22 IFSMAGAZINE.COM OCTOBER 2019
performing in various shows meant less
time for training and preparation for last
season. Then, once it began, the schedule
was so tight with their Grand Prix events,
the Grand Prix Final and Italian nationals
taking place in quick succession in the first
half of the season.
“Really, it was very intense,” said Guarise.
“We had no breaks and a lot of pressure,
even from our federation. When you skate
for a medal, the federation is sitting on
your neck. When you are far from the
podium, the federation is somewhere else.
“We learned a lot from the season. It was
a strong beginning for the next two years
because now we know we can be in the
medal area at each competition. So now it
is on us to plan better and keep thinking
positive. Competition can be good or it
can be bad, but if we just keep on going,
the results will come for sure.”BEHIND THE SCENES
Della Monica began her career as a singles
skater, but a loss of interest caused her to
think about retiring.
“I was pretty good at jumps, but at some
point I didn’t have the motivation. I was
at the point of quitting figure skating. I
needed new inspiration, new things to try,”
she recalled.
In 2007, she met Yannick Kocon, a
former French pairs skater, who wanted
to team up with her. A week later shedecided to give it a try. It turned out to be
just what she was looking for — it was a
new challenge and Della Monica said she
was more comfortable not being alone on
the ice.
The duo represented Italy for three
seasons, finishing 12th at the 2010 Olympic
Winter Games in Vancouver. Della
Monica retired at the end of that season,
citing a mix of injuries and problems
within the partnership.
Guarise started pairs skating at age 5
at a club that specialized in the discipline.
“I did not do throws or lifts, but I held
hands with a girl.
“Then we started doing side-by-
side Axels and double Salchows. I have