British National Championships, 26-30 November 2025

[Weetos]

That's a very interesting point. At the moment, Lilah and Lewis do seem to have more clout than Olivia and Tim. So, going for GBR rather than ESP was the correct choice right now.

But once those two partnerships retire, it's hard to know which partnership out of Phebe and James or Sofía and Asaf will have the upper hand in teh long term.

This is where Sara, Kirill and Ksenia are playing a very clever game. They have a number two team in waiting representing both countries - Sophia BUSHELL / Antonio PEÑA (GBR) and Philomène SABOURIN / Raúl BERMEJO (ESP).

They can't lose!

CaroLiza_fan

I hadn't twigged that all three of those teams are training together! Perhaps it helps that they aren't all direct rivals

I've gone back to watch the seniors I missed, and really enjoying seeing the new teams (although my ears are not sure what they did to deserve that Beetlejuice club mix)

 

[La Rhumba]

Unfortunately, there was a withdrawal from Group 1 in Istanbul. So, they are running ahead of schedule.

Mia Lee MAYER / Atl ONGAY-PEREZ (DEU) are coming on now.

Well, it did seem a bit too much to ask that they would be skating during the Warm-Up in Shefield.

CaroLiza_fan

The stream is so foggy it's hard to see. Think I'll wait till German Nationals to see Atl again. Though I have to say I felt a huge pang of sadness he's not in Sheffield with Ashlie.

Louis for the Singles conversion to Dance award, doing extremely well with Ash in the Junior RD.

In Senior FD I was very impressed with how much better Freddie & Layla skated compared to last night. Layla is a dramatic performer and that Cotton Eyed Joe just doesn't suit them. The FD was a marked improvement in every department. Whilst the Bosporus Cup is going on their Turkish Coach was in Sheffield. But well done on 4th in a debut season for Freddie.

I honestly thought Phebe & James out performed Lilah & Lewis today. I don't if something was wrong, but it was a surprisingly flat performance with Basic level Twizzles by Lilah due to losing balance on her edge. They've changed the choreo and taken out the slide to add a lift towards the climax. In the shambolic presentations not one word about it being a record breaking win of 8 titles eclipsing the Kerr's and T& D. That was bad announcing Jenny.

Phebe & James gave their best performance of the season and it was nice to see Penny with Nick in the K&C, now with 2 kids, I gather!

Ice resurfacing before the next event.

 

[CaroLiza_fan]

I'm back for the first group of the Junior Pairs, and then heading over to Istanbul for the final group of Senior Ice Dance.

CaroLiza_fan

 

[Weetos]

I agree Freddie and Layla were better today - and to me they seem to have good potential for improvement, which is great. Hope to see more of them, they seem like they are enjoying skating together.

 

[CaroLiza_fan]

Warming up to "Reach" by S Club 7. Can't think of a more appropriate song!

With only two partnerships in Gorup 1, we were seeing lots of both partnerships. So, I won't go through absolutely everying.

There was one point when I wasn't sure if Alex actually caught Zarah or whether she landed unaided.

Now we've got "Never Gonna Give You Up" by RIck Astley. This song is particularly appropriate for Pairs skating!

Right, one partnership, and then it's their turn.

CaroLiza_fan

 

[FlossieH]

Wasn't ready to believe it til I saw proof but she is practising so - Kristen is competing! My buried hope of both her and Nina going to home Euros is tentatively resurrected!

I hope she's feeling good and not putting too much pressure on herself. I'd love to see her get the Olympic selection she earned.

That is brilliant news!

 

[FlossieH]

Clean from Sophie and Pelham, albeit still basic elements.

 

[CaroLiza_fan]

Sophie DRACAS / Pelham WRIGHT (Slough) skating to a French version of "New York, New York". I had never heard that version before, but I loved it!

Sophie is wearing a gorgeous royal blue dress, while Pelham is wearing a black suit with tails, and one of those fancy white shirts.

They were good, but had major synchronicity issues.

They go into the lead. Obviously.

CaroLiza_fan

 

[CaroLiza_fan]

Now for my kids.

ALL THE BEST ZARAH AND ALEX!!!

CaroLiza_fan

 

[FlossieH]

Zarah and Alex have reduced their difficulty compared to the JGP, which I think is sensible. They were cleaner today.

 

[CaroLiza_fan]

Zarah WOOD / Alex LAPSKY (Swindon) skating to "Mambo Number 5" by Lou Bega.

Zarah wearing a black dress with gold tassles. Alex wearing all black.

Really getting into it from the start!

Lovely Triple Twist.

Ach, Alex messed up the jump.

Ach, my Dad's come in playing a video on his phone and I can't concentrate!

No, I'm going to have to watch this again after watching the Ice Dance Warm-Up in Istanbul.

CaroLiza_fan

 

[Weetos]

I thought that was great fun

 

[Weetos]

Fun fact for you, according to skating scores since 2008 (when the record there begins) We've never had more than 2 junior pairs teams compete. This will be the first time since I don't know when that a bronze medal will be awarded!

It certainly makes for a more fun competition

 

[FlossieH]

That was nice from Neamh and Daniel. They are starting to look more like a senior pair. Shame about the two foot landing on the throw.

 

[FlossieH]

Fun fact for you, according to skating scores since 2008 (when the record there begins) We've never had more than 2 junior pairs teams compete. This will be the first time since I don't know when that a bronze medal will be awarded!

It certainly makes for a more fun competition

I am also wondering when we last had more junior pairs competing than junior ice dance teams?

 

[Weetos]

Neamh and Daniel are really growing into a lovely team. Their lifts are particularly nice. I think they will be senior next year and I can definitely see them becoming a solid no. 2 to Ana and Luke.

 

[Weetos]

I am also wondering when we last had more junior pairs competing than junior ice dance teams?

Yeah, never! Don't know what's happened

 

[CaroLiza_fan]

OK. Take 2 on Zarah and Alex.

That move where Zarah goes over Alex is so spectacular... and scary!

Lift was beautiful.

There's that slide where I always think Zarah has fallen.

Not sure Zarah was the whole way around on the throw.

Lovely death spiral. And then spins in perfect sync.

Lost synchronicity in the Twizzle like things.

And again lost it at the very end before getting into their finishing pose.

The audience really enjoyed it!

Zoe and Chris are both with them. And there is another guy at the edge of shot.

All four of them in discussion.

They go into the lead.

WELL DONE ZARAH AND ALEX!!!

CaroLiza_fan

 

[FlossieH]

Isla and Joel are developing good basic foundations, which is important.

 

[CaroLiza_fan]

Just finished the Group 2 Warm-Up, and now I'm popping back over to Istanbul for Angelina and Ilia. But then I'll be back to watch the rest of the Junior and Senior Pairs partnerships before eating and watching the F1 Qualifying.

All the best to those still to come.

CaroLiza_fan