Published: October 12, 2008 11:40 pm         

ROLLER SKATING: Local teen headed to Taiwan

When Niagara Falls’ Michael Cooper put on his first pair of roller skates at the age of 2, it was obvious to his father that Michael was destined to be a skater.

“Michael is a natural skater, just like Michael Phelps is a natural swimmer,” Michael’s father, Maurice Jr., said.

Michael, now 13, has qualified to compete in the 2008 World Roller Figure Skating Championships on Nov. 11 in Taipei, Taiwan.

“I’m excited to go to a different country,” Michael said of his accomplishment. “I had to practice hard everyday to make it, and I’m still practicing everyday.”

A member of the Rainbow Skating Club on Oliver Street in North Tonawanda, Michael captured the silver medal in the Junior World Class Men’s Figures at the National Roller Figure Skating competition held in July in Lincoln, Neb. He also took home gold medals in Freshman A Solo Dance and International Solo Dance, as well as bronze in Freshman A Boys Figures.

Michael additionally teamed up with his partner, Danielle Johnson, also 13 years old, to earn yet another gold at the nationals, this one in Freshman A Team Dance action.

“Danielle is a really good dance partner and keeps me on my toes out there,” Michael said. “In one-on-one (skating) she’s beat me plenty of times.”

Johnson, an NT resident, was quick to return the compliments.

“I’m really proud of him and I wish I could go with him to Taiwan,” she said of Michael. “I’ve known him since I was six — he’s like a brother to me.”

Johnson earned a silver medal in International Solo Dance in Nebraska, in addition to bronze in Elementary A Girls Figures and Freshman A Solo Dance.

Jane Wojanowski of Cleveland, Ohio, along with Maurice, coaches Michael and Danielle. Maurice, owner of the Rainbow Skating Club, has coached his son for as long as Michael has been skating.

Maurice hopes to help the teens accomplish their goal of qualifying for next year’s world championships to vie for a medal in the team event. This year, Michael will compete against 15 to 18 opponents in the Figures, which consists of 13 to 17 year olds.

Michael is one of just two skaters in the Junior World Class division to make it to the Worlds. The other is Jonathan Birchfield, a skater hailing from Orlando, Fla. There will be a total of 3,000 skaters converging to Taipei for the annual event.

“Michael is a part of the youngest age group at the worlds and made it there in his first year of eligibility,” Maurice said. “It’s an impressive feat.”

Another aspect of Michael’s past is equally stunning — he was a mere 3 years old when he appeared in his first competition, a national event in 1999 in Syracuse.

The love for skating runs in the Cooper blood, Michael explained in a phone conversation from the Skating Club.

“My great-grandpa started it when he coached my dad, and now my dad coaches me,” he said. “When I retire, hopefully I can coach.”

Michael’s older brother, Maurice III, won the bronze medal at last year’s World Championships, teaming up with a girl from San Francisco, Calif. While both of the brothers are visibly dedicated to the sport, their father gives the slight edge to Michael.

“Maurice has to work a lot harder to accomplish what he does, whereas Michael is more naturally talented with everything coming much easier to him,” he said.

Michael is slated to arrive in Taiwan, skates in tow, Nov. 7.

Contact Jeff Sowa at 282-2311, ext. 2262.