COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) An alternate spot on the Olympic team is earned through years of discipline, sacrifice, and belief.For U.S. figure skater Audrey Shin, that journey took shape right here in Colorado Springs.Shin a nd her family moved to Colorado Springs in 2018. Through guidance from U.S. Figure Skating, she continued developing her skills while training at the U.S. Olympic Paralympic Training Center.I have great memories here, Shin said. Coach Tammy is like my second mom.Shin began her career as a single skater before eventually transitioning to pairs skating with her partner, Balzs Nagy. The switch brought new challenges.Learning how to skate next to another person. Simple crossovers, simple steps. All of that Ive never had to learn before, she said. Were in this journey together.Now, Shin and Nagy are the first alternates for the U.S. Figure Skating team, putting them within reach of the Olympic stage.Figure skating has been part of Shins life since she was five years old.The feeling of accomplishment. Its great, she said.She still remembers her first moments on the ice.I told my dad, Let go of my hand, and I tried skating by myself, Shin said.She did more than enjoy it. She fell in love with it.My passion for figure skating...its something that Ive loved since I was a little girl, she said. No matter what setbacks I have, I will always reach for the sport.Behind every jump and lift, she says, has been her familys sacrifice, especially her parents.In Korean, she shared a heartfelt message to them: , .I love you, and Im so thankful, Shin said.____Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching. ...read more read less