Julia Sebestyen

Hungarians have a special place in their heart for Julia Sebestyen. The three-time Hungarian National Champion became the country's first native ladies figure skater to win the European Championship in 2004.

Sebestyen is off to an excellent start in 2006 by winning the Gold Medal at the Cup of China.

Sebestyen began her senior international career participating during the 1998 Olympic year. Although new to the international community then. the experience has paid off as she has steadily climbed into the elite European skaters.

In 2003 Sebestyen earned her first medal at the Europeans with a third place finish. Her sixth place finish at the World Championships in 2004 was her highest in her career and was earned among the most competitive fields in recent memory.

Sebestyen earned her first invitation to the Grand Prix series in 2003. She has finished third in all but one of her GP events.

At the age of four Sebestyen was introduced to skating at an outdoor rink in Tiszaujvaros. She trained there until she moved to Budapest after compeeting in the World Junior Championships at the age of 13.