Young Local Skaters Chase Olympic Dreams After Witnessing Games

Tidewater Figure Skating Club members inspired after trip to Milan Olympics

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Several young figure skaters from the Tidewater Figure Skating Club in Chesapeake, Virginia have set their sights on Olympic glory after a trip to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, where they watched Team USA compete. The skaters, some as young as 6 years old, are now training hard and preparing to compete in local and regional competitions, with the ultimate goal of one day reaching the Olympic stage.

Why it matters

The story highlights the power of witnessing elite athletic competition in person to inspire the next generation of athletes. It also showcases the dedication and determination of young figure skaters in the Tidewater region who are chasing their Olympic dreams, despite the significant time and effort required to reach that level of competition.

The details

Daphne Fowler, a 6-year-old skater, was inspired after watching the Olympics in Milan, saying she would love to be an Olympic figure skater like the athletes she saw. Jill Stewart, the skating director for the Tidewater Figure Skating Club, also attended the Milan Olympics, fulfilling a long-time personal goal. Other young skaters like Rayne Irving and Scarlett Johnson are focused on honing their skills and preparing to compete in local events, with the hope of one day reaching the Olympics.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics took place in Milan, Italy.
  • The Colonial Classic, a local figure skating competition, is set for February 28 in Chesapeake, Virginia.

The players

Daphne Fowler

A 6-year-old figure skater with the Tidewater Figure Skating Club who was inspired to chase her Olympic dreams after watching the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Ashley Fowler

Daphne Fowler's mother, who said her daughter is "very good out on the ice" and could potentially achieve her Olympic aspirations.

Jill Stewart

The skating director for the Tidewater Figure Skating Club, who attended the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, fulfilling a long-time personal goal.

Rayne Irving

An 11-year-old figure skater with the Tidewater Figure Skating Club who has been dreaming of competing in the Olympics since she first saw the Games.

Scarlett Johnson

An 11-year-old figure skater with the Tidewater Figure Skating Club who is training hard and preparing to compete in local events.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah!”

— Daphne Fowler (13newsnow.com)

“We thought it would be a really cool experience and good exposure for her to see how far this sport could potentially take her, someday.”

— Ashley Fowler, Daphne Fowler's mother (13newsnow.com)

“I knew they were coming. She didn't know I was going to be there. So it was a full circle moment.”

— Jill Stewart, Skating director, Tidewater Figure Skating Club (13newsnow.com)

“Being out on the ice and being free and flying, and in my prime, I jumped and spun and those sort of things.”

— Jill Stewart, Skating director, Tidewater Figure Skating Club (13newsnow.com)

“I've been wanting to compete in the Olympics ever since I first saw the Olympics.”

— Rayne Irving, Figure skater, Tidewater Figure Skating Club (13newsnow.com)

What’s next

The Colonial Classic, a local figure skating competition, is set for February 28 in Chesapeake, Virginia, where the young skaters from the Tidewater Figure Skating Club will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and continue their pursuit of Olympic dreams.

The takeaway

The story of these young figure skaters in Chesapeake, Virginia, who were inspired to chase their Olympic aspirations after witnessing the 2026 Winter Games in person, serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that elite athletic competition can have on the next generation of athletes.