Teenage roller skater 'excited' for championships

A teenage roller skater has qualified for the 2024 European Championships after winning a national competition.

Orla Willis, 14, won the GB Skate Artistic National Championships in Norfolk in June with a 10-point gap over her competitors.

Orla, who started the sport at the age of seven and trains at Moonrakers Roller Skating Club in Marlborough, Wiltshire, said she felt honoured to be selected to represent Great Britain in the European competition later this month.

"It's really amazing, I'm very excited, and obviously a little bit nervous."

Orla will represent Great Britain in the European Championships later this month

"It's with an amazing team, which I've always looked up to and it's just amazing now that I'm a part of that," she said.

"I like the feeling of dance mixed with athleticism, being able to move how I want to and portraying a story to people."

Orla told BBC Radio Wiltshire that her discipline of artistic skating was like "Torvill and Dean, but on wheels rather than blades."

The teenager, who lives in Oxfordshire, trains with her coaches three to four days a week, and also incorporates other exercises to build her strength and stamina, such as ballet.

"I also have to do a lot of mental preparation," she said.

"I have to make sure I'm in the right headspace because that can change anything on the day.

"I visualise exactly what is going to happen and listen to my music, so that I feel ready for my performances," she said.

'We're very proud'

Orla's coach, Tia Shortall, said the club is very proud of her.

"She's that rare breed; a real mix of talent and naturally able to do anything we ask of her, which is fantastic.

"She also works hard, puts in a lot of commitment, a lot of hours and a lot of travelling.

"She has a good mental attitude and that's a rare combination to find in someone so young. We're very, very proud."

The 2024 Artistic European Championships take place in Portugal from 21-31 July.