Success for Ben Shirley at the Figure Skating World Cup

Year 12 student Ben Shirley competed in the Figure Skating World Cup last month in Freiburg, Germany. He skated in the Youth Men's Figure event (16 years old) and came second in the event, a great achievement and good reward for the many hours of determined practice put in by Ben. This is the first time this World Cup has taken place with skaters from 17 countries including Italy, Spain, Colombia, Argentina and Australia at the competition. There were skaters from Germany and the USA in Ben's event. Ben's result was outstanding as it is the highest placing any New Zealander has achieved at a World Roller Sports Championship event.

Ben travelled to Florence, Italy for a week of training with an Italian coach before the competition. He was fortunate to train with the Senior Men's Figure champion who was from Italy while he was there which was very inspiring for him.