But for Vanessa Torres, a relative newcomer, it was a different story. She also showed up to Tampa this year, but opted not to skate. "I suck," she said when asked why. Of course, Vanessa most certainly does not suck.

"It's definitely intimidating," she said of the contest. "I could have skated, but I didn't. It's different skating with girls -- it's more motivating."

Elissa disagrees: "I don't think there should be a girls' division. They've never had one, and it's a really mellow contest, so a girl could skate in it if [she] wanted."

That in mind, Elissa may have some female company next year. After watching from the sidelines, Vanessa threw down the gauntlet: "I'll definitely skate next year."

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