Nick Hsieh, a junior at Rustin High School, is excelling both as a member of Team USA Figure Skating and a violinist with the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, writes Pat Gallen for CBS Philly.

The young prodigy joined the ranks of Team USA Figure Skating several years ago and has since represented his country on three continents. But his start in skating was somewhat unusual.

“My first time skating was actually on a cruise ship,” said Hsieh. “I remember getting on the ice and immediately falling down and not being able to skate at all.”

However, he wasn’t discouraged, and he eventually connected with Viktor Pfeifer at the Skating Club of Wilmington. Pfeifer helped Hsieh discover and hone his talent.

In addition to skating, Hsieh also finds time to be one of the region’s best young violinists. He also loves the common themes shared by his two passions.

“Playing in the orchestra, I learned how to take in the new music, play it, and also express it out toward the audience,” Hsieh said. “Which is also what I do right here on the ice.”

Read more about Nick Hsieh from CBS Philly here.