Sochi 2014

This week we headed to the Southwest Florida Figure Skating Club to see two Olympic skating pairs wrap-up training at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex.

Now we have a horse in the race – well actually a skater on the ice

Won’t that make watching the Olympic skating competition all the more fun?

Endurance, dedication, devotion and practice every day . . .

Felicia Zhang and Nate Bartholomay {USA}

Felicia Zhang and her partner Nathan Bartholomay have finished their training at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex and look forward to their trip overseas. The figure skaters’ flight leaves Saturday from Tampa International Airport. The couple was practicing in preparation for their Olympic in front of a packed house. Fridays are "simulations", meaning full costume with music.

Zhang will be accompanied by her dad, and Bartholomay will be joined by his mother, sister and two friends.

Zhang says the moment she looks forward to most…is not their own event. “The Opening Ceremonies; I mean, I have watched them every year. I am so excited to walk and be a part of it and be on TV wearing American gear.”

Stacey Kemp and David King {United Kingdom}

Stacey Kemp and David King now train in Ellenton Florida with their primary coach being former Worlds Bronze Medalist in Pairs, Lyndon Johnston. After last season ankle injuries and torn ligaments, club members Stacey Kemp and David King are competing for Olympic Gold in Sochi. They have won 10 consecutive British Pair titles, Novice and Junior then 8 senior. They were the first British Pair team in 16 years to qualify and compete at a Winter Olympic Games for Pairs back in 2010. Next big goal: the Sochi Olympics in 2014.

The Ellenton rink has trained 10 Olympic Pair Skaters from 3 countries
Good luck Felicia, Nate, Stacey, and David  – we’ll be watching

 

Also taking the ice that day were Cirinia Gillett and Maximiliano Fernandez

 {Novice Pairs Nationals Silver medalists winners}

{Article quotes from: mysuncoast.com / lambcoskating.co.uk / heraldtribune.com}