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Discovering what you love and what you want to do with your life is not as easy as it sounds.

Many people agonise for years over this decision.

But that was not the case for Phongtawan "Ohm" Suriyothai, 25. He knew when he was 13 he wanted to be an ice-skater.

Ohm's inspiration came while watching an ice-skating competition on television. It had such an impact he started learning to skate immediately.

"I love speed. I like the feeling I can go all the way; the flow," says Ohm.

"What make ice-skating fascinating is the combination of elegant dancing and expression. It's very challenging," he adds.

After two years' training he joined the international youth ice-skating competition in Hong Kong as a representative for Thailand - and won. He was just 15.

After that Ohm retired from competition and skated only for fun and exercise so that he could concentrate on studying. He got a bachelor's in business administration and then went on to a master's at San Francisco in the United States.

On his return to Thailand he was back on the ice, this time as a trainer for skating actress Suwanun "Kob" Kongying's.

In 2004, Feld Entertainment, the creator of Disney On Ice, offered 100 Thai children a chance to participate in a figure-skating course and to train with a world-class skate team. Ohm took part in that and his skill on ice stunned the show producers.

Since then, he has been part of the Disney On Ice, a touring ice show featuring figure skaters dressed as Disney cartoon characters.

The shows are performed to the music and themes of Disney films - Monster Inc, Princess Classic and Disneyland Adventure.

It was the first time a Thai skater participated in the show.

"I never thought ice-skating would become my career. It's like a dream come true. This is something beyond my thoughts," said Ohm.

Ohm has experienced many new things on his travels. He loves being able to see the world.

"It was so excited to be part of an international show. I learned a lot about discipline from working with professionals. Besides, you have to keep fit. There are three shows a day and each is almost two hours long," he says.

This year, Ohm was picked for a role in the Finding Nemo show as a baby turtle and a hammerhead shark.

To be a successful skater, Ohm suggests you sacrifice yourself and love what you do. Do not push yourself too much. Moreover, you have to know what you are doing. Then everything will pay off.

His motto is "whatever makes you happy, keep doing it".

 

By Nisakorn Keanmepol

Special to The Nation