Jenna - Living the Dream!
Northern Ireland’s Winter Olympian JENNA McCORKELL is on her way to Canada for the Winter Games in Vancouver. Jenna is the first ever Ice Skater from these shores to be selected for the Games.
Following a couple of weeks of rehabilitation after a viral infection which cost her dearly in the European Championships, the skater originally from Coleraine is almost fully recovered and looking forward to the event of her life!
‘It's so close now and I can't wait - it is something I've dreamed about, so to be going to the Olympics is amazing! Everything has come together for me in the last couple of years and I'm more confident on the ice. I've more belief in myself and I suppose experience is another factor in my improvement.’
Jenna has already skated into the record books in recent years, in the last two seasons she placed top 10 in Europe, has medalled in various internationals including the prestigious NRW Trophy in Germany prior to Christmas where she picked up a bronze medal; she also took an historic seventh British Senior title in late 2009 and was honoured by Parliament for her efforts. This move was initiated by local Coleraine MP Gregory Campbell. In the past week Castlereagh Borough Council also issued a press release acknowledging Jenna’s efforts...
‘This was such an honour for Jenna. She receives fan mail on a daily basis from all over the world in fact in January we had an unprecedented number of hits on her website and incredible 78,000 in 4 weeks, but to also receive official recognition is brilliant, it means a lot to the McCorkell’s who still live locally to know that they are supported in this way. Jenna’s popularity is not just here in Northern Ireland though, she is very popular in Belgium where they have almost adopted Jenna as one of their own...’ stated Karin McBride, Jenna’s PR.
Over the years Jenna has been supported by Sport NI and many others financially who have helped her to reach her full potential and the Olympic Dream, however her main ‘sponsors’ have been her parents Craig and Ainsley who will also be heading out to Vancouver later in the month to watch their daughter skate.
‘Over the years we have watched Jenna as a little girl grow and develop as a skater and a person. It has been a difficult road at times with disappointments and injury along the way, a rollercoaster of an experience if you like. However, there have also been great moments of joy and success such as being selected for the Games. The Olympics was always Jenna’s dream. Watching your children fulfil their dreams, fulfils your own as a parent – yes we are very proud of her.’ stated Ainsley
Jenna’s husband Kevin Van der Perren will also travel to the Games as part of the Belgium Olympic team today with coach Yuri Bureiko, Jenna will then fly out with the GB Olympic Team on 8th February...the opening ceremony and extensive coverage of all events will be televised on BBC Sport. The Games get underway on 12 February 2010 with Jenna due to skate on February 23rd & 25th 2010...keep up-to-date with all of the latest news and updates on Jenna on www.jennamccorkell.com and www.akrpromotionsevents.com-
chat to Jenna on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JumpinJen2010
Karin McBride – PR