Gold medal is an ice dream come true for Grimsby figure skater Charlotte Brown
A GOLD medal has become the icing on the cake for this Grimsby figure skater.
Charlotte Brown, 29, wowed judges with her elegance on the ice in Sheffield and, as a result, was named the winner of the British Adult Figure Skating Championships.
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GOLDEN GIRL: Ice skater Charlotte Brown who recently won a gold medal in the British Adult Figure Skating Championships, held in Sheffield. Picture: Rick Byrne
Her medal is something she has always dreamed of achieving, ever since she first took to the ice in Grimsby 12 years ago.
Charlotte said: "I have a constant smile on my face now that I hold the champion status – it just makes all my work worthwhile.
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"I entered the same competition last year for the first time and came sixth out of 11 other skaters in my category.
"This year I have come first against 15 other ice skaters from across the country."
Charlotte trains on the ice rink at Grimsby Leisure Centre, in Cromwell Road, squeezing in two hours a week between her work commitments.
The rink is likely to close as part of a shake-up of leisure facilities in the area, as reported.
North East Lincolnshire Council announced in January last year that it would be closing Scartho Swimming Pool as part of a £9 million revamp of leisure facilities in the borough – with a replacement pool to be built next to a refurbished Grimsby Leisure Centre in Cromwell Road.
Charlotte said she was "devastated" that the proposals do not include provision for a new ice rink.
She said: "If it wasn't for the rink in Grimsby I would never have started this sport and probably would not be holding a gold medal now.
"It is a shame that other children will not get the same chance I did at the age of 17.
"I will have to travel to Hull to continue training once the rink in Grimsby closes."
With her first gold medal taking pride of place at home, Charlotte has aspirations to go on to achieve even more.
She said: "Hopefully I will compete next year in the championships, but maybe in a different category.
"I quite like the idea of exhibition skating, which includes having props on the ice.
"For me, it is all about performing and getting that feeling when your routine has gone right – you just cannot beat it.
"It has taken me a long time to reach national competitions because I never had enough confidence, but now I just want to do more."
Regarding the ongoing leisure services review, Councillor Mick Burnett, the portfolio holder for culture and tourism at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "We are actively working with the private sector to explore opportunities to keep an ice rink within North East Lincolnshire."
2 Comments
by porcelainblak
Tuesday, February 26 2013, 8:38PM
“BEHEARD:
You are right about building a new rink nearer the seafront, because we need indoor activities for when the weather is inclement. It could be built near the cinema complex so holidaymakers have something to do when it's cold and raining.
I know that our rink is small, but Blackpool's rink on the Pleasure Beach is even smaller and it is one of the oldest, if not THE oldest, indoor purpose built rinks in the world. This proves it doesn't have to be Olympic size 30 x 60 metres to be a success. The reason it is still open is because it's in the right place!
So come on councillors, let's have a rink where people can give it a go and maybe watch a show like a circus on ice, sequins and clowns included. The talent is here but it's going to waste.”
by BEHEARD
Tuesday, February 26 2013, 6:45PM
“Well done Charlotte a great achievement. The council and people of this town should be rightly proud of the fantastic results the ice skaters and various ice hockey teams achieve. By no stretch of the imagination can you say the ice rink is state of the art but it has and continues to provide enjoyment, pleasure and exercise to generations of Grimsby folk. Sadly it is clear the Council has no appetite or enthusiasm to update or even keep the rink. I note the statement from Councillor Burnett but feel fully confident that in the not to distant future this statement will be seen for its empty and hollow words and a little bit of political posturing at the present time. I do believe a new location for the rink is needed a relocation near the seafront would be ideal for the local public, holidaymakers and day visitors and would possibly attract the public sector more so than in its current location. As I see it very shortly the only "attraction" will be the kiddies miniature railway - oops forgot that's owned by the leader of the council - hope he is paying a very reasonable rate for all the council land it goes over - let's have some cost details Councillor Burnett!!!!!!!!!”