A look through the window
Some dreams begin quietly. For Silja, it all started with a look through a window. When she was five, she was invited to a children’s birthday party at the ice rink at the Dolder. While other children were skating their first laps, Silja sat in the restaurant and watched them in awe. Silja lives with cerebral palsy and didn’t start walking until she was three. Back then, the idea that she could go on the ice herself seemed impossible. But in that very moment, her wish was born: I want that too.
Determination and first experiences
Despite worries, doubts and the question of whether it was even possible, she stayed determined. Her first attempts on the ice followed with her school class – with lots of support from her mother, therapists and support staff. Falling down, getting up, carrying on. Again and again. What was a given for others took pure willpower for Silja.
The dream of the big ice
For a long time, her everyday life was shaped by school and intensive therapies. There was hardly any time left for hobbies. And yet the ice remained present – as a place of longing, as a dream that never completely disappeared. Silja experienced a decisive turning point in 2006, when she and her family watched the Olympic Games on TV. Fascinated by the athletes, she knew: One day, I want to take skating lessons too.
Freedom on the ice
Step by step, the dream became reality. The path involved detours, time at boarding school and limited training opportunities. But Silja stuck with it. Today, figure skating is far more than a sport for her. On the ice she finds freedom. A space where she can express herself, grow and truly be herself. Everything else fades into the background. “On the ice, I’m in another world,” says Silja. A world where there is only the music, the movement and the moment.
At home at Heuried Zurich
Since 2019, Silja has been part of the Eislauf-Club Heuried – Zürich. The club has become a home for her. With coaches who believe in her, support her as an individual and give her the space to follow her own path. This trust has changed a lot.
A dream comes true: Turin 2025
Then came a very special milestone: Silja was able to take part in the World Winter Games Turin 2025. For her, it brought things full circle. To be part of this major international event for the first time, to feel the atmosphere and to show her skills on this stage was more than she had ever dared to dream. Not as a spectator behind a window pane, but as an athlete right in the middle of it all.
Gratitude and the future
Silja now also receives additional support from the Swiss Ice Skating Federation. An acknowledgement that means an incredible amount to her. It allows her to take part in ice shows and competitions, to hold a licence and to keep living her dream.
Today, Silja doesn’t talk about medals or expectations. She talks about enjoying it. About being grateful. And about how important it is to believe in yourself – even when others don’t yet. Her story shows: Dreams know no limits. Sometimes they just need time, patience and people who are willing to open doors.
And sometimes it all starts with a single wish: I want to go on the ice.
