Year seven Canterbury College student Caitlyn Peck has brought home gold and silver from the Australian Artistic Roller Skating Championships.
This is her second showing in the national level championships, which were held this year in Dandenong, Victoria.
Peck told the Times that she finished first in figures and second in set dance in the 11 to 13 years age group.
“I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face,” she said.
In figures the objective is to trace a line on the ground and do precision turns.
She was given seven out of ten from each of the five judges.
“It’s all about skill and control,” she said.
“I like the technical side of it.”
In the set dance there is certain steps each competitor must achieve, she completed these to a blues and a foxtrot beat.
“I like both figures and set dance, but I find I’m much better at figures,” she said.
Peck said she was working hard to improve her overall skills and presentation.
“I also had to work on my power and my fitness,” she said.
Peck said her low placing at last year’s nationals made her work even harder.
“The Western Australian was a strong competitor, she was last year’s champion,” she said.
“I want to now skate faster and push myself to the limit, to try and beat as many as I can.”
With her parents Greg and Tammy Peck as coaches, there was plenty of hard work put in before the competition training three days a week.
“She did very well and she’s come up in the right direction,” Mr Peck said.
“She is very driven and very competitive, but she has a healthy attitude and great sportsmanship.
“This has pushed her for better things.”
Peck will take part in a local competition for the Revolutions club next month.
