Covid puts British Championships on ice for Moray Figure Skating Club youngster Emma Marandola from Buckie

OFF-ICE figure skating continues for youngsters like Emma Marandola, who was denied her spot on the national stage due to the pandemic.

The Buckie skater is a member of Moray Figure Skating Club, whose training normally takes place at Moray Leisure Centre in Elgin.

However the centre's ice rink has been closed since last March because of Covid-19, meaning skaters can only train on Zoom sessions off-ice or using special off-ice skates.

Marandola qualified for the British Championships at intermediate novice ladies level last year, with her shot on the big stage scheduled to take place in Sheffield in May 2020.

It was the second time she had qualified for the British but the virus put paid to her chances of performing in the competition.

A club spokesperson said: "Qualifying for the national event is a significant achievement involving years of dedication in training for many hours per week both on and off the ice."

To keep Marandola's spirits up and to recognise her achievement, club coaches Sue Summers-Farrell and Graeme Summers presented her with a new club jacket.

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