KPRC Reporter Shares Her Figure Skating Journey

Jaewon Jung's lifelong passion for the sport has shaped who she is today.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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KPRC 2 News Reporter Jaewon Jung shares her story of how she got started with figure skating nearly two decades ago after being inspired by watching the 2006 Torino Olympics. Despite facing financial challenges that made it difficult to seriously train in the sport, Jung's supportive childhood coach helped her stay involved. Though figure skating can feel like an exclusive sport, Jung has made it a goal to skate on her own terms no matter where she goes.

Why it matters

Jung's story highlights how a childhood passion can become a lifelong pursuit, even in the face of obstacles. Her experience also sheds light on the accessibility challenges that can exist in certain sports like figure skating, and the importance of having supportive mentors to help overcome those barriers.

The details

Jung first became interested in figure skating after watching Sasha Cohen perform at the 2006 Torino Olympics. She begged her mom to sign her up for lessons, but her family soon realized how expensive the sport can be, from ice time and lessons to equipment and competition fees. Still, Jung's childhood coach, Barbara Delaney-Smith, was gracious and understanding, even letting Jung use an old pair of skates and stay at her condo for free when competing. Though Jung stepped away from the sport at times, she always found herself drawn back to the rink, as there's something liberating about the feeling of the blades on the ice.

  • Jung started taking figure skating lessons after watching the 2006 Torino Olympics.
  • Jung met her favorite skater, Sasha Cohen, at an ice show in Atlantic City when she was in middle school.

The players

Jaewon Jung

A KPRC 2 News reporter who has been passionate about figure skating for nearly two decades.

Sasha Cohen

A figure skater who competed in the 2006 Torino Olympics and inspired Jung to start skating.

Barbara Delaney-Smith

Jung's supportive childhood figure skating coach who helped her stay involved in the sport despite financial challenges.

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What they’re saying

“Figure skating has been a big part of my life for nearly two decades. It's a sport that's taught discipline, resilience and sportsmanship, lessons that shape who I am today. I'm forever grateful it remains a part of my life.”

— Jaewon Jung (click2houston.com)

The takeaway

Jung's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the lasting impact that a childhood passion can have. Despite the financial and accessibility challenges of figure skating, her supportive coach and personal drive allowed her to maintain a lifelong connection to the sport, which has shaped who she is today.