By NICOLE VALICEK
Courtney Reid is a rising ice skating star. 109688 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
NINE-year-old Courtney Reid is a rising star on ice, and when she puts on her skates it’s clear to see why.
The Williamstown resident recently competed and placed first in the 2013 Victorian Skate Figure Skating Championships.
Courtney started skating at the Medibank Ice House three years ago along with her two brothers who all enjoy activities on the ice.
Mum Pam, who enjoyed ice skating as a girl, said for someone with a petite frame she picked it up much quicker than most people her size.
“Everyone took notice of her because she was so tiny. She liked that attention,” Pam said.
Courtney progressed through the Icehouse’s skate school program before moving to rising stars and synchronised skating. She has attended the Lifestyle for Kids dance school in Williamstown North since the age of four, and started competing on the ice two years ago.
“You really see now when she competes she has a very pretty way of holding her hands and body and that’s come through dance.”
Courtney competed in her first competition in September 2011 and placed first in her division.
She competes in both the artistic and technical programs and is part of a synchronised skating team of 12.
“She really, really loves it, you see her face change when she’s skating,” Pam said.
“She feels because she can do it so well it gives her self-confidence. I can’t see her giving it up.”
Courtney said she enjoys being with her friends and hopes to make the nationals over the next two years.
A career highlight included a 10-minute pre-show performance in a group of 20 as part of Disney on Ice, which she auditioned for in July.
“It was really fun and exciting,” Courtney said.
