All 4 Isle of Wight synchronised ice skating teams were out in force last weekend at the British Championships held at The Nottingham Ice arena.
Just being at the event was a huge achievement for all of the skaters given the fact that the Isle of Wight teams have had no home rink since the closure of Ryde Arena over a year ago.
On Day 1 The Wight Sequins, the youngest of the Isle of Wight teams, came a very credible 8th with their ‘Under the Sea’ routine in the elementary section. Meanwhile the Wight Sparkles won Bronze with their Beauty and the Beast inspired routine in the juvenile section.
The Wight Jewels, competing in the senior section, were in silver position on Day 1 with their space inspired long routine, which included some impressive lifts. The Jewels secured silver position in the competition.
It was gold for The Wight Crystals following the success of their ‘Blues Brothers’ routine. They return to the Island as British Advanced Novice Champions.
Terri Smith, coach for the teams said:
“4 teams and 4 personal best scores, I really can not ask for any more.
“Bring on the rest of the season and stay focused as we have just proven anything is possible, especially for Isle of Wight teams without a rink to practice daily. It just goes to show their passion and determination is amazing and we are still improving.
Article continues below this advertisement “Massive thanks to Gosport , Basingstoke and Bracknell rinks for allowing my skaters to continue their dreams. Also for their parents support getting up at 3am to catch the 4am car ferry to begin training at Gosport from 5am. Also a massive thanks to Wightlink for their continued sponsorship as without this our skaters wouldn’t still be training, competing and winning national medals and titles”.
