Learning in Motion

Changing up a routine doesn't have to be reserved for January or the start of terms alone–they can happen with intention sometimes, or emerge out of necessity at others. This is the reality for Liam K. ‘26, long track speed skater and senior at Prestans. 

Liam’s skating journey began almost a decade ago, when he transitioned from hockey to speed skating. Under the guidance of 2002 Olympian Dan Weinstein, he found not just a sport, but a way of thinking: patient and methodical. His training mix is rigorous–skating four times a week (soon five as the season builds), cycling long distances and intervals, dryland drills, and weightlifting. Yet, when he talks about it, there’s a sense of calm. He maintains steady eye contact and says, “I have a routine now, and both training and my coursework folded around it all feels manageable.”

Growth doesn’t always come from starting over–sometimes it’s about reworking what’s already in motion.

A thoughtful, measured presence comes through again when Liam talks about challenges, such as a recent shift that prompted a large-scale change to his training routine. Just a few weeks ago, he had to completely overhaul the setup of his blades after switching to narrower boots. For some athletes, that could have felt like a frustrating setback. But Liam framed it differently: “It was a really, really big change–but it’s for the better. I’m in a better place now, so I just have to readjust.” His reasoning is clear: by changing the blade position, he could improve leverage and cornering. And he relates it seamlessly to academics, too: in physics class, he’s come to appreciate how his teacher connects concepts like kinetic friction, air resistance, and blade geometry directly to skating. Those lessons don’t sit in a textbook–for him, they show up on the ice.

Even with the Junior World Championships in Germany ahead and Olympic trials in January, Liam doesn’t chase the spotlight. When asked if he was an Olympic hopeful this year, he paused, then offered a grounded response: “I have a shot… but the real goal this year is to qualify for the senior national team. Everything else,” he explained, “is secondary.”

Liam’s story is a powerful one for all. Through his skating journey, he shows us that growth doesn’t always come from starting over–sometimes it’s about reworking what’s already in motion. His ability to meet change with clarity and purpose is a reminder that learning in action isn’t just about trying new things–it’s about trusting the process, adjusting when needed, and always moving forward.