Skating for the stars – Dallas ISD team member with Olympic aspirations

Orlando Velazquez has two full-time jobs. He works in the front office at Anne Frank Elementary School. He is also a competitive figure skater.

Growing up in Puerto Rico, Velazquez was inspired to try figure skating after watching a movie about a teenager who rose to the competitive level.

His pursuit of interests outside working hours is an example to his colleagues, she added. 

“Having a passion like sports, art, and music can help with overall well-being and have a positive impact on our physical, and mental health,” Mullins Ford said. “It gives us an opportunity to connect with others and even help manage our stress. For Orlando, I know skating will allow him to fulfill his passion to celebrate life.”

With his Olympic goal in sight, Velazquez plans to find sponsorships. He continues to work on improving his skating skills, including cleanly landing the double axel jump. One of the most difficult jumps in the sport, skaters have to complete two-and-a-half rotations in the air before landing. 

“It feels like I am flying. The rush of jumping and rotating that fast in under a second always gets me emotional,” he said. 

His advice to aspiring athletes is simple.

“Don’t be too harsh on yourself, always keep trying your best, take diligent care of your mental and physical health, and have fun doing what you enjoy,” he said. “Sports should be about passion and fun.”