Competition on Ice in Paradise

More than 100 skaters, representing 10 different Southern California rinks, traveled, most alongside their guardians, to Goleta last week to compete in Ice in Paradise’s first-ever open figure-skating competition. By 10 a.m., the lobby of the rink had transformed into a dressing room — duffel bags were scattered the floor, and hairspray filled the air as parents put the finishing touches on their children before they took the ice.

Among the competitors was 6-year-old Mackenzie Brakka. Donning a glittery red dress, thick tights, and gleaming white skates with lavender laces, Ice in Paradise’s youngest competing skater took the rink by storm, with her biggest concern not being nerves but instead the fact that she had to wear a dress. Brakka has been skating for two years, indulging in hockey and figure skating — which she claims to love equally. 

Although Brakka was the only skater competing in her event, it did not make her gold medal any less exciting. She graciously accepted her medal from a volunteer before taking the podium to let it sink in.