INFO

Early Life & Background

Emery grew up in Western Sydney in a family with his parents and older brother. Emery attended Hurlstone Agricultural High School before transferring to Australian Christian College, where he completed his education online. At the age of 16, due to family violence and conflict, Emery moved out and began living independently in a sharehouse in Newtown, Sydney. During this time he attended Newtown High School of The Performing Arts until he graduated Year 10. He later moved into a youth refuge before becoming fully independent.

His introduction to skating came by chance in November 2021, when he attended an ice skating date with a friend. He immediately fell in love with the sport, and within just a few months, he began competing. He also changed his name from Alan to Emery as part of his personal rebranding, reflecting his identity.

Skating Career

Early Days & Rapid Progression

Emery’s figure skating journey began in November 2021. Within only four months of skating, he was already competing in his first competition at Macquarie Ice Rink Artistic (MIRA), where he placed 10th out of 26 skaters in his division. Within two months of his first competition, he won his first 2 gold medals in Canberra at his 3rd and 4th competition. By the following year, Emery had accumulated multiple gold medals, establishing himself as a promising athlete in the competitive figure skating community.

Major Achievements

Since starting his career, Emery has won 15 gold medals, 3 silver medals, and 7 bronze medals across 31 competitions within 3 years. His most notable achievements include being the Crystal Challenge Preliminary Boys Champion (2023), NSW Preliminary Boys State Champion (2023), and VIC Elementary Boys State Champion (2023). He is also the Hollins Trophy Elementary Boys Champion (2024) and VIC Elementary Boys State Champion (2024).

In addition to his competitive successes, Emery has had the honor of performing for Stars On Ice Australia at Bondi Fest, Campbelltown Chill Fest (2023) and Darling Harbour Winter Fest (2024).

Emery’s career progression is also marked by his success in Ice Skating Australia (ISA) exams. Within just 9 months of skating, he completed his Preliminary Patterns Skills and Technical Test and the following year progressed through the Elementary Patterns Skills and Technical Test. Emery recently completed his Basic Novice Patterns Skills Test and aims to complete his Basic Novice Technical Test later in 2025.

Training & Coaching

Emery trains primarily under Andrew Dodds and Chris Stuart, with whom he has worked since the beginning of his skating journey. Emery's typical training routine involves 2-4 hours a day and 3-5 days of training per week. This is composed of on-ice sessions focused on edges, jumps, spins, and choreography, complemented by off-ice training such as ballet, running, and cross-training. From time to time typically during his competitions Emery trains interstate with other coaches or skaters in Melbourne and Perth.

Overcoming Personal Adversity

Emery’s journey in skating is particularly remarkable given the personal struggles he has faced. At just 16, Emery was forced to leave home due to family violence and was briefly in youth services for homeless children. Despite these difficult circumstances, Emery has shown remarkable resilience, overcoming personal challenges to pursue his passion for figure skating.

He credits the generous help from donors and organizations like Youth Off The Streets and The Variety Children's Charity for helping him resume his education and live independently, while also supporting his dreams of becoming a competitive figure skater. Emery emphasizes how the challenges of his upbringing have shaped him not only into a better athlete but also a better person, learning life lessons that extend beyond the rink. He is grateful to have his community constantly supporting him.

Competitions

Emery’s competitive records includes 25 numerous podium finishes and titles. Notable achievements in his early years of competition include:

• Crystal Challenge: Preliminary Boys Champion (2023)

• NSW State Championships: Preliminary Boys Division Champion (2023)

• VIC State Championships: Elementary Boys Champion (2023)

• Hollins Trophy: Elementary Boys Champion (2024)

• VIC State Championships: Elementary Boys Champion (2024)

Emery’s total career medal tally stands at:

• Gold Medals: 15

• Silver Medals: 3

• Bronze Medals: 7

Emery has competed a total of 31 times and his full competitive history can be viewed here.

Awards & Scholarships

In recognition of his talent and perseverance, Emery has received several prestigious awards and scholarships, including:

• Alan Blinn & Simone Moore Memorial Fund Preliminary Boys (NSWISA, 2023)

• Variety Hearts Scholarship (Variety Hearts The Children’s Charity, 2024)

• Youth Off The Streets National Scholarship (Youth Off The Streets, 2024)

These scholarships and awards have been crucial in supporting his training and competition expenses, allowing him to focus on his athletic and academic pursuits.

Future Aspirations

Short-Term Goals

Emery’s immediate goals include:

• Winning the National Championships and becoming the Australian Champion in his division

• Moving up to the Advanced Novice level by the end of next year

• Competing in the 2030 Winter Olympics

• Mastering a triple axel and quad jump before retiring from competitive skating

Long-Term Goals

Beyond competitive skating, Emery has aspirations of becoming a coach and giving back to the skating community. He also has a keen interest in expanding into acting, dance and modeling. One of Emery’s dream performances is to perform with Disney on Ice, a goal he hopes to accomplish as part of his broader career in the skating and entertainment industries.

Personal Life

Emery has faced significant family challenges growing up and he views his figure skating community as his true family. He has developed many close friendships with fellow skaters and coaches who have supported him throughout his journey. Outside of skating, Emery has a variety of interests, including music, photography, and traveling. He is also passionate about dance and art. Currently, he is studying Marketing & Communication with the goal of pursuing a bachelor's degree next year. Emery enjoys cooking, especially as it supports his active lifestyle, and often prepares healthy meals as part of his routine.

Sponsor & Donations

Emery actively seeks financial support to continue his journey as a competitive skater. Donations help cover the costs of training, ice time, ballet lessons, equipment, and competition fees, allowing him to focus on both his skating and education. Supporters can donate using the Australian Sports Foundation or see the sponsorships page here.