The nice touch was that the men’s categories received medals with the image of a male skater.  A photo of this will be added shortly, a picture of the very large cup can be found below.

My programme was changed shortly before the competition in order to meet the requirements of the Bronze category event and to reflect some of the jumps I’d been learning recently.  Salchow Loop jump was always a challenge and unfortunately it didn’t quite go right on the day.  I also forgot part of my step sequence, but most annoyingly messed up my first spin.  However I may be being too hard on myself as my marks were good compared to other skaters.

The competition was followed by a Skate Camp in the afternoon which was both challenging and enjoyable.

Donal MacIntyre, who continues to skate following his appearance on Dancing on Ice, performed the presentations.

The competition was well organised and I enjoyed the day, especially as I won the Pre-Bronze category.

Both of my coaches, Emma Davies & Richard Beamish, attended the competition. Which was nice of them and very much appreciated!  We arrived at the rink at 7am, in time for my practice session at 7:30 am to 8:00 am.  A further two minutes of warm up time was permitted prior to the start of my event.   Then after all the time spent nervously waiting, it was over in 1 minute and 37 seconds!  The presentation of medals was made just before 6pm.

I surprised myself and won Silver, and relaxed after my event to watch the other skaters compete, all of whom performed to a really high standard.  Despite the long day and the nerves prior to competeing I had a great time and really enjoyed myself.  I hope to return next year…

I skated in a custom made outfit made by Joanne at Bunny Hop Skatewear.  Photos from the competition are below, the video can be viewed here: video.

I decided that it would be fun to try to skate, having only been on the ice once before as a child (I couldn’t skate then so what made me think to try in the middle of a crowded shopping centre I will never know).  With no tuition, or idea of what I was doing, I stepped onto the ice  spurred on by my own determination to make my way around the rink without having to hold onto the barrier.

After a lot of effort I was able to make my way around without holding onto the barrier, although my feet were in agony due to me relying entirely on the inside edge of my blades.

The rink was very quiet and so a lot of very friendly shoppers that had stopped to watch those of us mad enough to step onto the ice were talking to me and giving me advice as I struggled round the rink.

Despite the sheer look of fear and concentration I did have fun, as you may be able to tell from at least one of the photos below.  I also met some very nice, helpful and friendly Canadians during the hour or so that I was on the ice.  More importantly, it started my interest in a new hobby, and one which has become very addictive.