About Onyuka

Onyuka first put on a pair of skates in January 2002, after watching the local kids at an ice rink opposite her friend Maragai Katz’s house in Bozeman Montana for several days. Curiosity got the better of Onyuka and she persuaded her mom and dad to take her skating for the first time.

Mara took her to the ice rink and taught her some tricks. She was overwhelmed by her first experience and skating has now become her passion. It soon became apparent that what started out as a fun time with some success at local competitions was to be more than beginner’s luck.

After only 8 months of skating experience, with the support and knowledge from her coaches Vivian and Dan Davis, Onyuka was qualified for Us National competitions at Basic Level 7 & 8.

From 2002 to 2004, Onyuka skated on and off as the family spends about 6 months in the states and the rest of the year in Mongolia. Then she joined Bozeman Figure Skating Club for two seasons. Because figure skating is not developed in Mongolia and there is no indoor ice rink, Onyuka wasn’t able to continue training. But she started doing ballet and traditional dances so she can keep herself in a good shape to skate.

Onyuka is currently training with Diana Ronayne at the Shattuck St Mary’s and Linda and Bob Crowley when she is home. While at the Shattuck St Mary’s, she is offered excellent academic and athletic programs along with an unique leadership program, where Onyuka can pursue elite figure skating while succeeding academically. This was made possible by generous help from friends, grants and family sources. Onyuka is fortunate to have this opportunity but continuing training is always a big financial challenge.

Many thanks have to go to those people who have helped her so much so she can follow her dreams: Her coaches, friends, Mara, a good family friend and supporter, and Kent and Linda of Boojum Expeditions for the opportunity to come to the US and their support for the whole family.

Her best element is the spiral, and she regularly receives much praise for her spiral performance. When she skates her programs she gets the chance to perform some traditional Mongolian dance movements. Mongolian dance is very graceful and elegant, and Onyuka transforms these elements into her program.

Although her native country of Mongolia is renowned for its harsh climate and winter conditions, winter sports are not traditional or popular.

There are no facilities for figure skating or performers in Mongolia. With only natural outdoor ice of poor quality what lies ahead in Onyuka’s future depends a lot on what opportunities are available. Her dream is to one day compete at the Olympic level.

Her love of skating and commitment to hard work will help her to achieve that goal.