Nova Scotia's Stephie Walmlsey to compete at figure skating championships

Nova Scotia's only figure skater in the singles division at the National Figure Skating Championships in Halifax is excited to perform in her hometown.

Stephie Walmsley will compete in the senior division Friday.

"Last year I was a bit more nervous, because I wasn't expecting the crowd to be as big. Now I know what to expect and I'm optimistic," said Walmsley.

Skaters are ranked by ability into three categories, novice, junior and senior. This will be the second year Walmsley will compete as a senior.

The 18-year-old came 16th in the division at the 2015 National Figure Skating Championship and said she's learned from the experience.

Walmsley hails from Dartmouth and has been skating from the age of seven. She received a warm welcome at the Scotiabank Centre when she signed in for competition this week. Walmlsey is representing the Dartmouth Skating Club but trains in Hamilton, Ontario.

Wamlsley said she remembers loving being out on the ice ever since she was a young child. She said she still gets that feeling every time she skates.

'I'm going 100 per cent'

"There's nothing like landing a jump and the success of landing it," Walmsley said. "It's just great."

The skater said she is feeling the pressure to perform and represent the province well. She said this competition is the culmination of a year of hard work.

"I've learned to manage my time better," said Walmsley. "The time I do spend on the ice, I'm going 100 per cent so I'm hoping that paid off."

Her parents, Jay amd Dan Walmsley, will be in the crowd for her Friday skate. They are also volunteering for Skate Canada at the event. Her mother, Jay Walmsley, said she's proud of her girl.

"You notice the talent right from the start," Jay Walmsley said. "So you always hope as a parent you know that your child is going to do really well. But you never know quite how well and we're very, very proud of her.

Walmsley takes to the ice for practice Wednesday morning and competes Friday.