Early Inspiration: Discovering Skating and Performance

For Alek Tankovic, skating entered his life long before competition became the focus. Although he officially began Learn to Skate classes at six years old, his earliest memories on the ice date back even further. “I first stepped on the ice at 2,” Tankovic recalls. “I remember watching Plushenko in the Sochi Olympics and pretending to do routines around the house.” That moment—watching elite skating and recreating it instinctively—sparked a passion that quickly became part of his daily life.

As a young athlete, Tankovic explored multiple sports, including swimming, before committing fully to skating. “There came a point where I had to decide between competing in swimming or skating,” he says. “I chose skating.” What set skating apart was its expressive nature. Even early in his development, Tankovic gravitated toward performance. “I always loved performing,” he explains. “I appreciated the balance between technical excellence and artistic presence, and I genuinely enjoyed skating for the audience.”

From Promise to Purpose: Finding His Competitive Identity

Those early years shaped more than just technique—they formed Tankovic’s competitive identity. He embraced experimentation, movement, and musicality, seeing skating as a blend of athleticism and artistry. “I never shied away from being the center of attention,” he says. “I loved experimenting with my own movements to match the music.” That comfort performing under pressure would later become a critical asset as expectations rose.

Three Nationals, Three Different Lessons

Qualifying for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships three times has given Tankovic a rare perspective on how pressure evolves at the highest domestic level. His first appearance came with few expectations. “When I qualified for my first Nationals through Novice, there were few expectations,” he explains. The second year marked his first full Junior season—an adjustment period that came with new responsibilities but still manageable pressure.

This third qualification, however, felt different. “This season was definitely more challenging mentally and emotionally,” Tankovic admits. “The field was much more competitive, and I knew the score I qualified with last year wouldn’t be enough this time.” 

For the first time, the pressure was largely internal. “I expected much more from myself and felt the pressure of wanting to qualify for my third consecutive U.S. Nationals.”

Learning to Handle Pressure at the Highest Level

Each Nationals appearance left a lasting imprint on Tankovic’s mindset. His first taught him how to manage nerves and stay present. “It showed me the level of consistency and commitment required at the junior level,” he says. 

The second appearance tested him in new ways. “Skating in the last group for the free skate brought significantly more pressure,” he recalls. “But experiencing that pressure allowed me to stay calmer before taking the ice.”

Those moments became reference points rather than obstacles. Heading into January 2026, Tankovic feels better equipped to draw on past experiences rather than fear them.

Consistency as a Turning Point

When asked about his biggest area of growth, Tankovic points not to a single jump or technical element, but to his mindset. “Without a doubt, my biggest area of growth has been my consistency and mental fortitude,” he says. 

Increased consistency in practice helped translate confidence into competition, allowing him to handle stress more effectively. Motivation, too, has matured. “The goal shifts from simply making Nationals to consistently performing at a higher level,” Tankovic explains. “It pushes me to raise my standards and stay disciplined.”

Leaving Home: The Decision to Train in Colorado

One of the most defining choices in Tankovic’s career came when he left Georgia to train in Colorado. The idea emerged after attending Jump On It! camp in Colorado Springs. “I realized I needed a more competitive training environment to continue developing technically and mentally,” he says. After years of discussion, he and his mother committed to the move in March 2024, when he was 16.

The transition was challenging. “The hardest part was leaving behind everything familiar,” Tankovic says. “My routine, friends, and family were suddenly 1,400 miles away.” Yet the move accelerated his growth. “It threw me into the deep end,” he reflects. “I had to become more independent, and it ultimately improved both my skating and my mentality.”

Independence, Discipline, and Daily Structure

Training in Colorado raised Tankovic’s standards both on and off the ice. Living alone required greater discipline and organization—skills that directly improved his preparation. 

To support that focus, he chose to take a gap year. “It gives me more flexibility to train while still making time for other parts of my life,” he explains. “Discipline isn’t about sacrificing everything—it’s about managing your time effectively.”

Life Beyond the Rink

Despite the intensity of elite training, Tankovic is intentional about balance. Reading has become a daily ritual. “I try to read for at least an hour a day,” he says. “It helps me relax and get my mind off skating.” 

He also enjoys cooking, an unexpected creative outlet. “I like experimenting with different recipes and cuisines,” Tankovic shares. “It’s a great way to reset after a long day of training.”

Trusting the Work When It Matters Most

As Nationals approach, pressure is unavoidable—but Tankovic has learned how to navigate it. “It really comes down to trusting my training,” he says. 

On difficult days, perspective keeps him grounded. “Bad days are part of the process and don’t define your performance.” This mindset allows him to approach major competitions with confidence rather than fear.

Looking Ahead: Nationals and Beyond

Even after multiple appearances, the excitement of Nationals hasn’t faded. “The opportunity to compete on the national stage never gets old,” Tankovic says. “If anything, the excitement continues to grow.” 

Long-term, he hopes to expand his technical arsenal to earn international opportunities, while continuing his education and personal growth beyond the rink.

Advice for the Next Generation

Tankovic’s advice to younger skaters centers on patience and persistence. “Focus on consistency and patience,” he says. “Setbacks will happen, and neither your best nor worst days define you.” 

For families considering relocation, he offers honesty. “Moving affects every part of your lifestyle,” he reflects. “Looking back, I wish I had committed earlier. Sometimes, you just have to go for it.”

A Career Defined by Resilience

When reflecting on his journey, Tankovic’s pride comes from growth rather than results. “I’m most proud of my resilience and growth as an athlete,” he says. “Every season brings new challenges, but pushing through them and reaching the national level has been incredibly meaningful.” 

As January 2026 approaches, Alek Tankovic enters U.S. Nationals not just as a competitor but as an athlete shaped by pressure, independence, and an unwavering commitment to improvement.