Sofia Frank, the country’s top figure skater, was recently in town for the Philippines Skating Union’s 2024 National Championships. Though she did not perform as well as she expected, she accepted what needs to be done and has moved on. In December, she will compete in the Santa Claus Cup in Budapest, Hungary. Early next year, Frank competes in the Four Continents Championships, and if she gets enough points, the World Championships after that. This is all part of her run towards the 2026 Winter Olympics.
In an exclusive interview with The STAR and DWAN 1206 AM, the young skater courageously revealed that she has also been battling anxiety and mental health issues due to the rigors of her training and the pressure she puts on herself.
“Sometimes, I go for a walk in the morning, just to clear my head, ‘cause I have bad anxiety,” Sofia admits. “Or I like to journal sometimes in the morning, just to get everything straight.”
The country’s former junior champion has two to three sessions on the ice every day, off-ice training thrice a week, gymnastics, Pilates and a platoon of coaches that she works with. In her free time, she does schoolwork and works part-time at her parents’ pro shop at the local rink in Colorado Springs. Next semester, she starts college to get a Sports Management degree. An overwhelming schedule for anyone.
“My anxiety goes up and down and up and down. I’m always, like, stressed out,” Frank shares. “Training, and then getting school done, and also mental health issues, as well is a big part of it.”
Frank has also sought help to alleviate the pressure she feels, and when she’s hard on herself. On top of that, she and her team are raising funds for her Olympic campaign.
“Just recently, I’ve started going to therapy, just because my anxiety has been really high lately,” Sofia reveals. “I’ve also been taking time for myself and not putting too much pressure on myself.”
Sofia Frank has always been driven to be the best since childhood. And though what she wants to achieve takes so much out of her, she has realized that help will aid in her long-term success. And that takes superhuman courage.