Swindon's Olympic gold medal ice skating hopes

The end of 1998 was a difficult time for British pairs ice skating champion Andrew Seabrook who is based at Swindon's Link Centre ice rink.

Before Christmas his expensive ice skating boots were stolen, then his skating partner Clare Hughes returned to the Ukraine to help her family in economic hardship, which meant funding from the National Lottery dried up.

But from a low point, things have been looking up for Andrew and his new partner Claire Dawson, an 18 year old from Telford. It means they have to pass all their National Skating Association tests and develop a winning routine, but sponsors Barclaycard have assured the couple that funding is secure.

"It is wonderful Barclaycard has continued to back us, even though we have had to prove ourselves," said Andrew. "Clare was already training at Link Centre and we thought it might be an idea to try a few moves. It is really hard work and there is a lot to do in a short time, but we believe we can win for Britain."

Their first target is to win the British Championships at Dundonald, Northern Ireland at the end of 1999, then continue building the new partnership towards the Salt Lake City Olympics in Winter 2002.

Andrew and Claire are trained by top UK coach Lesley Norfolk-Pearce and in May Robin Cousins, British, European, World Champion and Olympic gold medalist from 1976, agreed to choreograph their championship programme.

The pair have huge expenses to meet as they prepare themselves for the ultimate tests in skating over the next two years. To find out more and to offer sponsorship, contact Alan Seabrook, ice skating development officer at the Link Centre, Westlea, Swindon, England. Tel: (01793) 445566.

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