The Dunedin figure skater will break a 10-year Dunedin drought when she represents New Zealand at the junior grand prix in Bangkok, getting under way today.
The previous skaters to represent New Zealand outside of Auckland were Dunedin’s Sarah MacGibbon and Christchurch’s Madelaine Parker in 2013.
Joe, the national women’s junior ice figure skating champion, is one of two New Zealand skaters chosen for the event, which has been one of her dreams.
"I think it's going to be an extraordinary experience being able to represent New Zealand at the JGP event and I’m looking forward to seeing all the other amazing skaters from other countries who have worked very hard to get there too," Joe said.
"Although, I’m a little nervous because I want to do well and I want to represent New Zealand the best I can."
The 17-year-old started skating when she was 9 and progressed under the tutelage of Dunedin coach Ricky Cockerill.
The Bayfield pupil spent time training in Japan with skater-turned-coach Takeski Honda to gain international experience and arrange her new freeskate programme, choreographed by Miki Ando, to the soundtrack of Memoirs of a Geisha.
"It’s been a long journey from when I started skating at the Dunedin Ice Stadium.
"It’s taken a lot of hard work, mentally and physically to get where I am now. There were times where I wanted to give up but kept persevering through."
Joe, who received several national and international scholarships to help towards her training, has been in great form since returning to the sport from a knee injury last year.
Following her national title last season, she was selected for the international New Zealand A representative team and qualified for the Asia Open Figure Skating Trophy in Jakarta last December.
The grand prix finishes on Saturday.
