YOUNG stars of the future were in action at the British Short Track Speed Skating Championships at Nottingham Ice Centre, including Inkberrow’s Adam Hill junior who won a gold medal in the Junior E category (Pee Wee 2).
The Redditch-born youngster, whose father Adam also competed in Nottingham at the weekend, took up speed skating with his dad – known as Big Ad – a few years ago and both are Solihull Mohawks members.
After finishing third and second in the previous two years, Adam Jnr was hotly tipped to win his category this time and he did so in style as he won every race across every distance over the weekend.
Adam Snr, who finished tenth in the Masters category, said: “I am so proud of young Adam. His commitment and hard work has really paid off this season and he’s done everything his coach has asked of him.
“Adam trains at the Mohawks Ice Racing Club under the guidance of coach and former Olympian Tom Iveson and I can’t thank Tom enough for turning Adam into a champion.”
The two-day competition featured more than 80 skaters from eight clubs across the UK and categories ranged from Pee Wee through to Masters – with the youngest aged nine and oldest aged 66 – and among that there was further Redditch success in the shape of brothers and Mohawks skaters Antony and Nathan Madkins.
Antony was in the under 13 category (Pee Wee Boys) and raced over three distances of 333m, 500m and 777m respectively. He reached the ‘A’ finals at each distance and finished fourth in both the 333m and 500m and third in the 777m, which gave him an overall fourth place at the championships.
This was a fine performance as he produced personal best times at each of the three distances and now looks forward to next year when he will still be competing in the same age category and hopes to chase that elusive podium position.
Nathan was in the under 11 category and raced over three distances of 222mm, 333m and 500m. He qualified for the ‘C’ finals at each distance and finished second in both the 222m and 500m and third in the 333m, which gave him an overall 11th place at the championship.
He was competing in the British Championships for the first time and, being the youngest but one competitor, gave a good performance to be proud of.
Nathan, who produced a personal best in the 500m, will be eligible for this same age category for the next two years so is confident of moving up the rankings in the future.
