FOUR teams representing Isle of Wight Synchronised Skating headed to Nottingham’s National Ice Centre to compete in the British Synchronised Skating Championships — returning with medals and all giving eye-catching performances.
During the championships, streamed live by the BBC over the weekend and watched worldwide, the Islanders came up against the best from across the country.
Members of the Wight Sequins at the National Synchronised Skating Championships in Nottingham.
On Saturday, the Island’s youngest team, the Wight Sequins, aged seven to 12 years, came sixth in the elementary category in only their second-ever competition — raising their personal best score to 16.28.
The following day saw the Wight Crystals compete in the mixed age event, coming fourth with a personal best score of 34.15.
The Wight Sparkles skated an upbeat Spice Girls-inspired routine — holding their own in the basic novice section to win silver with a personal best score of 21.83.
The Wight Sparkles at the National Synchronised Skating Championships in Nottingham.
IW Synchro’s senior team, the Wight Jewels, skated over both days against top teams from Nottingham and Aberdeen, coming third with their short programme and claiming silver with a stunning free programme performance, scoring 99.04.
The teams’ coach, Terri Smith, said: “Our results were amazing. All my skaters gave everything. My teams’ results reflect their sheer dedication and passion for our sport.
“Our skaters are true fighters. Imagine what they could achieve if they skated as much as their competitors.
The Wight Jewels team at the National Synchronised Skating Championships in Nottingham.
"Most other clubs train at least double what ours do a week, plus work on basic skating and improving skills themselves a few times a week, which most of our team members cannot do.
“Life isn’t fair sometimes, but nothing will stop us getting results. You can take the ice away from our skaters, but you can’t take our skaters away from finding ice to practice on!
“Even at 5am with 3am alarms and midnight ferries home, our girls will be at training. Our skaters are true fighters with passion.
The Wight Crystals in action at the National Synchronised Skating Championships in Nottingham.
“We are now looking forward to the Dumfries International competition in a few weeks’ time —trying to gain some more personal best scores.
"This will be a challenge, but we are up for it.”
Members of the Wight Sparkles at the National Synchronised Skating Championships in Nottingham.
Isle of Wight Synchronised Skating get support for travel from Wight Aid and Wightlink.
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Read the rules here