Meet Timmy Chapman
Born and raised in sunny, sweltering Florida, Timmy Chapman discovered the best way to escape the heat and humidity was to lace up a pair of figure skates and hit the ice! But Timmy didn't just grow up training at the rink, he also grew up performing in professional ice shows at SeaWorld and Universal Studios Orlando. Year after year, Timmy would display his charming personality, great showmanship, and of course, superb skating skills, in the bubbly vortex of theme park entertainment (he's currently performing in SeaWorld's Winter Wonderland on Ice, so definitely check that out if you're in the area).
Exhibition-style skating doesn't come naturally to all skaters, but some people - like Timmy - were simply born to perform. And compete, too! Timmy is the current U.S. pairs pewter medalist at the novice level, and this season he teamed up with new partner Sydney Cooke. Fresh off the U.S. Pairs Final, Timmy and Sydney are ready for a shot at the junior podium next month in at the 2020 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Timmy skates to the beat of his own drum, always infusing his programs with his imaginative spirit and joy for the ice. He is one-of-a-kind and is sure to make great strides in the skating world! Get to know this great showman, read his advice for other young men in pairs, and learn why his biggest leap of faith involved a haircut.
Timmy started this season fresh by teaming up with the lovely Sydney Cooke.
QUICK FACTS
Birthday: September 25th, 2000 (19 years old)
Born: Orlando, Florida, USA
Hometown: Apopka, Florida, USA Currently: Apopka, Florida, USA
Skating Club: Central Florida FSC
Country Represented: USA
Discipline: Pairs
Partner: Sydney Cooke
Level: Junior
Training Location: RDV Sportsplex Ice Den in Maitland, Florida, USA
Coaches: BJ Chapman, Kristen Underwood, Cheyne Coppage, Lynn Hopping
Boots: Jackson Ultima Elite 5252
Blades: John Wilson Gold Seal
A killer cantilever is one way to bring down the house!
QUESTIONS
Q: Growing up in Orlando, you've been surrounded by some of the best theme parks in the world. What were those experiences like, and how does the thrill of show skating compare to competition for you?
A: I am unbelievably fortunate to have the opportunities to grow as a performer. The experience with professional choreographers and skaters has helped me learn to relate to an audience and to judges. Oh my gosh doing shows for me is so much fun. Nothing compares to performing to a full audience. It’s the reason why I skate. I hope to someday have that experience as a competitor, performing for a full arena.
Timmy portraying some colorful characters in some ice shows of Christmas past.
(Right photo courtesy of the Ice Sports Industry.)
Q: What is it about pairs skating that made you fall in love with it, and what advice do you have for other young men getting started in the sport?
A: In ice shows, the pair teams ALWAYS get the loudest applause - so YES, pairs is for me! I would advise young men to continue with your singles skills because that is really important. Don’t be discouraged if you have to skate with multiple partners to find the “one” for you.
Q: In January 2019, you and former partner Alexandra Schneiderhahn won the novice pairs pewter medal at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, delivering a riveting program set to the theme from Love Story. What is your best memory from that Nationals?
A: My best memory from Nationals was just the feeling of competing at Nationals. I also loved watching all the higher-level skaters compete and perform amazing programs.
Q: You just teamed up with Sydney Cooke and kicked off your first season together. What are you guys looking forward to the most this year, and what do you think makes you two stand out as a team?
A: Honestly right now, we need to keep our heads down and improve and work as hard as we can. We have a lot to learn as a team.
Timmy and Sydney enjoying each other's company on the 4th of July (left) and during a fun night out at Universal Studios (right). #PartnerBonding
Q: Off the ice, what are some things you enjoy doing? And what do you see in your future both in skating and in life?
A: I am a total nerd... I love to play competitive Pokémon, read comics, play video and board games, and just spend time with my family and friends. Family is really important to me, and I’m really close with my family. In the future, I hope to be traveling and performing all over the world. Maybe someday be a choreographer for ice shows!
Timmy doing some of his favorite things - playing a board game and hanging out with his family! Major #throwback in the center photo.
LIGHTNING ROUND
What is your go-to lunch?
Chipotle protein bowl! Except without the chipotle sauce, because I don’t do well with spicy.
If you were a theme park ride, which one would you be and why?
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios because it incorporates music and flips!
If you only had one hour left to live, what would you do?
ONE HOUR?!?! There’s too much to do! I guess... skate! LOL.
This cowardly lion seems quite bold! Watch Timmy's creative program from earlier this year.
What fictional place would you like to visit?
Last book you read?
Daredevil, a comic book by Frank Miller.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
TAG OR A NERF WAR!
What is the biggest leap of faith you've ever taken?
Chopping off my hair for SeaWorld! Wanna see a before and after picture?
Whether with long hair or short hair, it's still the same great Timmy.
What song makes you the happiest to listen to?
Anything by the band AJR.
Name two things you consider yourself to be good at (besides skating).
Pokémon and entertaining people.
Quote to live by?
"No one ever made a difference being like everyone else." - P.T. Barnum
Timmy brings the Spanish flair with his "I Go To Rio" number - what fun this is to watch!
KEEP UP WITH TIMMY
Instagram: @sk8rcaptaineo
YouTube: Timmy Chapman
If you're in Orlando (or visiting the theme park capital of the world any time soon), go check out Timmy in Winter Wonderland on Ice at SeaWorld - and be sure to watch the 2020 U.S. Figure Skating Championships next month to see him and Sydney strive for gold!