As far back as I can remember I was always in love with figure skating, and wanted to skate. I took it up as an adult, and skated for about 24 years. My life revolved around it…I designed and made my own costumes (as well as for others), chose and cut my own music, and competed all over the world. It was the love of my life, for which I gave up everything. But then, almost four years ago now, I was devastated to have to abruptly stop due to the collapse of my left knee in which I had had a chronic condition for many years. However, I may not have been skating any more, but I was still very much involved in the sport…
About 5 or 6 years ago I was approached by Ice Media Productions (IMP), at a competition at which I was volunteering, and asked if I would be interested in working with them as a commentator. This was a significant moment for me as I found that I absolutely LOVED doing live-stream commentary. As part of my preparations for events I began attending competitions to observe first-hand how individuals were doing, and at the same time began a blog and a Facebook page to share reports from these. Thus UK News On Ice was born. Over the years the Facebook page has become very popular – I usually work on it every day, and it now takes up a very big part of my free time! The blog however has since fallen by the wayside, but I have now recently launched a website.
I don’t really have a typical working day at a competition. Whether I am commentating or writing for UK News On Ice I always do all my preparation beforehand. I have been very lucky with the live-stream commentary as I have been allowed to more or less do my own thing with it, but it usually involves my being in the commentator’s chair from dawn until dusk commentating, carrying out interviews, etc, and drinking lots of coffee lol! If I am writing for UK News On Ice I try to catch an entire competition and sometimes the practices too, I make bullet point notes to try to help me to remember all of the performances, and I endeavour to catch up with as many people as I can and photograph the medallists and other skaters where possible.
From all my years of skating, I know many of the skaters and coaches involved in the sport in this country, and beyond. I am so indebted to all the parents, coaches, skaters, etc, that have given me endless help and support, without which I could not do what I do! I also understand the psychological ups and downs of training and competing – the feeling of exhilaration after a good skate, and of devastation after a bad skate. I am passionate about the sport, and empathise with this passion in others.
I am incredibly proud of all my work on both live-stream commentary and UK News On Ice, particularly as I started both from scratch. For me the best moments are when I am able to share good news, and when I receive positive feedback…having someone say that they love my page just makes my day! However, being asked to announce at Ice Challenge, Graz, Austria, last year was probably the best of the best so far 🙂 !
Now, nearly three years on from major knee surgery, following which I was advised and believed that I would never skate again, I am thrilled to be back on the ice a little working on my Level 1 coaching qualification and taking lessons with a view to doing tests and adult competitions. However, that is a another story for another day…
