British skaters ready for success after landmark international agreement
March 2010 by Helen BarnettThe National Ice Skating Association is looking forward to another four years of improvement on the ice, after the British and American Olympic bodies announced a landmark agreement to benefit aspiring athletes around the world.
The British Olympic Association (BOA) and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) today revealed details of the plan which is part of a worldwide Olympic Movement.
The trans-Atlantic alliance will see both countries developing and sharing information on best training and performance practices for elite and youth athletes.
This will include ideas to improve Great Britain’s Winter Olympic chances in the run up to Sochi 2014 including coaching, technical exchanges, winter sport training camps and other high performance programmes.
Keith Horton, Chief Executive of the National Ice Skating Association (NISA), said: “This is very exciting news. Within figure skating we already have a close working relationship with America. Four of our skaters currently train in New Jersey with Evgeny Platov. We also have two single skaters who are American residents but with British passports. They will be representing Great Britain internationally over the next few years with the aim of competing in 2014 and 2018 Olympics.
“NISA also plays a key role in supporting the thousands of young skaters pulling on their blades every day. Next week the best of these young skaters coming through the ranks will be competing in the World Junior Figure Skating Championships in Holland so we welcome the news that the agreement includes encouraging more youngsters into sport and recreation.
“Skating in Great Britain has been through an interesting period where we haven’t been producing champions but we’re now regaining our presence on the world stage and so we are pleased that the initiative comes at a time where we can further advance ability.
“Skating is ready to become an active partner in this new landmark agreement and we look forward to close involvement and active participation with the initiative.”
