ADULT SKATING

I’m Rachael Richards, 52 years old and returned to skating as an adult in 2009 having spent 7 years skating when I was younger - so in total I’ve been skating for 23 years (and counting) but involved with the sport for 40. I skate in Gold level adults, and my home club is Whitley Bay. 

Skating as an adult is fab, you have double community joy with the younger skaters at the rink as well as there being a thriving adult community at Whitley Bay, across the UK and internationally. Its brilliant to spend time with so many amazing skaters and hear their journeys as well as sharing challenges. The best thing about being an adult skater is how we all aim to lift each other up and support each other. Travelling abroad for skating camps and comps is also terrific fun.

I’m Toby and I am a member of the Adult Working Group for British Ice Skating. I found skating as a great way to try regain some fitness following Covid lockdowns. I signed up for some group lessons as I thought it would be nice to learn how to stop, and like most people who’ve caught the bug, I’ve just continued to set my goals higher without even really realising I’ve reached the ones I set out to conquer.   

Having originally started learning both Free Skating and Ice Dance, I have since 2024 been focusing just on dance. With busy and complex schedules as adults, I’ve been extremely fortune to have found a partner to work where we can push each other to achieve more every single week

My name is Tina; as a child, I skated in Cape Town but gave it up after leaving school. After a 32-year break raising a family and establishing a business, I returned to the ice, and it felt like I had rediscovered my passion. During my ‘lost years,’ a thriving adult skating community has emerged. I’m honoured to be a part of this wonderful, supportive, and accepting community that competes both in the UK and internationally.

I firmly believe that age is just a number, and I’m dedicated to proving that you’re never too old to be young! As adult skaters, we have the opportunity to inspire the younger generation with our positive attitude and perseverance, demonstrating that skating can be a lifelong pursuit.

With many years of experience in skating, I’m always eager to share my knowledge and learn from other skaters as well.

I have been skating since 2022.  I have found a true love for Skating especially within the Adult and inclusive communities and I am proud to say that I have recently qualified as a coach specialising in inclusive Skating. I also Coach on the learn to Skate courses in Bristol hence the snazzy boot covers you can see in my picture! (I was being interviewed for ITV to talk all things Inclusive skating)

My current discipline within the sport sits within show Skating and synchronised Skating and I’ve recently competed with the BSA shadows adult team in Sheffield. 

Prior to Skating, I’ve been a competitive ballroom dancer/coach and overall performer. Outside of sports and Skating, I work as a nurse practitioner for the NHS and have been qualified since 2012. 

I started ice skating as an adult, having wanted to learn since I was a small child. I mostly do singles, although I've done some solo ice dance and more recently have persuaded my husband that we should try pair skating.

I skate for fun but do the occasional competition, and I enjoy the friendship and support in the adult skating community. I skate at Alexandra Palace ice rink in London and am a member of the London Adult Figure Skating Club.

I’m Daisy, and I’m a member of the Adult Working Group. I’ve been competing since 2004 (back in the days of NISA!) and carried my passion for skating all the way through into adulthood.

I am passionate about helping others to be at their best, and want to support creating opportunities for adult skaters to reach their goals. I aim to bring different perspectives and ideas to the group through my experience competing at both adult and national levels.

I started skating in 1995 in Scotland, competing in singles and synchro, before taking a 10 year break from the sport. After moving to Nottingham I competed in adult synchro for 7 years.

I now skate purely for fun and enjoy contributing to the sport as a Data Replay Operator on tech panels. I'm a big advocate for the physical, mental and social benefits of skating, and love being part of the adult community!

My name is Annabel and I'm a member of the Adult Working Group for British Ice Skating.  I started Learn to Skate lessons as an adult in 2016 and what was meant to be a fun way to keep fit has become a real life passion.   As someone who wasn't sporty at school I often pinch myself to think I've found a sport that I love and has given me so many amazing opportunities.  I skate for Kirkcaldy Ice Skating Club in Scotland and also practice at Murrayfield rink, Edinburgh and Stirling.  From my original goal of wanting to be able to skate backwards and stop without using the barrier I now compete in the UK and internationally.  

I am so grateful for the opportunity to take part in such a great sport as an adult and hope to support other adults in their skating journeys.