Page 54 - Club Braman Magazine_Fall-Winter.22

Unfortunately, a lifetime of intensive training albeit with plenty of coffee and energy drinks
and injuries had taken a toll on her. A third to fuel the early morning sessions. When not
knee surgery in the wake of qualifying at the rink, Elena is working full-time at the
coupled with a strong suggestion from South Florida-based insurance office her
her doctor that she consider retirement in father founded and which they now co-own;
order to maintain a high quality of life into another perfect fit for one as addicted to
adulthood unfortunately curbed her gold serving others as she.
medal dreams. A massive disappointment to
be sure, but Elena’s relentless optimism would Her loyal companion during those lonely
rapidly lead to what would become her next highway commuting hours is Carly, her
phase. A return to South Florida the following current MINI Countryman. As all MINI owners
year brought her back in close proximity to are wont to do, Elena has named each of
her lifelong nutritionist who happened to hers. Carly took the place of Carlos, her prior
also be the skating director of Palm Beach Clubman, which was a direct inspiration
Ice Works in West Palm Beach. Starting at the from Elena’s first driving experience in her
very bottom of the totem pole, Elena worked mother’s MINI, nicknamed Casper. Each car’s
her way through various jobs, eventually lightness, nimble handling, and inherent
earning a coaching position. personality forge a perfect metaphor for
Elena’s competitive days; the ability to
Elena acknowledges that the transition to impress with both physical prowess and
coaching can be tough for high-level athletes, charm were essential to her success.
but hers has been seamless. Similar to that
first introduction to figure skating itself, she It is a balance that MINI has long perfected,
instantly fell in love with being able to guide leading to an owner equally superlative.
her students and impart her experience—

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