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Judge 4th; Tkacheva 27th at Sonja Henie Trophy

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Dillon Judge and Sophia Tkacheva have finished fourth and 27th in their respective events at the Sonja Henie Trophy in Oslo, Norway this weekend.

In the Senior Men’s short programme, Judge got off to a solid start with a triple Salchow-double toe loop jump combination. Unfortunately, he fell on a triple Lutz and the change foot combination spin that followed received no value as it did not meet the requirements to be counted. A change foot combination spin was deemed to be Level 2. He had another fall on a double Axel before rounding out with a Level 2 flying sit spin and a Level 3 step sequence. He scored 37.29 points to put himself in fourth place overnight.

Judge returned the following day for the free skating. he began with a triple toe loop. He stood up this time on a triple Lutz even if it was over rotated. He then nailed a double Axel-double Axel sequence, a Level 4 flying sit spin and a triple Salchow. He then performed a Level 3 change foot camel spin and a choreographic step sequence. He followed with two jump combinations – a triple Salchow-double toe loop and a double Lutz-double toe loop. He concluded with a Level 2 step sequence, a double loop and a Level 3 change foot combination spin. He scored 90.32 points which placed him third in the free and gave him a total of 127.61 to remain in fourth place overall.

In the Junior Women’s short programme, Tkacheva got off to a shaky start with falls on a double Axel and a double flip, the latter of which was supposed to be in combination. She recovered with a Level 3 flying sit spin and a Level 2 layback spin. She landed a double Lutz and brought her routine to a close with a Level 3 step sequence and a Level 4 change foot combination spin. She earned 28.15 points to sit in 27th midway through the event.

Tkacheva began the free skating with an attempted double Axel which was downgraded. She next landed a double Salchow and singled a planned double Lutz. Her layback spin was graded Level 3 and she followed with a double loop. Another double loop immediately after resulted in a fall and the second part of a double flip-double toe loop combination was downgraded. She concluded her routine with a double flip, a choreographic step sequence, a Level 2 flying change foot sit spin and a Level 2change foot combination spin. She scored 46.90 points for her free and remained in 27th place overall with a total of 75.05 points.

Judge 9th At Challenge Cup

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Dillon Judge has finished ninth at this weekend’s Challenge Cup in Tilburg, The Netherlands.

In the short programme, Judge executed a triple Salchow-double toe loop combination to start. He then attempted a triple Lutz which he over rotated before performing a Level 3 change foot camel spin. A Level 2 change foot combination spin had some missing requirements which reduced its value. He cleanly landed a double Axel and closed out his routine with a Level 3 flying sit spin and a Level 2 step sequence. He scored 47.34 points to put himself in ninth place overnight.

Judge got his free skating off to a flying start with a triple toe loop and a triple Lutz with both jumps garnering positives grades of execution. He went for a double Axel-double Axel jump sequence to follow, but could not hold the landing on the second Axel. A Level 2 flying sit spin preceded a triple Salchow which he fell on. He continued with a Level 2 change foot camel spin and a choreographic step sequence. He attempted triple Salchow again, but the jump was not his friend today and it resulted in another fall. He concluded his free with a double Lutz, a Level 2 step sequence, a double loop and a Level 2 change foot combination spin. His free score of 79.63 points gave him a combined total of 126,97 points.

Judge Posts Season Best Total At Dragon Trophy

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Dillon Judge has finished seventh at the Dragon Trophy in Ljubljana, Slovenia this weekend notching up his top combined score so far this season.

In the short programme, Judge began with a triple Salchow on which he had to save the landing and was therefore unable to add a jump for a combination as he normally would. He then fell on an attempted triple Lutz. He regained his composure and performed a Level 2 change foot camel spin. He subsequently executed a Level 4 change foot combination spin, a double Axel and a Level 4 flying sit spin in succession all of which garnered positive marks from the judging panel. He concluded with a Level 2 step sequence and received a segment score of 48.09 points which had him in eighth place overnight.

