Lisburn figure skater Jodie sparkles in Ayr

Pictured (L-R Back) Molly OBrien, Jodie Dowling, Emma Leonard, Sophie Clarke, (front) Claire Morrow, Jamie Gibson and Jane Leonard.

More than 230 competitors from across the UK took part in the three day event and the skaters from Team Dundonald put in strong individual performances, with many achieving new personal bests.

For Jodie Dowling (14) from Lisburn and sisters Emma and Jane Leonard from Newtownabbey, this was their first experience of national competitive figure skating and all delivered superb and compelling performances.

Molly O’Brien from Islandmagee, the youngster of the group at aged nine, secured an impressive 4th place against strong category of 28 skaters.

Sophie Clarke (11) from Antrim, was stunning in her skating rendition of a 1940s classic tune and Claire Morrow and Jamie Gibson put in sterling performances, in the strongly fought Level 3 and Level 4 senior categories.

The girls were supported throughout by two of Dundonald’s most seasoned professional coaches, Joanne Ozdogru and Amy Irwin.

Joanne said, “I’m immensely proud of all of our skaters who have worked so hard to prepare for this event. Competitive figure skating takes drive, grit and determination and the girls have more than displayed that this week.”

Fellow coach Amy Irwin added: “The girls were all fantastic, they kept their nerves at bay and really did NI proud.

“Not only did they all skate to their best, but the team spirit and mutual support for each other was a real credit to their home club at Dundonald.”