From blades to skates, a journey into figure skating

Four years ago, Tuan Ly had never tried figure skating. Today, he’s a passionate figure skater who finds freedom and purpose in every glide and spin. At the Australian Masters Games, Tuan’s journey shows us what this event is all about, embracing new challenges, discovering hidden talents, and proving that it’s never too late to start something new.

Tuan took up rollerblading with his friends during the pandemic, where his first goal was to make it to the end of his driveway without falling over.

He connected with local rollerbladers through Facebook, a supportive group that helped him improve his skills. Tuan progressed from rollerblading the length of his driveway, to rollerblading along the paths of Adelaide’s beaches.

Tuan, who considers himself an artistic person, decided to take up figure skating, a natural progression from rollerblading, just on ice. He joined a local adult’s ice skating class, where he learnt the basics of skating on ice.

At the time, as a 31 year old, Tuan initially found figure skating difficult. But he embraced the challenge. For Tuan, figure skating isn’t just a sport; it’s a source of confidence, resilience, and purpose.

Tuan recalls his experience during his first month of classes, where he realised that he wanted to dedicate himself to figure skating because it makes him feel alive.

Joining like-minded adults in the classes meant that Tuan could learn in a supportive environment. He explains that, “everyone was encouraging each other to push through it. And most importantly, to have fun.”

Having fun and living in the moment is central to Tuan’s connection with figure skating. On the ice, he finds freedom from the pressures of daily life. Figure skating is more than physical exercise, it’s therapy.

“When I’m on the ice, nothing else matters. All the worries, all the work-related stress just disappears, and I’m living in the moment, expressing how I feel within the music,” says Tuan.

Beyond the intricacies of figure skating technique, he embraces the growth and purpose the sport provides him.

“You need to be resilient. Failure shouldn’t be associated with your worth. It should be associated with growth because even if you fail, you find a way to become better,” Tuan adds.

While trying a new sport comes with its challenges, there is so much more you can gain from it.

“You can do it,” Tuan says. “Your self-belief can drive and empower you, and you’ll find your purpose.”

Tuan’s advice for others considering a new sport is clear, “find something that will help you grow as a person and seek out an environment where you’re supported by a community of like-minded people.”

“Together as a team, you can grow and overcome these challenges.”

The stories of athletes like Tuan remind us that the Australian Masters Games are more than a competition. The Games are a celebration of personal growth, resilience, and the joy of sport at any stage of life.

For those already part of the masters community, stories like Tuan’s offer a chance to reflect on how sport has enriched your own journey. As you prepare for the next Games, think about friends, family, or colleagues who might be inspired to join you. Whether they’re looking for a new challenge or a supportive environment to reconnect with movement, your invitation could spark their next great adventure.

Together, let’s welcome more people to the masters community and inspire others to play without limits. Who will you invite to share this experience in Canberra, 18 – 25 October 2025?

Registrations open 29 January 2025, discover your next sporting challenge.

Interested in more inspiring stories? Read about Danielle Connelly, who reignited her passion for gymnastics.