Champion figure skater, David Richardson

David Richardson (aged 24) is the 2011 Senior National Gold Medalist in Figure Skating. He currently trains and coaches at the National Ice Centre and will be performing in the ‘Torvill & Dean Welcome the Olympic Flame to the National Ice Centre’ Ice Gala as part of the Olympic Torch Relay on 28 June. Let’s find out more about him… David, how long have you been skating for? Well I used to skate/roller blade when I was much younger but on my 7^th birthday my auntie took me for my first ice skating experience! My mum was worried I was going to break an arm or something but I got on the ice and it just came naturally to me, I loved it from the word go. You’re originally from Newcastle, what drew you to Nottingham? The facilities and excellent coaching at the National Ice Centre brought me here. The NIC has always had a great reputation for international skating and Nottingham is a great city, I’ve been here for 3 years now. What do you enjoy most about skating? I like expressing myself to music and the feeling I get if I’ve skated well in a competition is incredible, just knowing that all the hard work you’ve put in has paid off. You travel many places for events and competitions, what has been your most memorable destination? I went to Italy for the World University Games in 2007 that was a brilliant experience! The crowd were amazing, the arena was packed and it was just a great atmosphere. Due to having won the British Senior Men’s Championships last year I represented Great Britain at the World Championships in Moscow, it was fantastic to be amongst such talented skaters. I also love skating when I’m back home in Whitley Bay. My friends and family rarely get the chance to see me skate so it’s nice to go back home and show them what I’ve been up to! You’ll be performing in the Ice Gala for the Olympic Torch Relay on 28^th June which will more than likely be broadcast on national TV, how do you feel about that? I’m really looking forward to it! Rehearsals start next week and there are over 250 skaters performing so it’s going to be a busy one! I actually skated with Torvill & Dean when I was 10; I was handpicked to skate with them when they toured the UK so I’m looking forward to seeing them again! David’s achievements David is the 2006 British junior national champion, 2007 senior national bronze medalist; in 2008 he was fourth place in senior nationals, 2009 senior national silver medalist, 2010 senior national bronze medalist and 2011 senior national gold medalist. David coaches all ages and all levels at the National Ice Centre. If you want to learn how to skate see www.national-ice.centre.com or call 0843 373 3000.