00:00We are here with Skate Canada Challenge Junior Men's Champion gold medalist, Parker Highland.
00:08Congratulations!
00:09Thank you so much!
00:10I have to look out, so I hope I don't put a sword not doing this.
00:13No, it's okay.
00:14So, I've got to ask, because you were sixth after the short program, so heading into today's
00:19free program, what was your mindset?
00:21I was just like, okay, I've done the short, I'm good, I know I can do it, I've been training
00:27all week, and I really was just like, it doesn't matter.
00:31So, I just wanted to perform it, and I think I nailed it, and I was so happy.
00:35Do you feel there was less pressure going into it?
00:38Yeah, a little bit, and having everyone here was so good, and just getting near the end
00:43of that program and hearing everyone screaming, it was just so exhilarating, and I loved it.
00:48You must have had a big group of friends and family here, and I spoke to Leah last night
00:52when she went, and she said the same thing, the competing list environment is amazing.
00:56It is so amazing, and I just had a blast.
00:59Okay, so you were fourth at Nationals last year.
01:01Yeah.
01:02What have you done to get ready for this show?
01:05I think I've just really tried to focus on things that I was struggling on last year,
01:13and really trying to get the newer elements, like Tribal Axel, and I think they're still
01:17in a work in progress, but hopefully in the coming weeks it'll be there, but we'll see.
01:22Well, I know I have seen you working on it, and I know it's been close, so it'll be exciting
01:26to see that.
01:27Yes.
01:28I have to say, you did look trained, and you did skate a beautiful program.
01:30Awesome.
01:31Now, you also skated at the Next Gen competition in the summer against many senior men.
01:36Yeah.
01:37What did you take away from that experience?
01:39That I had to train harder.
01:41That was kind of the main thing, so that I really, like, if I want to have a shot against
01:46some of these guys and how amazing they are, I really got to push myself and just try to
01:51excel as much as I can.
01:52Well, I'm glad you learned that lesson and really put it to the test, because you really
01:57look like you're taking seriously and unprepared for this show.
02:00Awesome.
02:01What were your goals or aspirations heading into this season?
02:04My definite goal was to really kind of work with improving my cardio and, like, my spins
02:12and such, but I think spins are still a work in progress, but I think my cardio has improved,
02:18and then I'm also trying to just balance everything with school and being in university, and so,
02:23I think, for the most part, I'm doing the best I can for that.
02:27Well, I think you're doing a great job, so are you going to celebrate?
02:30Yes.
02:31What are you going to do?
02:32I'm going to go to dinner with some of my friends.
02:34Well, I hope you have fun.
02:35Now, good luck for the rest of the season.
02:37We'll see you at Nashville.
02:38Yes, thank you.
02:39And stay tuned for more.
