South Dakota Skater McKayla Gunderson Earns National Recognition in Figure Skating

MITCHELL — While many figure skaters across the U.S. benefit from easy access to ice and training facilities, McKayla Gunderson from Mitchell has carved her own path to success through sheer determination and resilience. The 2020 graduate of Pierre T.F. Riggs High School has recently been awarded a gold medal from the U.S. Figure Skating Association in the adult gold singles category, specifically for her performance in the adult gold emotional showcase discipline. This accolade ranks her among the top three adult skaters in her category nationwide.

Gunderson's achievement is particularly notable as she becomes only the second skater from the Mitchell Figure Skating Club to attain such an honor, joining the ranks of former member Sarah Bultje. In South Dakota, where figure skating faces unique challenges, including limited training facilities and seasonal ice availability, Gunderson's success is a testament to her commitment.

“I never thought that I would see myself as a national representative for South Dakota in general for figure skating,” Gunderson remarked. “But now, I can walk around and proudly say that I accomplished one of the hardest things that you can do in figure skating, and it strives me to continue to work for my other gold medals, as well.”

To stay competitive, Gunderson frequently travels to nearby cities like Sioux Falls and Pierre to access year-round ice. Balancing her skating ambitions with a full-time job at the Krall Eye Clinic, a part-time role at Bradley's Pub and Grille, and coaching local young skaters, she juggles numerous responsibilities that often limit her practice time.

“I typically practice once or twice a week depending on my schedule with my work and everything, because I work a full-time job and I am getting married in August,” she shared with a laugh. Despite her busy calendar, Gunderson finds inspiration in the young skaters she coaches, hoping to lead by example and showcase the possibilities within the sport, even in places with fewer resources.

Gunderson has qualified for the U.S. Figure Skating Adult Championships, which will take place from August 3-8 in Denver, Colorado. As she continues to pursue additional gold medals in skating skills and patterned dance, her journey represents a remarkable achievement for South Dakota figure skating. “The No. 1 thing I would say to kids figure skating in South Dakota is that don’t let other people persuade you on what you want to do. Do it for yourself because you want to do it,” Gunderson advised, emphasizing the importance of personal dedication in achieving success.