Junior Scottish ice skater for Great Britain turns to frozen puddles to practise her spins

Christie Shannon, from East Kilbride, would normally be dancing on the ice in her local ice rink, perfecting her spins for whichever international competition she had lined up next.

But due to lockdown, the 18-year-old, who became the British Champion at Basic Novice level in 2015, has been forced to turn to frozen puddles to continue her passion as centres remain firmly shut under current restrictions.

Using the backstreets of the town, Christie has been able to access several icy patches in fields near her home.

Scottish figure skater Christie Shannon has been practising on frozen puddles in fields in the back roads of East Kilbride picture: John Devlin/JPI Media

“The puddle I use is definitely not as big as I would like,” she said, “but there’s enough space to practise some good spins.

"I can’t go for long without skating, so it’s been great being able to find some ice.”

Christie has only been able to return to the ice rinks sporadically during lockdown, but since Christmas, the Scottish Government has kept all centres closed while the country continues to grapple with the virus.

While the rules have been frustrating for many, the young skater has found it particularly hard seeing videos on social media of her English peers continuing to practise the sport south of the border.

"All my competitors in England are still able to use the ice rinks at the moment which is quite frustrating to see,” she said.

"They are all getting the practise in while I am restricted to frozen puddles in Scotland, and only when the weather is cold enough.

"Senior skaters are allowed to train in Scotland, but not junior, whereas in England both levels can.”

Christie has represented Great Britain at international competitions on seven occasions and won gold at the Olympic Hopes competition in Romania in 2018.

In that same year she also received a Stirling Provost Civic Award in the youth category in recognition of her significant contribution and achievements in ice skating.

Christie said her aim is to represent Great Britain at a senior level and would eventually like to compete at the Winter Olympics.

The Scottish Government’s next review of lockdown restrictions is due to take place on 16 February.

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