The Australian Artistic Skate team have wrapped up their World Skate Games campaign in Buenos Aires in Argentina.
The 7-strong Australian team, competed in the Senior Men Solo Dance, Senior Ladies Solo Dance, Junior Ladies Solo Dance, Senior Couples Dance, and Senior Ladies Freeskating.
Nigel Foster, the Australian Artistic Team Manager and Deputy Chief de Missions, was blown away not only by his athlete's performances but also by the event itself.
“The organisers have put on an absolutely impressive and world class event for the Artistic part of the competition, in difficult domestic circumstances. It's been exciting to be part of the broader World Skate Games, sharing the experience with other skate sports,” said Foster.
“We're also so pleased to rejoin the world in international competition, critical for the development of our athletes, coaches and the sport overall,” he said.
Foster is excited to see what the future of Artistic Skating holds after the World Skate Games.
"We're excited about the future as the sport grows around the world, with Artistic Skating World Championships in Colombia and Italy coming up in the next two years and many great opportunities on the World Series calendar in 2023," said Foster.
Victorian skater Kara O’Gorman represented Australia in the Junior Ladies Solo dance where she placed 22nd.
“I feel so proud of myself and I’m so happy to finally be able to compete at the World Skate Games. I had nothing to lose but so much to gain,” said Gorman.
O’Gorman’s coach Christine Turner,, was pleased with her athlete's overall performance but believes there is still much room for improvement for the Australian Artistic Skate team.
“Overall the World Skate Games have been fantastic. We have learnt so much and really enjoyed the atmosphere being exposed to the world-class athletes from the top countries,” said Turner.
Rory Armfield (Queensland Artistic Skating) finished 12th in the Senior Men Solo, adding that the World Skate Games was a great learning experience.
“I’ve learnt lots from this WorldGames about the things I’m missing from my routines compared to the top skaters,” said Armfield.
“Still I’m quite proud of my performance and look forward to the future of Artistic skating,” he said.
Armfield’s experience was highlighted by being announced as the Australian team flagbearer, alongside teammate Carmen Bryant (South Australia), who finished 21st in the Senior Ladies Freeskating.
Jodie Johnson-Garufo, Armfield's coach, was blown away by his performance after he hadn't competed on an international level since the World Skate Games in 2019.
“The World Skate Games experience was amazing, the atmosphere from the crowds was electric,” said Johnson-Garufo.
The 2022 World Skate Games were the first roller games for some of our Australian Artistic athletes, such as Caitlyn Glen (QLD), who finished 24th in the Senior Ladies Solo Freedance competition.
“I did my absolute best and I am extremely proud of myself for how far I have come and my routines at the games,” said Glen.
“As this was my first World Games, it was a huge eye opener for me and my skating skills.
“Seeing such brilliant and talented skaters from the live stream of the world roller games is one thing, but seeing it in person is on another level! The speed and presence they brought to the rink were unexplainable,” she said.
Artistic Skater results below
Senior Men Solo Dance
Andrew Beattie 11th
Ruairidh Armfield 12th
Senior Ladies Solo Dance
Caitlyn Glen 24th
Junior Ladies Solo Dance
Kara O’Gorman 22nd
Caitlyn Peck 24th
Senior Couples Dance
Andrew Beattie and Laura Cameron 14th
Senior Ladies Freeskating
Carmen Bryant 21st