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A local young skater has been crowned British Champion at the GB Skate Artistic British Dance Championships.
15-year-old Libby Watts travelled to the UK last weekend alongside five other young local athletes from Jersey's Regent Skating Club.
The six young athletes, ranging from age 13 to 18, represented Jersey against other skaters from all over the UK.
Libby took home a 1st place medal and the British Champion title in the Youth Ladies category, while fellow club members Lucy Dorgan (18) and Lottie Leatt (16) gained 5th place and 24th place respectively in the Junior Ladies category.
Pictured: Libby Watts performing her gold medal winning routine.
The younger skaters were also successful, with 13-year-old Corran Dupre narrowly missing out on a medal as he was awarded 4th place in the Cadet Men section.
In the Cadet Ladies, Sophie Baker (15) and Hannah Lamy (14) both made it into the top 10, placing 7th and 10th respectively.
Many of the Regent Skating Club competitors also achieved personal best scores at the competition, which was held in a new purpose-built venue in Great Yarmouth.
Regent Skating Club coaches, Sasha Baker and Keilah Lewis-Ovens said that they “were most impressed with the skaters’ resilience and support for each other and the other competitors”.
They added: “Competition was very tough in every standard and all the athletes rose to the challenge and should be very proud of themselves.
“Their sportsmanship and attitudes were exemplary throughout. They have represented their island and themselves admirably.”
The young skaters have all been training hard, both on and off the rink, and have been supported by the Jersey Sports Foundation with strength and conditioning development and sports psychology sessions.
Pictured - left to right: The skaters at the competition in Great Yarmouth - Lottie Leatt, Libby Watts, Sophie Baker, Lucy Dorgan, Hannah Lamy, and Corran Dupre.
Regent Skating Club are currently fundraising to enable inclusivity and support more young athletes to be able to attend future national and international events.
Amongst other things, the club is holding a bag pack event at Waitrose in St. Brelade on 7 August.
They have been delighted with the support so far, which has included grants from the Jersey Community Foundation (Channel Islands Lottery) and Condor Ferries.
These funds have enabled the club to buy a selection of new artistic roller skates which to help the community grow and to assist families with the cost of taking part in sport.
Pictured: Libby with the top award.
Regent Skating Club welcomes new members, and beginner skating sessions are held at Les Quennevais Sports Centre on Saturday afternoons. The new term begins in September.
You can contact secretary@regentskatingclub.com for information about joining the club or offering any sponsorship opportunities.
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