Judge opened the free skating with a triple toe loop and a triple Lutz, the latter on which he had a step out. He went to land a single Axel-double Axel jump sequence and reeled off a Level 4 flying sit spin. As in the short, a planned triple Salchow-double toe loop combination caused him difficulty and this time he was only able to add a single toe loop. Later on in the routine, he landed a clean triple Salchow. His change foot camel spin, step sequence and change foot combination spin all were awarded Level 3. His free score of 90.39 points gave him a season best total of 138.48 points and moved him up one place in the standings.

Judge 7th At Volvo Open Cup

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Dillon Judge has finished seventh at the Volvo Open in Riga, Latvia.

On the first day of competition, Judge performed in the short programme. He opened with a triple Salchow-double toe loop jump combination, although a triple Lutz attempt that followed was not clean. He next included a Level 3 change foot camel spin and a Level 4 change foot combination spin, both receiving positive grades of execution from the judging panel. A double Axel went slightly awry and he just about managed to pull off a Level 3 flying sit spin. He closed out with a Level 2 step sequence to score 49.25 points.

In the free skating, the Irish champion began with a pristine triple toe loop. A triple Lutz and a double Axel-double Axel sequence that ensued were not as successful, but Judge fought hard and came back to execute a Level 4 flying sit spin. Unfortunately, he then fell on an underrotated triple Salchow. However, he rallied with a good Level 3 change foot camel spin and a choreographic step sequence. The triple Salchow again was not his friend as he fell on a second attempt as well as on a double Lutz-Euler-double Salchow jump sequence. He wrapped up his routine with a Level 2 step sequence, a double loop and a Level 2 change foot combination spin. He scored 77.61 points for the free giving him a total of 126.86 points.

2023 Another Remarkable Year For Irish Ice Skating

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2023 witnessed ice skating in Ireland continue its forward progression as more milestones were achieved.

The year began in sensational fashion in January at the ISU European Short Track Speed Skating Championships in Gdansk, Poland. Sean McAnuff became the first athlete from Ireland to nab a place in the main session of the championships when he advanced to the 500 metres quarterfinals. Liam O’Brien then went on to do the same by booking himself a spot in the 1500 metres semifinals. Later in the same month, Sam McAllister finally made his ISU European Figure Skating Championships debut at the third time of asking in Espoo, Finland. He finished in 28th place. At home, the ISAI board announced the appointment of Karen O’Sullivan as Chief Executive Officer and Yvonne Brett as Chief Financial Officer. The first post-Covid Emerald Skate test session was held at Dundrum On Ice.

February saw our short track speed skaters Sean McAnuff and Ryan McAnuff in action at events in Germany and Canada respectively, while figure skaters Dillon Judge and Laura Hegarty and Kevin Hegarty competed in the Netherlands at the Challenge Cup.

Liam O’Brien participated in the ISU World Short Track Speed Skating Championships for the third consecutive time when the event was held in Seoul, South Korea in March. Sam McAllister announced his retirement from competitive skating during the month.

Four-time European competitor Conor Stakelum was appointed ISAI Anti-Doping Officer in May.

Rounding out the 2022/2023 season, the Irish Figure Skating Championships were held for the second at the Dundee Ice Arena in June. Titles were decided in five categories with Carolane Soucisse and Shane Firus becoming the first ever Senior Ice Dance champions in the history of the event.

The 2023/2024 season got into full swing in September with two-time Irish Junior Champion Sophia Tkacheva competing at the ISU Junior Grand Prix in Istanbul, Türkiye. The appointment of Stephen Judge as ISAI Privacy Officer was announced. Margery Hilko became the first person from Ireland to qualify as an ISU judge when she passed the ISU examination in Oberstdorf, Germany.

Ciera Turner-Frick represented Ireland at the ISU Junior Grand Prix in Yerevan, Armenia in October. Dillon Judge made his international senior debut at the Tayside Trophy in Dundee, United Kingdom where he was joined by Sophia Tkacheva who skated in the Junior Women’s event. The season got under way for our short track speed skaters at World Cup 1 in Montreal, Canada where Ryan McAnuff and Liam O’Brien raced. O’Brien also entered World Cup 2 again in Montreal where he not only set a new Irish record in the 1000 metres, but also advanced to the 1000 metres quarterfinals.

