At just eight years old, Aalia K. Cheng, a native of downtown Los Angeles, is already proving the power of discipline and mindset in shaping a positive future. Raised in the heart of L.A., Aalia developed a love for action early on. Her parents recall her eagerness to help with household chores, grabbing the vacuum or dishwashing sponge and eagerly taking on responsibilities usually left to adults. This natural energy evolved as Aalia grew older, often dancing around to pop and K-pop tunes and mastering moves from her favorite music videos.
Aalia’s journey took a significant turn when her father introduced her to ice skating, inspired by U.S. Olympic figure skater Mirai Nagasu. Though the learning curve was steep, Aalia’s determination never wavered. From countless falls on the ice to mastering complex jumps, she quickly progressed, fueled by her love for the sport and the guidance of her dedicated coach, Shotaro.
One of her proudest moments came during Christmas when she skated for the Netflix ice rink opening in Santa Monica. Opportunities like these show Aalia’s growing success in figure skating, but her journey is not without its share of challenges. Despite the grueling training, Aalia stays motivated, focused on perfecting each element and working towards her ultimate goal—the double Axel, one of the most difficult jumps for young skaters to master.
Aalia’s determination extends beyond skating. Growing up in downtown L.A., she became aware of the city’s homelessness crisis from an early age. “When we walk around downtown, I always ask dad why there are so many homeless people,” Aalia reflects. Seeing the disparity firsthand has inspired her to dream of helping solve the issue in her community someday.
Even at this young age, Aalia has learned valuable lessons about discipline and perseverance. She shares three insights she wishes she knew when starting: the importance of early training, the value of having the right coach, and the necessity of building power and flexibility. To other young skaters, she recommends surrounding themselves with a supportive community to stay motivated and avoid burnout.
With a solid foundation in discipline, compassion, and resilience, Aalia embodies the mindset needed to thrive, both on and off the ice. As she continues to grow in her sport and explores ways to help her community, Aalia is poised to inspire many others with her story.
To follow Aalia’s journey and her latest achievements, you can connect with her on Instagram at @aaliacheng