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Olympic school girl set for skating stardom

Sophie in skating action
Sophie in skating action

An ice skater's dream to follow in the footsteps of Jane Torvill, will finally come true next month.

Fifteen-year-old Sophie Jones, and her ice dancing partner Richard Sharpe, 17, are the only British ice dancing couple to be entered in to the Youth Olympics in Poland in February.

The couple are coached by Sophie’s mum Sharon and dad Gary at Gillingham Ice Bowl where they both work as professional coaches.

Sophie, of Springvale, Wigmore, said: "I’m overwhelmed by it all.

"I got the letter Christmas Eve [saying we got through] so it was a great Christmas present.

"The training’s been quite difficult but we’ve enjoyed it and it’s working well.

"We fly out on February 14 and we have three dances to perform. The first is on the 16th the second on the 18th and the third on the 19th then we fly back on the 21.

"We just want to go out there, have some fun, skate to the best of our ability and try our best."

Dad Gary said: "I’m thrilled to bits, one as Sophie’s dad and two as their coach that they’ve been chosen to represent Britain in the Youth Olympics.

"As their coach I still have to ensure they are both prepared to go in to this.

"In 2006 Sophie won the British Primary Solo Dance Championships. Then she got Richard as a dance partner and they’ve been skating together ever since."

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