Natasha earns chance to represent Britain at Europeans in Moscow

British champion aiming to build on last year’s experience

British champion Natasha McKay has been officially confirmed as the GB ladies’ figure skater in the European Championships.

The 22-year-old from Dundee retained her national title in Sheffield last weekend, having already secured bronze and silver medals in international competitions earlier in the season.

Her focus will now switch to the European Figure Skating Championships in Moscow in the middle of January.

This will be McKay’s second trip to the Europeans and she will be looking to improve on last year’s 18th place.

Dundee team-mate Karly Robertson, 28, was named as the reserve athlete for the championships after she won silver at Sheffield.

McKay said: “I have been training hard all year, and I was delighted to retain my British title last week.

“My goal at nationals was to put down two strong skates and to retain the title, so I am very pleased with how this event went, and adding a personal best lets me know I am on the right track heading into the rest of the season.

“I will now turn my attention to the European Championships where I will be looking to build on my results from last year.

“With Worlds coming up in March, I will also be looking to make the team there for the second season in a row.”

Team GB Olympic coach Simon Briggs said: “Natasha has shown once again that she is a trained, highly consistent and world class athlete.

“Her results last season were excellent, and this season she has already built on those results and scores.

“She has proved that she is able to compete consistently among the best skaters in the world, and has secured medals throughout the last two seasons at hard-fought international events.

“We are confident that Natasha will continue this pattern, and will represent Great Britain to the highest level at the upcoming European Championships in Moscow.”

The European Championships take place in Moscow from January 15 to 21.

“Natasha has shown once again that she is a trained, highly consistent and world class athlete. SIMON BRIGGS

British champion Natasha McKay with coaches Debi and Simon Briggs.