Okotoks figure skater Tim Pomares was among those who virtually competed in this year's Skate Canada Challenge.

It was his fourth season competing at a national level, and his first in the Junior Men's category.

The recent Foothills Composite graduate ranked seventh in the short program, fourth in the free program, and fifth overall.

Since this year's event couldn't be held in-person, competitors filmed their programs remotely, which were then played and judged virtually.

Pomares says he was lucky to be able to carry on training unhindered by the current provincial restrictions.

"Since we are classified as an individual sport, we're super fortunate to be able to continue training outside. There are several outdoor rinks in my area that I've been able to maintain my training at, which is a huge huge blessing this winter."

Though it was convenient to train and compete close to home, he says the atmosphere of a regular competition was notably absent.

"In the virtual setting that we filmed in, the rink is empty, so there's no audience and no feedback or energy to use toward my performance. It definitely took some more internal motivation, but it's definitely doable."

Pomares had been training with the Okotoks Skating Club but moved to Springbank Figure Skating Club under Coach Greg Berezowski earlier this year.

That, paired with the current pandemic restrictions, made for a largely atypical training and competitive experience.

"There were a lot of things to adjust to. Lots of new situations for my training and competing this year, but I'm really proud of how it turned out, it was definitely my best season yet."

Challenge 2021 continues this weekend.

To view the schedule and results, click here.