For a double axel, just before the takeoff, I’m thinking of what I want my body to do. I’m basically thinking that I need to go up straight and bring my arms through. I’m also thinking about kicking my right leg up.

I’m taking off on the left leg, so once I get the momentum, I need to follow through with it. I need to transfer my weight over to the right side so my rotation is right there. Then I bring my left leg out and land on the right.

Not much is going through my head because the jump happens in a split second. I don’t really see much when I’m in the air, and I’m too focused to hear anything. Basically, everything is spinning, but I can usually spot the ice when I hit the landing.

It goes really fast, but, on the takeoff, I know if I’m going to make the jump. I can break each movement down.

As soon as I go into the air, I know right away if I took off wrong, if I was leaning a little too far to the left or right. I can tell if I’m a little off balance or not because I feel crooked, and I might try to correct it. Otherwise, I’m pretty much trying to focus on the landing and wanting to check out strong.

It’s an important jump for the entire routine, so there’s a little feeling of relief when I land. But usually, I’m feeling happy that I’m on one foot and gliding backwards.

Kristi Yamaguchi is a world champion figure skater and Olympic gold medalist.