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 Mention
figure skating, and thoughts of firearms and marksmanship really
don’t come to mind. In fact, it would be fair to say the two
are pretty much on opposite ends of the sports spectrum. That’s
what makes Clarence Robinet’s latest accomplishment not only
unique, but impressive. Recently, the French-born Oklahoma City
resident successfully defended her women’s free skate figure
skating title at the 2009 State Games of America, and then for
an encore, captured gold in the women’s 22- caliber pistol
shooting competition. It was the perfect ending to a weekend
that began with Gov. Brad Henry declaring July 30 in Oklahoma
City “Clarence Robinet Day,” the same day Robinet proudly toted
the Oklahoma flag and represent Oklahoma and then to win gold in
two different events – that’s special.”
SHOOTING EVENT
A multisport competition sanctioned by the U.S. Olympic
Committee every two years, the State Games of America feature
top competitors from all 50 states. Robinet was among the
skating favorites again this year, but went into the shooting
event as a relative unknown, having just taken up the sport a
mere two years ago. She repeated her title in Female Solo Free
Skate on Aug. 1 and then earned double-champion status two days
later by placing first in the Female Open International Sport
Pistol event. Same results, two completely different sports.
“They really are different, “Robinet said.” Skating is all about
motion, while shooting is the exact opposite. But there are
common traits in both, like concentration, dedication and hard
work.” Robinet moved to Oklahoma City in 2003 when she was
hired to teach French classes at OKC Downtown College, a
consortium of state colleges and universities that conduct
classes at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library. She has
dedicated much of her spare time over the years to skating, a
sport she learned as a child growing up in France. In 2007, a
year after earning U.S. citizenship, she added shooting to her
repertoire. When she isn’t skating or shooting, she slips into
her cowgirl boots and dance competitively. This past year, she
was a gold medalist at the United Country Western Dance Council
World Championships in Nashville, Tenn. “I like to challenge
myself stay active. I love to compete,” said Robinet, who is
fluent in five languages. She also sings and somehow finds time
to do ballet. One of the key factors to her recent success is
her surroundings. “Oklahoma was a culture shock at first, but I
fell in love with it here. It’s a great place to live,” she
said. “I discovered country music when I moved here, and that’s
become a passion of mine, too.”Robinet seems to excel in
whatever activity she chooses. Next on her list is anybody’s
guess. For now, she’s happy with her success in the ice rink and
on the shooting range. Over the last eight months, she has
captured 25 gold medals and one bronze while competing in
various events across the country. – Jay C. Upchurch |
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