In November, the 2023/2024 Emerald Skate learn to skate lessons commenced at Dundrum On Ice. Dillon Judge competed at the Denkova-Staviski Cup in Sofia, Bulgaria where he finished 10th. The ISAI Annual General Meeting was held on 29 November in Dublin. It was the first in-person AGM since 2019.

Carolane Soucisse and Shane Firus kicked off December and their season when they participated in the Bosphorus Cup in Istanbul, Türkiye. The second World Ice Skating Day took place on 3 December with bigger and better celebrations than in the previous year here in Ireland. Soucisse and Firus and Dillon Judge took part in the ISU Challenger Golden Spin of Zagreb in Croatia. Liam O’Brien was named as a recipient of a Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Scholarship and wrapped up 2023 with back to back World Cups in China and South Korea.

2024 promises to be an even more exciting year for the ISAI as the pace picks up on the development of Ireland as an ice skating nation both domestically and on the international stage.

Soucisse/Firus 12th; Judge 14th At Golden Spin

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Three members of Ireland’s national figure skating team were in action this weekend at Golden Spin of Zagreb in Croatia with entrants in both the men and ice dance categories, a first for Irish skating in an ISU Challenger Series stop.

Dillon Judge was the first of the Irish skaters to compete when he took to the ice for his short programme on the first evening of the event. He opened up with a triple Salchow that he stepped out of and then he fell on a triple Lutz attempt. He executed a Level 2 change foot camel spin before completing a Level 4 change foot combination spin. He landed a clean double Axel which he followed with a Level 3 flying sit spin and a Level 2 step sequence to close out his routine to “Smile” by Nat King Cole. He scored a new ISU personal best of 44.93 points.

Judge was back the following day for the free skating segment. He commenced with a triple toe loop that he fell on, a step out of a triple Lutz and another fall on a double Axel. After that rocky start, he settled himself with a Level 3 flying sit spin and hung on to the landing of a triple Salchow. He garnered Level 2 for a change foot combination spin and continued with a choreographic sequence in his programme to “My Homeland” by Havasi, performed by Peter Pejtsik. He fell out of the landing of a second triple Salchow and opted for a double Lutz and a double loop as his final two jumping passes. He received Level 2 for a step sequence and Level 3 for a change foot combination spin. Despite feeling he did not skate to his full potential, his free score of 71.11 and total of 116.04 were both new ISU personal bests.

“In both programmes it did not go the way that I wanted and had been practicing which was disappointing,” Judge said. “For the first time ever, I felt nervous and some pressure to perform which I think did not help, but this year is a year of development so sometimes it’s two steps forward and one step back. In the New Year, I aim to add some more technical content for my next competition as this one was not a true reflection of my abilities and I feel I can do more.”

Carolane Soucisse and Shane Firus took on the rhythm dance on the third day of the event. Skating to a Rick James medley as their 1980s theme, the duo began with a midline step sequence for which they were both graded Level 2 by the technical panel. They encountered issues with their sequential twizzle sequence due to some bobbles and again each of their efforts were given Level 2. Their pattern dance type step sequence was deemed base level and that element was followed by a choreographic rhythm sequence. They wound things up strongly with a Level 4 rotational lift and scored 54.04 points for the segment.

On the final day of competition, Soucisse and Firus performed their free dance to “Hier Encore” by Charles Aznavour and an instrumental version of “La Boheme”, which started with a choreographic step sequence. They next included a lift combination featuring a straightline lift and a rotational lift which alone netted them more than one fifth of their final technical score. For their diagonal step sequence, Soucisse received a Level 3 while Firus got Level 2 with a subsequent one foot turns sequence Level 2 and Level 1 respectively. They both were awarded Level 1 for their synchronised twizzle sequence and their dance spin was a Level 4. They rounded off the routine with choreographic sliding and spinning movement and the crescendo of the dance was a Level 4 stationary lift. They scored 90.41 points for the free giving them a total of 144.45 points for 12th place.

“We are happy with the progress in the performances from this week compared to last week in Istanbul,” Soucisse said. “There’s still a lot of work to do, but we are looking forward to going back home, working very hard and being back stronger for Europeans!”

“Golden Spin was another step forward for us this season,” Firus said. “We were able to skate two programmes which were both better than last week. It was also great to watch a fellow team member compete this week as well!”

