ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Shannon Porter calls 2016 her best on the ice. The 15-year-old figure skater and Albuquerque Academy student finished in the top 8 during nationals in January, earning a spot in the U.S. Figure Skating International Pool.

It is just another step towards her pursuit of competing in the Olympics one day. Her parents Pat and Trish Porter were track and field Olympians so Shannon has an idea of what it takes to make it.

She just wishes her father was still around to see her take a step forward. Shannon lost her father and brother in a plane crash in 2012.

“I had a dream the night after the accident,”said Shannon. “In the dream, I dreamed that my brother and my dad died and when I woke up I was like, ‘I am so glad that is not real.’ I was like wait, it is.”

Since the crash in Sedona, Shannon and mother Trish have fought through the tears while finding strength through figure skating.

“You know it has been a real journey and there has been lot’s of tears. More for me than her but, I am very grateful,” said Trish.  “I am very thankful for each moment I have with here.”

Shannon has dedicated performances to her late father and brother on the ice.

“I remember I was crying and I was crying and I was like, oh my gosh I can skate for them. I can share my story one day and I will be able to tell people that it is going to be okay,” said Shannon.

Shannon and Trish credit their faith in God for getting them through the hard times.

As Shannon continues to excel on the ice, she believes one day she will get to know how her father and brother feel about her accomplishments.

“It’s really special to me to know that they are up there looking down on me saying, ‘Wow my daughter has come so far. Wow, my sister has done all these amazing things,'” said Shannon. “I know that they are up there watching me and I know one day they will be able to congratulate me too.”