Darren Dyke and Kirsty Chick show off the spoils from their victory in the British Roller Skating Championships in Haywards Heath, Sussex. (0615153)
DARREN DYKE and Kirsty Chick have reaped the benefit of four years’ work by winning the senior dance title at the British Roller Skating Championships held in Haywards Heath, Sussex.
For veteran Dyke it represents the pinnacle of a 30-year career in the sport. ‘This is indeed a lifetime achievement and ambition, something I have been striving for over the 30 years I have been involved with this sport.
‘I felt this dream was slipping away from me due to lack of training times and generally the cost involved in having to keep bringing over my coach to prepare us for it, but that seems a distant worry.
‘Kirsty and I are on top of the world and will be confident going into the European Championships in September.’
They started their campaign with the compulsory dance section, this year’s dances being the quickstep and Viennese waltz, but despite some strong edge skating and floor coverage, the Guernsey team were unable to convince the panel of judges and found themselves in third position and very despondent.
However, several hours later they returned to the floor with their original dance routine being aired for the first time this year.
A Spanish medley was chosen this year for all dance couples, with the tango and flamenco being selected by the Sarnians.
Their very upbeat tango and soft flamenco were well received and although not delivering a perfect performance, the Sarnians scored enough marks to place them second in the section but still remaining in the bronze-medal position overall.
Following a review of the marks the Guernsey couple were one mark off the leaders, so had nothing to lose but everything to gain if an outstanding freedance could be delivered.
And with a good night’s sleep under their belts and feeling confident of a polished performance of their freedance routine – only changed two months prior to these championships in order to utilise their dance ability – Dyke and Chick went into the official warm-up with lots of enthusiasm and energy.
Being first to skate their Latin programme eliminated any additional nerves for the couple.
Having settled well into the performance, the crowd showed great appreciation for the step difficulty and the tricks shown in the routine. Following a lively end with the samba, they again acknowledged a great performance.
Watching the two remaining couples perform was quite agonising for the islanders, but they had done enough to win.
Meanwhile, Phoenix Club juniors Bobby Roland and Emilia Bianco competed in their first championship together.
Sadly, they had no rivals and won the title unchallenged.
The club was also represented at senior solo level by Nicola Roland and with this being her first year at this level, seventh place was a fine effort.
Article posted on 4th August, 2008 - 2.29pm
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