Olympic ice skater Gracie Gold visits Crystal Ice House

CRYSTAL LAKE – Seven-year-old Abigail Jungles skated around the circle, mimicking a half turn demonstrated by Olympic ice skater Gracie Gold.

Gold, who took home the bronze medal in the last Winter Olympics, returned to Crystal Ice House on Monday to skate and take photos with members of the Wagon Wheel Figure Skating Club.

The 19-year-old, formerly of Springfield, was in town for Skate America, which kicks off a series of six international figure skating competitions, and stopped by the Crystal Lake rink, which is where the skating club is based. When she was a member of the club, she mainly trained at other Chicago area sites.

"It's really nice actually [to be back]," Gold said. "Everybody's been really supportive, and I know Chicago hasn't had a big sporting event in a while. It was a really big turnout for Skate America."

Gold spent time with each skill level, answering questions and watching the skaters run through their moves.

First up was Abigail, who along with her sister, Lillian Jungles, 8, had no idea that she was headed to meet Gold that day, said their mother, Traci Jungles. The girls were told they were headed to the doctor's.

"It was cool," said Abigail, who started skating at 2 years old. "I got to meet her, and she was nice. I go to see a real skater."

Lillian wasn't nervous either.

"I just did it," she said.

Gold also talked to the skaters about how to prepare for a competition – as well as jumps and the importance of spins (which also make a good trick to show their friends).

"I start by saying, only 40 percent of the time do you compete really in the zone because it's so hard to get into that perfect mindset where you're just one with the ice," she said. "It's all about just remembering your training because hopefully before an event, you've trained really hard."

Gold also was presented with the Janet Lynn Award, which recognizes members of the Wagon Wheel Figure Skating Club for competitive excellence. The award is named for Lynn, who was a five time U.S. national champion and won bronze at the 1972 Olympics.