As a former elite figure skater, coach Tom Incantalupo knows what it takes to reach the top. The Woodbury resident, now staff coach at Braemar-City of Lakes Figure Skating Club, has coached skaters to national and international success. Incantalupo talks figure skating, coaching and who to watch for at this month’s Olympics.
How did you originally become involved in figure skating?
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. My dad was a New York City fireman and fire marshal, but he owned a bar/restaurant in the Chelsea area of Manhattan. On weekends, we would go skating.
What do you enjoy most about being a coach?
I spend probably as much time with my students as their parents do. I have that opportunity to watch them grow up and learn so many life lessons from a sport that is pretty demanding sometimes.
Do you have any advice for young figure skaters?
Don’t believe that skating is not a contact sport. Because when you hit that ice on the fall, you will understand what I mean.
Who should we watch for this Olympic season?
Gracie Gold. She just kind of popped up last year. She is just a terrific athlete, probably our best chance for an Olympic medal. She’s just a lot of fun to watch, very exciting and powerful.
