Chloe Katz, a 14-year-old freshman at Jericho High School, and Joseph Lynch, a 15-year-old sophomore at Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, skated away with a gold medal in juvenile pair skating at the North Atlantic Figure Skating Championships in Amherst, NY on Oct. 21. This impressive win qualifies the two to compete for the 2001 US Junior Figure Skating Championships on Dec. 12 through 14 in Westminster, Colorado.

Both skaters competed in individual competitions in Amherst as well. Katz who lives in Jericho, placed fifth in the novice ladies division which qualified her as an alternate for the nationals. Lynch, a resident of Wantagh, placed fifth in the novice men's division which also qualified him as an alternate for the nationals.

The pair, coached by Adam Lieb and Barbara DeLuca, train at Cantiague Figure Skating Club, Ice Works in Syosset and Dix Hills. Practice sessions begin early each morning at 6:30 a.m., long before the start of school. Afternoon training sessions usually last about an additional two hours. "They are both very strong skaters, jumpers and excel at lifts," said Lieb. "Their biggest challenge is the artistic side of skating. The additional time and training in dance is not always possible for Chloe and Joseph. Both young people attend a regular day of school and need to complete assignments. Barbara and I believe, however, in the importance of as normal an educational and socialization experience as possible. We are grateful to the schools for making accommodations wherever possible to help Chloe and Joseph achieve their dreams."