Tamara & Jackie Fenton: Strength, Skating & the Power of Showing Up Together

On a Saturday morning at Lakeshore Recreation, we sat down with Tamara and Jackie Fenton—a mother-daughter duo whose journey is about so much more than figure skating.

It’s about connection, resilience, consistency, and the quiet power of showing up—together.

Where It All Began

For Tamara, skating has always been part of her life. She grew up on the ice, eventually coaching and staying involved in sport through different phases of life.

Jackie’s path looked a little different. After a short-lived (and memorable ) attempt at hockey, she found her way into CanSkate—and from there, something clicked.

What started as one activity among many quickly became her passion.

“I just really loved it… there was always something harder to get from it.” – Jackie

That challenge—the ability to keep improving, refining, and pushing herself—is what kept her coming back.

Balancing University, Competition & Life

Now in her second year of university, Jackie continues to compete while managing a demanding schedule.

Her weeks are a mix of:

• ice time

• strength training

• physio and recovery

• travel for competitions

  
  

It hasn’t been easy. Injuries, distance from the rink, and a heavy academic load have all been part of the journey. But she’s stayed committed—and that consistency paid off.

Even heading into one of her biggest competitions of the season, she showed up despite being sick, proving something powerful:

It’s not about perfect conditions—it’s about showing up anyway.

The Mental Side of the Sport

One of the most impactful parts of Jackie’s journey has been learning to manage the mental demands of figure skating. She spoke openly about struggles with comparison, perfectionism, and confidence—something many athletes (and many of us) can relate to.

Her biggest mindset shift?

“Focus on what you can control.” – Jackie

Letting go of outside pressure and focusing inward changed everything for her—not just as an athlete, but as a person.

A Relationship That’s Come Full Circle

Their mother-daughter dynamic has evolved over time.

Tamara intentionally stepped back from coaching Jackie early on, allowing her to grow independently. Now, years later, they’ve come full circle—training together, supporting each other, and building a deeper connection both on and off the ice.

For Tamara, this time together is something special:

“We get to spend an hour together, uninterrupted… it’s really great quality time.” – Tamara

In a world full of distractions, that focused time—without phones, stress, or outside noise—has become something they both value deeply.

Training at Lakeshore: Where It All Comes Together

Their time at Lakeshore Recreation has become a key part of their routine—and their results.

For Jackie, strength training has directly improved her performance on the ice:– more power in her jumps– increased endurance– better balance and control– less fatigue during long programs.

“I can jump consistently for 30 minutes now… before, I’d be exhausted.” – Jackie

One of the biggest game-changers? Plyometric training. Explosive movements, strength work, and stability training have helped her translate gym work directly into skating performance. And beyond performance, there’s another huge benefit: injury prevention and faster recovery.

Consistency Over Perfection

Tamara’s message throughout the conversation was clear: It’s not just about goals—it’s about habits.

“Consistency is key… it’s what actually gets you there.” – Tamara

Some weeks, they make it to the gym multiple times.Other weeks, it’s once. But they always find a way to keep moving. That mindset—flexible, realistic, and consistent—is what keeps them progressing.

A Shared Love of Movement

Movement has always been part of their family dynamic. From outdoor activities to sports to now training together, being active has been their way of connecting.

And yes… there’s a little competition in the mix too

“We’re very competitive.” – Jackie

But more than that, it’s about support.

They push each other, laugh through tough workouts, and celebrate the small wins along the way.

Tamara’s Perspective: Coaching & Fitness for Life

As both a coach and a parent, Tamara brings a unique perspective.

She’s worked with skaters of all ages—from beginners to competitive athletes—and her goal goes beyond performance.

She wants young athletes to:

build confidence, develop healthy habits, stay active long-term, and enjoy movement, no matter where life takes them

Her message is simple but powerful: You get one body—take care of it.

Breaking the Strength Training Myth

Both Tamara and Jackie addressed a common misconception—especially in sports like figure skating, dance, and gymnastics. The idea that strength training leads to “bulk” is outdated. The shift now? Don’t train to stay small Train to become strong.

“There’s really no downside to strength training.” – Jackie

Strength is what allows athletes to perform better, stay injury-free, and extend their time in the sport.

The Power of Doing It Together

When asked what they would say to other moms and daughters thinking about working out together, their answer was simple: Just start. It doesn’t have to be perfect.It doesn’t even have to be the gym. Go for a walk. Try a class. Pick up a sport. Because the benefits go far beyond fitness.

“There’s no downside… you’ll always feel better after.” – Jackie

The Final Takeaway

This story isn’t just about figure skating. It’s about:

• showing up

• supporting each other

• building strength—physically and mentally, and

• creating time for what matters

It’s about a mother and daughter finding connection through movement.

It’s about consistency over perfection. And it’s about building a foundation that will carry them—on and off the ice—for years to come. And that’s what Lakeshore is all about.