Meghan Erikson, granddaughter of Paul and Millie Andrejewski of Albert Lea, recently finished fifth at the East Great Lakes Regional ice skating competition and will skate in the Junior Nationals in Salt Lake City, Utah Nov. 27-Dec. 1.

Erikson, the daughter of Mary (Tidemann) Erikson formerly of Albert Lea, has been skating since she was 3-years-old, had her first competition at 4 and is now one of the nation&8217;s top skaters at the age of 13.

She has been coached by the same coaches as other top skaters and skated at the same rinks as Olympic champion Tara Lipinski.

Erikson has advanced through the various levels of competition and even began taking conditioning classes, ballet and ice dancing to help her develop her skills.

She currently practices three hours a day six days a week.

At the age of 11, Erikson entered her first regional qualifying competition in the juvenile level. Despite being an unknown she won the fourth-place medal.

In October of 2006, Erikson competed in a regional competition in Ann Arbor, Mich. where she skated well enough to reach the East Great Lakes Regional.

Some of her toughest challenges came trying to land difficult jumps, such as the double axel, but perseverance paid off as she continued to improve.

During the East Great Lakes Regional she struggled a little with her final program as she went from just outside third place to fifth, but it was still a strong showing for the young skater.

She recently received the District Skating Club&8217;s Fishbach Award for 13 and under skaters for her accomplishments and progress in the sport.