This season Golden Spin of Zagreb is part of the ISU Challenger Series, the latter having been introduced in 2014. It is a series of international Figure Skating Competitions organised by ISU members. Through ISU support, the objective is to ensure the proper and consistent organisation and conduct of up to ten international competitions linked together within the Challenger Series. The series gives adequate opportunities for many skaters to compete at the international senior level and earn World Standing Points. The series also increases the opportunity for officials to officiate at an international level.

 

Irish Senior Figure Team Takes On Golden Spin Challenge

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Irish figure skaters head to Croatia this week (6-9 December) for the Golden Spin of Zagreb, an ISU Challenger Series event.

For Dillon Judge it is a first Challenger after entering the senior ranks. He has already competed twice this season finishing 16th at Tayside Trophy in October and 10th at Denkova Staviski Cup in November.

“It’s a time for learning, growth and inspiration as I haven’t done any ISU series at this level yet,” Judge said. “My goal for this competition, and in general this season, is just step by step growth in the direction of European minimum scores and improved components scores.”

Carolane Soucisse and Shane Firus made their season debut at Bosphorus Cup last weekend where they came eighth. They are the first ice dancers to represent Ireland at an ISU Challenger.

“We have been waiting for this moment for a couple of months now and it’s finally here,” Soucisse said. “It’s easy to put a lot of pressure on ourselves, but I think the main goal for this week will be to show what we’ve been working on and be able to present two programmes to the best of our abilities for this time of the season.”

“For this week of competition, we want to perform two confident skates and build momentum before Europeans,” Firus said. “We also want to enjoy the experience of representing Ireland on the world stage!”

Competition Schedule

Wednesday, 6 December – Men Short Programme

Thursday, 7 December – Men Free Skating

Friday, 8 December – Rhythm Dance

Saturday, 9 December – Free Dance

Judge 10th At Denkova Staviski Cup

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Dillon Judge has finished in 10th place overall at this weekend’s Denkova-Staviski Cup in Sofia, Bulgaria.

It was a tough start for Judge in the short programme as he fell on an opening triple Salchow. However, he came back to tack on a double toe loop to his originally planned solo triple toe loop jump. He continued with a Level 2 change foot camel spin and a Level 4 change foot combination spin before stepping out on the landing of a double Axel. He concluded with a Level 3 flying sit spin and a Level 2 step sequence to earn a score of 42.85 points and putting him in 11th place overnight.

In contrast to the short, Judge got his free skating off to a flying start by landing a triple toe loop and then nailing a triple Lutz cleanly for the first time in his competitive career. A subsequent double Axel had a step out, but he settled down to execute a Level 4 flying sit spin. He just about pulled off a triple Salchow-double Axel sequence and followed that with a Level 1 change foot camel spin and a choreographic step sequence. His final jumping passes were a triple Salchow, a double Lutz-Euler-double Salchow and a double loop. He ended with a change foot combination spin and was awarded a free score of 95.58 points for ninth place in the segment and a total of 138.43.

Judge 16th; Tkacheva 11th at Tayside Trophy

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Dillon Judge and Sophia Tkacheva were in action this weekend at the Tayside Trophy in Dundee, United Kingdom representing Ireland in the Scottish city.

In his international debut as a senior competitor, Judge began the event with his short programme skated to “Smile” by Nat King Cole. He opened with a triple Salchow-double toe loop combination, stepping out of the landing on the double toe. He fell out of a triple toe loop subsequently and his change foot camel spin was graded Level 1. He cleanly landed a double Axel and his change change foot combination spin, flying sit spin and step sequence all received Level 3. His score of 43.30 put him in 15th place overnight.

Judge chose to perform to “My Homeland” by Havasi for his free skating. At the top of his routine he landed a triple toe loop, a triple Salchow-double Axel sequence and a solo double Axel in quick succession. He followed through with a Level 4 flying sit spin and a triple Salchow. His change foot spin and step sequence both garnered Level 2, while he closed out his programme with a Level 3 change foot combination spin. He posted a score of 84.30 for the free which gave him a total of 127.60 and placed him in 16th overall.

