For most competitive figure skaters, a year without competition might seem like a setback. However, for Cape Town student Mikhail Ajam, the past season has taught him patience, perspective, and the often-unspoken challenges of finding the right partner in ice dance.

At eight years old, Mikhail’s first experience on the ice came during a birthday party. He wanted to try hockey but was advised to learn to skate first. He joined the Junior Blades Figure Skating Club and quickly fell in love with the precision and discipline of figure skating. “There was something about the technique that just stuck with me,” he said.

From singles skating to synchro and eventually ice dance, his journey has never followed a straight line. “I was playing catch-up for years,” he reflected, pointing to struggles with his axel jump and a late start compared to many peers.

“But when ice dance was introduced, something clicked. It became my discipline.”

His love for performance came early. “Matthew Samuels was my role model. His programs weren’t just technical but entertaining as well. That’s what I wanted my skating to be.”

While Mikhail went on to compete at the Junior Grand Prix and represented South Africa internationally, this past season brought a different kind of challenge: being partnerless.

“It’s not something people talk about often,” he said. “But finding the right partner in ice dance is incredibly difficult. You need physical compatibility such as height, strength, and stamina. However, you also need mental alignment, shared goals, communication, and trust. Chemistry matters. And you only really know if it’s there after hours on the ice together.”

Mikhail explained that it has also become harder, as more female skaters are opting for solo dance. “There’s this perception that boys get to choose. But that’s changing. With solo dance becoming more popular, and eventually being recognised at ISU level, girls don’t need to wait for a partner anymore. That means the pool is shrinking. For someone like me, it adds pressure to find the right fit and soon.”

Still, he remained hopeful and focused. “My biggest goal right now is to form a strong, compatible partnership. From there, I want to qualify for Nationals, return to the Grand Prix circuit, and ultimately compete at Worlds, Four Continents, and even the Olympics.”

Off the ice, Mikhail is equally thoughtful. Living with ADHD and General Anxiety Disorder, he’s learned to embrace what once made him feel different. “For a long time, I was scared people would judge me. But I realised I can’t hide who I am. Music helps me manage the noise in my head, and skating gives me purpose.”

He also jokes that he doesn’t really have a personal life: “While my friends party, I go to bed early. But it’s a choice. I do find time to see friends and family, but skating comes first.”

Looking ahead, his ambitions are clear but so is his sense of self. “Skating has taught me to be more adaptive, to train smarter, and to find the artist inside me. It’s more than a sport. It’s part of who I am.”

And his message to younger dancers still searching for the right partner?

“Don’t force it. If something feels off, trust your gut. You have to be able to rely on your partner, not just on the ice, but everywhere you go. Find someone who shares your vision and values. That connection is everything.”

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