THOMSAS FELL

I've been involved in speed skating for many years, both as a coach and through various roles supporting the development of the sport. I'm standing for the Speed Skating Technical Advisory Committee because I want to see speed skating grow in Britain and ensure that athletes have the opportunities and support they need to progress.

My experience covers long track, short track and inline speed skating, coaching athletes from beginners through to international competitors competing at Junior/Senior World Cups/Championships and Youth Olympics.

I have a degree in Sport and Exercise Science, which has given me a good understanding of the science behind training and performance. Combined with my practical coaching experience, this helps me support athletes at different stages of their development.

I've also been involved in the governance of the sport through my role as the BIS Board Director responsible for Long Track. This has given me a better understanding of how the organisation works, the challenges it faces and the importance of making decisions that benefit the sport as a whole.

I think one of the biggest challenges for British long track is the lack of opportunities for people to get involved and then continue developing. Without a 400-metre ice track in the UK, we're always going to face difficulties, but that doesn't mean we can't do more with the opportunities available to us.

I'd particularly like to see more regular and accessible training opportunities, stronger links with development pathways, and a clearer route for skaters who want to progress in speed skating. I also think there's much more we can do to build relationships between short track, long track and inline skating, rather than treating them as completely separate disciplines.

I'm keen to see British skaters competing successfully internationally, but I also believe we need to put more effort into developing the next generation of athletes. That means making it easier for people to try the sport, providing opportunities for them to improve and giving them reasons to stay involved.

I understand that being part of the TAC means listening to different views, working with others and making decisions in the best interests of the sport, rather than any one individual or group.

Ultimately, I want to help build a stronger future for British speed skating, with more people involved, better opportunities for athletes and coaches, and a sport that can continue to develop over the years.