This was Tkacheva’s second competition of the season and she showed significant progress in both segments. She commenced her “Bust Your Knee Caps (Johnny Don’t Leave Me)” by Pomplamoose short programme with an attempted double Axel that was underrotated. She then landed a double flip-double toe loop combination and executed a Level 4 flying sit spin. She also performed a double Lutz and finished her programme with a Level 4 change foot combination spin. She scored 35.68 points and was ranked in 12th place at the midway point of the event.

The two-time Irish Junior champion started her Romeo and Juliet medley free skating inauspiciously with a fall on a double Axel, an underrotated triple Salchow and another fall on a double Lutz-double toe loop combination. However, she settled back into the routine with a Level 4 layback spin and then landed a double loop and double loop-Euler-double Salchow jump sequence. Tkacheva concluded her performance with her choreo step sequence, a Level 3 flying change foot sit spin and a Level 2 change foot combination spin. A free score of 54.78 points left her with a total of 90.46 points and she moved up to 11th place in the final standings

Seven Figure Skaters Named To 2023/2024 National Team

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A total of seven athletes will represent Ireland internationally in figure skating competitions in the 2023/2024 season.

Dillon Judge claimed his first senior national title in June this year. He is now permanently based in Bergamo, Italy where he works with Barbara Luoni at Ice Lab as his main coach.

“This season I’m very excited about being on the National Team, with it being my first at Senior level this opens up more opportunities and experiences for me to grow as a skater,” Judge said. “In addition, this season will be my first full season with my new team of coaches, choreographer and I will be debuting two new programmes. Obviously, this adds new challenges, but I’m confident in myself and my team to make the biggest step forward in my skating career so far. Being surrounded by athletes with the same goals and aspirations makes it even easier to strive for success.”

Carolane Soucisse and Shane Firus are first time National Team members. They won the first Senior Ice Dance event ever held at the Irish Figure Skating Championships back in June. They are coached by Carol Lane, Jon Lane, Juris Razgulajevs and Marc Andre Servant in Toronto, Canada.

“It’s an immense privilege for Shane and I to be able to represent Ireland on the international stage,” Soucisse said. “We cannot wait for the season to begin!”

“I’m super excited to be selected for the national team this season, and to have the opportunity to represent Ireland on the world stage,” Firus added.

Sophia Tkacheva picked up the second Junior title of her career at 2023 Irish Nationals. She includes eleven-time British champion Jenna McCorkell and two-time European bronze medallist Kevin van der Perren in her coaching team.

“I am very excited to be selected for the Irish National Team this season,” Tkacheva said. “This opportunity will give me the chance to exhibit my hard work over the summer and a chance to attend international competitions, such as the Junior Grand Prix in Istanbul.”

Ciera Turner-Frick finished second in the Junior Women’s event last season’s Irish championships. This is her first time to be chosen for the National Team. She is coached by Jane de Lange in Oxford, England.

“I am delighted to be selected for the National Team and excited to compete in my first ever Junior Grand Prix in October,” Turner-Frick said.

Laura Hegarty and Kevin Hegarty took their second Junior Ice Dance national title in June. They are currently under the tutelage of Taavi Rand who is based in Tallinn, Estonia.

“I am very happy to be selected to the National Team again this season,” Laura Hegarty said. “Skaters and ISAI officials often travel as a group, take transport together from the airport to competition accommodation, travel to official practice etc. Although times can be tense around competitions, I always have a great time with fellow team members. The support from the National Team is amazing.”

“This is my second year as a Junior and second time to be selected to the National Team,” Kevin Hegarty said. “The experience we had last season was great. The team spirit is always so high. I enjoyed competing at international events with my fellow team members.

“I hope that Laura and I can improve each technical element during this season. At the same time, we hope to polish the flow of our whole performance as an ice dance programme.”

National Team Members (Figure Skating):

Senior Men – Dillon Judge (County Dublin)

Senior Ice Dance  – Carolane Soucisse/Shane Firus (County Wexford)

Junior Women – Sophia Tkacheva (County Wexford), Ciera Turner-Frick (County Cork)

Junior Ice Dance – Laura Hegarty/Kevin Hegarty (County Dublin)

You can learn more about our national team members here.