At just 15 years old, actress, model, and figure skater Selena Marie Alphonse has secured a spot in the Top 5 of the Youth Athlete of the Year campaign, organized by Colossal in collaboration with Sports Illustrated. The initiative raises funds for the Why Not You Foundation, created by Russell and Ciara Wilson in support of the V Foundation. With a trajectory that already includes roles on Netflix and U.S. television, medals in skating competitions, and achievements in dance, Selena is solidifying her place as one of the most promising young artists and athletes of her generation.
Selena, you’ve made it to the Top 5 of the Youth Athlete of the Year campaign — what has it been like to experience this moment and represent not just yourself, but also the causes supported by the foundation?
It means so much to me to be able to get so far in a competition but to also give back and help create positive change.
You started your artistic journey very young, with commercials, TV shows, and even a Netflix holiday movie. How do you balance your life as an actress and model with the intense training routine of figure skating?
I think time management is key, but also having a great support system helps a lot as well. Growing up in this industry and being an athlete at the same time has taught me a lot of discipline. But having such a great team of coaches, agents and my family who support my dreams, makes balancing everything much easier.
Shadow dance requires an incredible level of synchronicity between partners. What is it like to compete side by side with Andrea, your twin sister, and turn that connection into gold medals?
I love competing with my twin. Shadow dance truly feels so natural to us because of our built in connection. We sometimes find ourselves unintentionally walking in sync, saying the same things and finishing each other’s sentences- it’s crazy to think how naturally in sync we are. I’m so fortunate to be able to have such a strong bond and perform with her in a sport we both love.
When you landed the axel jump in your very first year of skating, you earned a spot in the U.S. Figure Skating Axel Club — which is a rare achievement! What did that moment mean for you as an athlete in training?
Because I started skating at 12 years old, which is considered late, a lot of people told me I couldn’t do it-even coaches. But I just had to believe in myself. I’m very competitive and when someone tells me I can’t do something, it motivates me to prove them wrong. I knew that since I started figure skating at a late age, I had a lot of catching up to do so I worked extremely hard. I knew from the very beginning when I was taking my first ice skating lesson, I wanted to land my axel more than anything, it was such a huge goal for me. So when I landed it, it was one of the proudest moments of my life because I proved to myself that hard work truly pays off.
Your “fanbase” seems to be growing as more people follow your journey online. How do you feel about the support and encouragement you receive from those cheering you on?
I love each and everyone of my followers. It means so much to me that people who don’t know me personally, want to follow me and my journey. I love taking them wherever I go and creating videos for them. Their support keeps me smiling on tough days and their encouragement means everything to me.
Outside the ice rink and stage, you enjoy hobbies like playing piano, crocheting, and horseback riding. Do these activities influence your creativity or help you perform better as an artist and athlete?
Yes, definitely. I think each hobby helps me stay creative and lets me explore different sides of myself. In figure skating, it’s easy to be hard on yourself when you don’t nail a skill and for acting, you can be upset when you don’t get a role but each of my hobbies reminds me to stay patient, trust the process and celebrate little victories along the way.
Looking ahead, you’ve mentioned your dream of competing internationally. How do you picture the day when that dream finally comes true?
Competing internationally has always been a major goal of mine. When that day arrives I’ll definitely be soaking up every moment. I really want to enjoy the opportunity and have fun no matter the outcome.
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