Jacob Sanchez, a 13-year-old figure skater from Montgomery, recently competed at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Las Vegas, where he placed four overall in the Junior category, securing a medal.

He trains six days a week at IceTime Sports in Newburgh.

“I like skating because when I skate, I feel free. I feel I can express my emotions through motion instead of words,” he said.

Sanchez, who got into figure skating through an interest in hockey, said it gives him great joy.

“It makes me feel more alive. I can say it like that. More happy. I enjoy doing this. It makes me happy,” he said.

He said he spends two hours every day on the ice, perfecting his technique and performance.

“You’re gonna see practice and a normal lesson, a normal practice which I usually do every day,” he said.

Jacob said he’s very much aware that there arent many male Latino figure skaters on the ice, and he’s so happy to represent. Look out for this Hudson Valley superstar! @SPECNewsHV pic.twitter.com/zLrS3bi9jC

— k. dominic mckenzie (@DominicM_) February 2, 2021

Could we expect to see any of these award-winning moves on the ice?

“Eh, just some jumps,” Sanchez said.

He is supported by his parents Jose and Johana Sanchez, who said they have no idea where this passion came from, but are excited for his progress in the sport.

“We’re very proud of him and how much he has accomplished in such a little amount of time,” she said. “He’s only been skating since he was 5 years old, so to have him reach this level in 8 years, for us, is a proud moment.”

Sanchez is coached by Oleg Makarov and Larisa Selezneva, Olympic and world championship figure skaters who represented the then-Soviet Union at the 1984 Winter Games in Sarajevo.

Makarov said Sanchez has what it takes to make it to the Olympics as well.

“I have short-term and long-term goals,” Sanchez said. “Short term right now, I’m trying to work on getting to the U.S. international team, which is Team USA, and my long-term goal is the 2026 Olympics.”

Judging by his last performance, where he was one of a few boys there, he is well on his way to represent his community on the world stage.

“It’s not really that common to see especially male figure skaters. It’s very cool that I was able to go to nationals and actually get a medal, too,” he said.

To parents considering the sport for their kids, Sanchez’s mom has advice.

“Allow them to be who they can be, and let them express themselves in the way they want,” she said. “If you open that door, you will be opening a door of opportunity for your child.”