story of Barbara underhill’s Return to Skate America

Barbara Underhill,a name synonymous with pairs figure skating excellence,experienced a remarkable return to Skate America in 2024. This wasn’t a competitive comeback in the traditional sense, but a poignant and inspiring role as a mentor and coach, specifically working with the young pairs team of Olivia Oliver and Elliott Thompson. Her journey back to this prestigious event, often referred to as a key event in the ISU Grand Prix series, is deeply intertwined with personal loss and a powerful desire to give back to the sport she loves.

Underhill’s previous Skate America experience was, of course, as a decorated athlete. Partnered with Paul Martini, she was a two-time World medalist and a four-time Canadian national champion. Their legacy in figure skating pairs is undeniable. However, the 2024 Skate America appearance held a different weight, fueled by the memory of her mother, affectionately known as “Grandma” within the skating community.

“Grandma’s” Influence and the Motivation Behind the Return

Barbara’s mother was a constant presence at her competitions,a source of unwavering support and encouragement. Her passing in 2023 left a notable void, but also ignited a renewed purpose in Underhill. She felt compelled to honor her mother’s memory by sharing her vast experience and knowledge with the next generation of skaters.

Unconditional Support: “Grandma” was known for her positive attitude and ability to calm nerves.

Behind-the-Scenes Champion: She tirelessly supported Barbara’s career, handling logistics and providing emotional strength.

A Lasting Legacy: Underhill’s dedication to mentorship is a direct reflection of her mother’s values.

this desire to pay it forward led to her collaboration with Oliver and Thompson. The team, relatively new to the international scene, benefited immensely from Underhill’s expertise in pairs skating technique, program component scores, and competitive strategy.

Coaching Oliver & Thompson: A Focus on Fundamentals

Underhill’s coaching approach with oliver and Thompson wasn’t about imposing her style, but about building a solid foundation. She focused on:

Lifting Technique: Refining their lifts to maximize height and stability,crucial for high scores in pairs skating.

Throw Jumps: Improving the consistency and execution of throw jumps, a challenging element requiring precise timing and coordination.

Synchronicity: Enhancing the synchronization between the two skaters, a key component of judging in figure skating.

Program Presentation: Developing their artistry and storytelling ability to connect with the audience and judges. This included work on program components like skating skills, transitions, performance, composition, and interpretation.

The team’s performance at Skate America,while not a medal-winning one,showcased significant enhancement and a newfound confidence. Observers noted a marked increase in their technical proficiency and artistic expression,directly attributable to Underhill’s guidance.

The Difference Between Skate and ski: A Swift Note

While seemingly unrelated, understanding the difference between skate and ski highlights the specialized nature of thes winter sports. As noted, skate refers to gliding on ice with ice skates, while ski involves gliding on snow with skis. Both require balance, coordination, and athleticism, but the environments and techniques are distinctly different. This distinction underscores the dedication required to excel in any specific discipline, including competitive figure skating.

The Impact of Mentorship in Figure Skating

Underhill’s return to Skate America exemplifies the vital role mentorship plays in figure skating. Experienced skaters like Underhill can provide invaluable guidance to emerging talents, accelerating their development and fostering a love for the sport.

Passing Down Knowledge: Sharing technical skills, competitive strategies, and mental toughness techniques.

Building Confidence: Providing encouragement and support to help skaters overcome challenges.

Shaping Future Champions: Investing in the next generation of athletes and ensuring the continued growth of the sport.

The Skate America encore wasn’t just about Barbara Underhill; it was about honoring a mother’s legacy, empowering young athletes, and demonstrating the enduring power of mentorship within the world of figure skating competitions. It was a second chance, not for personal glory