Sharp as a skate’s blade, performance on ice is honed to perfection by girls who start competing at a young age. Talent from Guilderland and the Helderbergs was on display last weekend in Lake Placid for the 35th annual Empire State Winter Games. Michelle Puzulis from Berne, at top, picks up furry stuffed animals tossed by her family after she completed her Bronze medal routine in the High Beginner Girls Free Skate last Saturday morning in the 1932 Rink.

Guilderland resident Alex DiLillo, second from top, sails like a swan during her routine in the 1980 Rink on Friday night where she placed fifth overall in the Novice Ladies Test Track event. Amanda Vititow, just above, also from Guilderland, spins like the doll in a jewelry box during Friday morning’s Preliminary Girls Test Track where she won Gold.