YORKTON - When The Yorkton Sports Hall of Fame celebrates its 30th anniversary with an induction dinner Sept. 7, figure skater Niki Nagy will be among the newest inductees.
“I was truly overwhelmed with gratitude and disbelief,” Nagy said of her initial reaction to being told of her selection to the hall of fame.
“It's a humbling thought to know my picture will forever be among the city's best. It makes me proud, but also reminds me of the responsibility I have to continue being a positive example for others. It's more than just recognition—it's a lasting connection to my community and a reminder of how far hard work can take you.”
And it’s more too.
“It means so much more than just a photo; it represents the idea that anyone, young or old, can see what I've achieved and understand that I'm no different from them. With a little hard work and determination, the possibilities are endless,” Nagy told Yorkton This Week.
With the impending induction comes a time of reflecting on a sport career, so what are a couple of personal moments Nagy recalls most fondly?
“I think the moment I recall most fondly was the provincials of the Canada Games year,” she said. “Provincials took place in my hometown, Melville. This allowed my family and friends to come and see me skate.
“After my short program, I was sitting in first but I still had to go give it my all for my long program to gain the provincial title. I gave it my everything, I came off the ice after my long program and collapsed into my mom's arms knowing I laid it all on the line and had nothing to lose.
“I won the provincial title in my hometown and was selected to represent Saskatchewan at the Canada Winter Games in Prince George.”
Was that Nagy’s greatest accomplishment?
It turns out that takes on a broader expanse of experiences for Nagy.
“My greatest accomplishment is my competitive skating career, where I had the honour of representing Saskatchewan and holding eight provincial titles,” she said. “Skating professionally allowed me to travel the world and, along the way, I made some of my best friends. It wasn't just about the competitions—it was about the journey, the experiences, and the connections that shaped who I am today.”
And now she adds one more to her list of accomplishments.
“Now, being inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame has become my new greatest achievement,” she said. “It symbolizes everything I've worked for and serves as a reminder of the impact my journey has had on others.”
In terms of the selection bringing up memories, was there a key coach/mentor that helped Nagy achieve success?
“My coach throughout my career was my mom,” she said.
“This came with hardship but also allowed me to build the most incredible relationship with her. My mom wore both hats, it wasn't always easy but she was able to walk the line seamlessly.
“My mom is an incredible coach and role model; she was the British Junior National Champion and world competitor in her day. She understands the dedication and work ethic needed to succeed. She knows how to build relationships with her athletes, each athlete's plan and training plan is different- she can understand this and adapt to it depending on the skater.
“Being able to celebrate my successes with my mom was incredible, she was and still is so humble standing by my side.”
Nagy was born and raised on the family farm (Nagy family- parents are Susan and Jasey) between Melville and Yorkton.
“I completed the majority of my Grade 10 year in Calgary at the National Sports School at the Olympic Park -- I received a full scholarship to the school,” she explained.
“I trained as a duel discipline athlete in singles and pairs; after getting an ankle injury while training for nationals it was in my best interest to move home and focus on healing and getting to a place to compete again.
“In Grade 11 and the beginning of grade 12, I was at Melville Comprehensive School, this school was like home as I was raised in the community and went to elementary school here too.
“In December of my Grade 12 year, I made the tough decision to step away from competitive figure skating, switch gears and turn to the professional figure skating world. In January of Grade 12, I switched to Sacred Heart High School in Yorkton as it allowed me to participate in grad before having to graduate at the end of May and move to England for my first professional contract.
“I skated with Hot Ice - Stage Work Productions in England, completed a contract on Adventure of the Seas with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (Eastern and Western Caribbean), and toured Europe, the United States, and Australia with Disney on Ice portraying the role of Anna from Frozen.
“COVID brought my professional career to a halt. I decided to pursue my studies at the University of Saskatchewan in Psychology. After finishing my degree, I moved to Churchbridge, SK where I reside with my husband and I am a school counsellor.
“I stay on the ice as well, as a power skating coach.”
Now the dinner looms on the near horizon.
“I'm most looking forward to taking it all in and savouring the moment,” said Nagy. “It's a true honour to be seated among such incredible athletes being inducted.
“Plus, the fact that it's the 30th anniversary of the YSHF makes it even more special, adding an extra layer of significance to the occasion.”
