Sk8scotland Speed News - 06 April 2005

2005 British Championships

This year’s championship at Nottingham were a success for our skaters with a British Champion, 9 Scottish Records, 3 British Records and 34 personal bests from 18 skaters.

Pee Wee Girls

This was the closest competition in the championships with the three finals being won by different skaters and when you add in falls and disqualifications the result was still in doubt till after the last race and the officials consulted the rulebook! Jennifer Miller (Flyers) took the title from Shelley Thomson (Flyers) after they were equal on points, equal on final placings but they were finally separated as Jennifer had the fastest time over the longest distance (500m). Third place was Samantha Inch (Flyers) who edged Alison Walker (Flyers), the only skater to make all three pee wee finals.

Other placings were 6th Shannon Scott and 10th Kathryn Thomson both also from Ayrshire Flyers. As even the oldest of these girls still have another year in this category prepare for more of the same, but even faster, at next year’s championship in Sheffield!

Pee Wee Boys

Won by the excellent Jack Whelbourne (Nottingham). The Scottish skaters in this age group produced good performances especially Greg Ireland (Dundee) in 5th who has made a big improvement this season. The other places were 9th Rhys Brown (Flyers) and 10th Euan Taylor (Flyers). Like the girls all of these boys have at least another year in the category.

Juvenile Girls

Charolotte Gilmartin (Mohawks) although taking all three finals was always under pressure from 2nd Sally Conway (Aldwych) and 3rd Elise Christie (Stirling). Elise continued her stunning form with two more Scottish records most notably her 50.70 in the 500m and confirmed her unofficial title of “Scottish Skater of the Year”. If she can continue in this form all three British records will be in her sights next season.

Juvenile Boys

Stephen Chaston (Nottingham) easily dominated this category and was never tested. Craig Miller (Flyers) was 6th and once again improved his 1000m pb but he’ll be glad to see Stephen move out of this age group next season.

Junior Men

Paul Worth (Nottingham) won this tough category with a powerhouse display. Scott Anderson (Dundee) finished 14th and skated two pb’s though I am sure he will feel he could have skated better and will next year at Sheffield.

Senior Ladies

The title went to Sarah Lindsay (Aldwych) who made it look easy, possibly because it was.

Senior Men

Jon Eley (Mohawks) won with ease but we should expect no less from arguably the most talented British Short Track skater ever. He has the talent but can he match O’Reilly and Gooch’s performances on the big stage? Let’s hope so in Turin. Stewart Logan (Flyers) returned to these championships after a gap of nearly 20 years to take 9th, he was heard to say "seemed easier last time".

Masters

Guy Bushell (Mohawks) skating better than ever took the title from 2nd Brian Reid (Stirling) and 3rd Alan Dobbie (Stirling). Other placings were 7th Billy McArthur (Stirling) and 8th Brian Logan (Flyers). We need to review this age group and sub-divide it as the disparity in ages is driving the older skaters out of the sport.

 

Well done to all our skaters and a big thanks to all parents and friends who were there to support them. Now our goal has to be to ensure Sk8scotland have a bigger entry and more successful Championship next season

Aberdeen

The seasons last competition will be this Sunday at the Link Ice Rink from 2:30 – 4:30, report time 1:45. This is our chance to interest the skating public of Aberdeen in our sport. It is hoped this will become an annual event that will attract skaters from all over Britain.