Rink ban but first for age – go figure
FIGURE skater Annabella Staples hasn’t let a little thing like Townsville’s lack of ice hold her back.
Annabella won her age division at a recent Aussie Skate competition in Brisbane despite only getting on the rink to practice a few days before the event.
The nine- year- old first learned to skate while she was visiting her grandparents in Canada a few years ago and was instantly hooked on the unique sport.
“I love skating because it is different and unusual in Australia and I get to make new friends,” Annabella said. “I can do different things, like skating, jumps, and spins. I like spinning the most.”
But the young skater has had a setback in recent months after being banned from the local rink in Townsville.
She has not been able to set foot on the ice since she won her category in the NQ Games held in May, which means her only chance to train is when she travels to Brisbane.
Annabella has taken to the gym to help keep her skating dream alive, working with accredited ice figure skating coach Tessa Black and exercise physiologist Matt Hurley at BFitt.
“Bella is a young and budding athlete with incredible talent that displays nothing but dedication and resilience, despite the difficulties she is facing,” Black said.
Despite the challenges to get on the ice, Annabella is determined to pursue her figure skating dreams.
“My dream is to be a famous figure skater. It’s fun and makes me happy,” she said.