Catching Up with Lucas Broussard

Lucas Broussard was one of Team USA's standout juniors last season.

After winning gold at both his Junior Grand Prix assignments, he earned second at the ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2022 and became the U.S. junior men's champion.

Going into the 2023-24 campaign, he received a Grand Prix assignment in his first season as a senior.

Before he makes his Grand Prix debut this weekend at 2023 Cup of China, Broussard talks about his goals, background in the sport and more.

Last season was really big for you with your success in the ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series and winning the U.S. junior championship. What are you most proud of from last season?
Yes, last season was very successful, I think. I'm most proud of how I was able to keep my concentration throughout the season. Coming back from an injury caused me to worry about how I'd be able to return to my prior physical condition, but I stayed focused on my recovery, so I had little trouble getting back to training. Had I let my worries interfere with my focus, I'm not sure I would've been able to keep my cool throughout each competition.

Competing at the senior level for the first time this season, what are your goals?
The transition from junior to senior has been quite challenging thus far. I want to keep the expectations regarding placement low because I know that my competitors have much more experience than me, and I've physically grown a lot since last season. I also want to be able to effectively multitask skating and school in a way that keeps up my mental health. Junior year in school is especially challenging because of the SAT, so I'm doing my best to make sure I compartmentalize skating and school. 

For people who haven't seen your programs yet this season, what are you most excited about in both your short program and free skate?
I've worked hard to try and make the choreography in each program as best I can this season, and I hope that can come across in China. I especially like the step sequence in "Winter" of my free skate because of how playful it is. In my short program, my favorite part is also the step sequence. I really enjoy performing that part.

You learned to skate at ski camp? How did that come about?
My family has always been a winter sports family. I used to ski race, and I really enjoyed it to the point where I went to a ski school in Sun Valley Idaho. There's a beautiful outdoor skating rink there, so I sort of accidentally started skating. When I came back to Seattle, I guess I didn't stop!

What is your favorite element and why?
My favorite element has to be a triple Lutz-triple toe combination. There's a certain feeling I get when I do it right. I love the amount of flow I feel when the Lutz jumps correctly and it's lots of fun to do. 

I know you like to cook and bake. What are your favorite recipes to make?
My mother sometimes makes a chocolate cake for friends (or family). I've seen her make it since I lived in Luxembourg, so I know the technique relatively well. Sometimes I help make it with her too. This is my favorite thing to bake because of how the chocolate and butter are melted in a glass bowl above a double boiler. I enjoy this part the most because it's nice to watch happen and smells lovely. I think it's also a special recipe for my family because it's only made for us on special occasions.

Don't miss any of the action at the 2023 Cup of China as Lucas Broussard competes at his first Grand Prix. To follow along, visit the 2023 Grand Prix Series Competition Central.