“Sometimes I think to myself, this can’t be real because it has all happened so quickly. One thing after another, and it’s just kept on going.”
The words of Zakia Kalista, one of the best in-line skaters in the country.
The life of the 18-year-old Manitowoc native can certainly be compared to a “whirlwind” in a positive light of late.
She graduated from Lincoln High School in June, has been travelling the country competing in various inline skating events, and aspires to represent the United States in the Winter Olympic Games one day.
Currently, in-line skating is her thing. Zakia captured her fourth junior national title in Florida recently, earning a spot on the United States National team that will compete in the World Games in China next month.
The public is invited to The Rollaire Skating Center in Manitowoc Saturday night (tonight) to come “Skate with Zakia” to help defray the cost to get her around the world to represent her country in the sport she fell in love with as a young girl.
Her head coach is Carly-Valdez Romdenne, who won an inline skating national title in 2004. She tells Seehafer News.com about the first time she met Zakia as a young girl at The Rollaire several years ago.
“She was running track at the time, and she was waiting for the season to end. I suggested to her that she should come to practice. Eventually, my persistence paid off, and when I saw her skating, she (Zakia) had so much natural, raw ability. She takes her craft seriously, always willing to put in the work to get better. It was apparent that this kid had something special.”
Zakia’s day can start early at times. She tells Seehafer News.com that the alarm goes off about 5 a.m., where, after a good breakfast, it’s off to the gym for weight training and conditioning.
Sessions can last several hours, and she’s reached a point where she can squat 285 pounds and deadlift 365 pounds, having built up enough endurance to hope for that extra edge to defeat her opponent. Valdez-Romdenne admits the last few weeks have been intense.
“My focus is four thousand percent getting her there (to China) and getting her ready to compete. I always say, “It’s action now; we’ll feel later.” She adds—
“I try not to get caught up in all the emotion involved and just focus on keeping Zakia mentally focused on the task at hand.”
Athletes have a saying that you must “embrace the grind” if you want to be successful. Zakia certainly passes that test and admits she wouldn’t be where she is without all the love and support from her inner circle.
“I’m thankful for my coach, family, and friends. I’m just going to continue to train and work hard to make them and my country proud. It’s really beyond words to say how I feel. I’m thankful.”
You’ll be able to “Skate with Zakia” where this ride all began, at The Rollaire Skating Center in Manitowoc from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday (tonight).
Cost is $10, which includes skate rental, or you can choose to bring your own. For more information, e-mail rollairespeed@gmail.com.
