Mark Warner's Blog » Ice Skating

Bracknell 2010

Mark Warner — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:12:12 +0000

On 26th April 2010 I competed in the Bronze category in Bracknell having previously won the Pre-Bronze category in 2009. I placed 4th out of 6. 1 place lower than I would have liked.

This was however one of the most enjoyable competitions I’ve done as I didn’t get as nervous whilst on the ice (I was still very nervous before stepping on the ice though). I nearly fell on Salchow Loop but didn’t and more importantly didn’t let it spoil the rest of the performance as I remained calm throughout… although I’m not sure I was breathing whilst skating!

Photographs coming soon…

Coventry 2010 – Jumps, Spins & Spirals

Mark Warner — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:03:03 +0000

The first of the 2010 closed competitions at the Coventry rink, organised by Coventry Ice Skating School Club.

I was the only person within my category and consequently won 1st place despite falling on my Flip jump. However it was a fun competition, made all the more so by all the support from the crowd of Coventry skaters of all ages (and their parents) when I fell on my Flip jump. The photo on the podium was taken quickly in between me teaching Learn to Skate Classes after the competition.

British Adult Championships 2010

Mark Warner — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:36:48 +0000

My second year at the British Adult Championships in Sheffield and I was more nervous than last year.
The following are a selection of photographs taken during the competition. Hopefully if I work really hard I’ll be standing on the 1st place podium next year! A video clip of my performance is also available on this page. Sadly I failed to land Salchow Loop and also nearly fell over on Flip jump but I still got a very good mark especially considering this was under IJS marking.

Blackpool Skating Festival 2010

Mark Warner — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 21:29:25 +0000

Tuesday 6th April 2010 – I’m now convinced that ice skating has progressed beyond a hobby and is now an obsession, having driven a 5 hours round trip from home to the Ice Rink at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in order to skate for a total of 4 minutes… 2.5 minutes warm-up then 1:40 programme.

Accompanied by my coach, and supported by a number of other skaters from Coventry and Cannock I performed my programme on Blackpool’s Ice Rink which is much smaller than I’m used to. With my long legs and a habit for skating quickly this proved to be more of a challenge than I’d expected.

My sincere thanks go to all the Coventry & Cannock skaters that cheered me on during my programme and also for the gifts that were thrown onto the ice when I finished my programme. Thank you all this was a really nice surprise and very much appreciated!

Sadly no photographs of the performance exist. However below are a couple of pictures taken immediately after the competition in a studio set up in the rink.

Guildford Open 2009

Mark Warner — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 12:30:15 +0000

Only my third open competition, and my first time to the Guildford Ice Rink which is part of a very impressive sports complex. Held on 9th July 2009 at a very reasonable time, 10am.

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.

Bracknell Open 2009

Mark Warner — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 12:21:00 +0000

The Competition was held at Bracknell’s Ice Rink on 27th April 2009. My event started at 7:05am so it was an early start for the 1.5/2 hour drive to the rink.

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

Bracknell Open 2009 – Video

Mark Warner — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:57:36 +0000

Video clip from the Bracknell Open 2009 held on 27th April 2009. I came first in the Pre-Bronze category. Photos of the event can be found here.

British Adult Ice Skating Championships Video

Mark Warner — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 21:15:07 +0000

Finally, the video from the British Adult Ice Skating Championships 2008/2009 in Sheffield.

British Adult Ice Skating Championships – 2008/2009

Mark Warner — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 07:00:14 +0000

The Competition was held at iceSheffield which is a fantastic rink with great facilities and a really nice ice surface. The competition was a two day event from 28th February to 1st March. My event (Men’s Bronze Free Skating 1) was held on the 1st March just after midday.

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.

Ice Skating Practice

Mark Warner — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:53:46 +0000

Practice run through of my programme for the British Adult Championships in Sheffield on 1st March 2009. The programme is 1 minute 37 seconds long. The music used is Wonderful Land by The Shadows.