ICE SKATING: Jenna 'fit and ready' for Olympic debut

JENNA McCorkell is fit and ready for her Olympic debut, according to coach Yuri Bureiko.

McCorkell admits she was hit hard by a viral infection which laid her low for six weeks and hampered her preparations for the recent European Championships in Estonia.

The seven-time British champion, who missed the last Olympics through injury, believes she is in shape to improve on her personal best score, set in Tallinn earlier this year, when she performs her short program to Franz Liszt's Totentanz.

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'Jenna's practices are going really well at this moment," said Bureiko.

"She was drawn tenth in the starting order for her short programme, it means she will skate last in second warm-up which is ok, not the best starting position no but not worst either.

"Jenna has had two practices everyday - one at the official rink and one at Coquitlam ice rink, who've been extremely helpful and generous to give Jenna a few extra practices there and as well."

McCorkell's husband, Belgian champion Kevin van der Perren, will be advising his wife on what to expect at the sell-out 16,000 capacity Pacific Coliseum.

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He placed a disappointing 17th in the men's event and later admitted he would consider his future in the sport.

Emotions will certainly be running high in Vancouver after home favourite and hot medal prospect Joannie Rochette announced she would compete despite the sudden death of her mother just a few days ago.

"I think it's pretty cool that I get to enjoy this experience with Kevin," said McCorkell, whose parents Craig and Ainsley also arrived in Vancouver over the weekend.

"He gave me some advice about what this would be like. It's everything he told me and more."

Lloyds TSB, proud partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and supporter of Team GB on their journey to Vancouver 2010. Visit LloydsTSB.com/London2012

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