A Gedling youngster that put in a marathon effort by completing the Robin Hood Mini Marathon last year (2023) to bring in cash for her synchronised ice skating team is now a British champion.
9 year old Ellie, who attends Priory Junior School, in Gedling, is part of the ‘Ice Gems’ who are the Juvenile squad of the Nottingham Synchronised Skating Academy.
The Ice Gems have just won gold in the Juvenile category of the British Championships 2024 (Britannia Cup) with a huge score of 47.11. This was 17 points in front of 2nd placed team Ignis from Sheffield and a full 6 points higher than their previous score at Skate London.
Ellie’s mum, Kara said: “The technical elements in the programme are extraordinary for their age group. The Ice Gems’ coach Emily Potter keeps challenging them to do better and they keep stepping up! Skate London was the first ever experience of competition for a few Gems and only the 2nd for a handful of others, which makes this achievement even more amazing.
“My daughter is a pupil at Priory Junior School who have actively encouraged and supported her sport and I am eternally grateful to them for that.
“As for Ellie, I don’t think it has sunk in yet. When I think about it, what my little girl has achieved in 2 and a half years is phenomenal. Quite a day for reflection for us both.”
Ellie is the youngest member of the team that has members ranging in age from from nine to 14 years old. The team’s ice schedule at present means the girls need to be at the rink for 5.35 am, which means an early start for members and also the parents who provide the transport.
Only last November the Iced Gems won gold in their category as British Ice Skating hosted Skate London 23 in November at Alexander Palace.
The Ice Gems are back in action this week when Ellie and the Ice Gems will skating in the Robin Hood Trophy (January 16 – 19) at Nottingham’s National Ice Centre.
Further information regarding British Ice Skating can be found HERE.
Further information including contact details about the Nottingham Synchonised Skating Academy (NSSA) who run seven squads can be found on their website HERE.