THREE young Moray skaters had a golden edge to their performances.
Shelby Simmers, Lauren Macdonald and Tomas Campbell, all members of the Moray Skating Academy, claimed gold at the Magnum National Opens in Ayrshire.
In her debut at level 5, Shelby took the top prize in a very strong field of 18 skaters from around the UK.
The 12-year-old, from Keith, landed four double jumps and finished with a strong combination spin to secure a score of 35.72 and her seventh national gold medal.
Lauren, from Aberlour, won first place in her debut at level 2, among a field of 20. The 13-year-old has now won six national competitions in a row.
Nine year-old Rothes skater Tomas Campbell struck gold in the beginner men’s event.
Elgin’s Laura Campbell also won silver in the very strong level 7 event.
The Moray team also comprised Rowena and Lauren Mackessack-Leitch, Katie Baillie, Rebecca and Chloe Thom, Rhiannon Robinson, Bethan Greenslade, Kirstin Macdonald, Sophie McGarrie, Dionne Maclennan, Caley Stobo, Holly Thurston, Brooke Grant, Emily Dale and Katrina and Emily Tan, many of whom narrowly missed out on podium finishes.
The skaters all train with coaches Sue Summers-Farrell and Graeme Summers at the Moray Skating Academy, based at Moray Leisure Centre.
Graeme said: “This was another great result, made harder because most of our team were making their debut in more advanced categories. We have a great team who come from all over Moray, as well as Aberdeenshire and Inverness.”
Four team members will be representing GB at the prestigious Skate Copenhagen event in Denmark next week.
Moray Skating Academy works in close partnership with Moray Skating Club to provide figure skating tuition for all levels.
The club has places available on its learn-to-skate sessions which are held every Friday from 5.15 to 7.15pm. The club welcomes complete beginners of all ages and abilities and the first session is free.
More details are available from Mike on 07974 387326 or check out the club’s website.
