12-year-old from Wirral wins silver at British Ice Dance Championships

Liza Dawson, from Wallasey, started ice skating when she was six years old with her family on Saturdays.

Her coaches, Ryan Southan and Pam Richardson of Deeside Ice Arena spotted a talent in Liza and she began one-to-one training and coaching.

Throughout the pandemic, with the ice rinks closed, Liza continued to practice her ice skating by doing 'off-ice skating' on basketball courts and roads.

In 2019, Liza competed in her first competition at beginner level, and since she has competed in competitions in Aberdeen, Sheffield and Blackburn to qualify for the top 25 skaters who were given the opportunity to compete in the British Championships.

Liza ice skating (Image: Joanne Dawson)

Last week (Tuesday, July 11) Liza competed at the British Solo Ice Dance Championships in the Basic Novice category supported by her trainer and family.

Liza performed a Pattern Dance which follows strict sequences and steps, which she came third in and then she performed her Free Dance which she came second in.

Speaking to the Globe about her success, Liza's mum, Joanne Dawson said: "It's exciting but terrifying watching her."

Out of 20 participants, Liza came second, winning silver.

Liza getting her medal (Image: Joanne Dawson)

Joanne added: "We are absolutely thrilled and delighted for her. It was a very hard battle.

"She went into the British Championships ranked as seventh so there were a lot of skaters who were quite strong but she got there and we're so proud of her."

Liza is now back to training four times a week, learning new routines, to be able to enter the intermediate level in her next competition.