After winning the 2016 national titles, University of Notre Dame student Natalie Fardella and her Cockburn-based Ice Synchro WA team will be competing at the 2017 World Championships in Colorado Springs next month.
The relatively unknown sport combines figure skating, pair skating and cheerleading as teams of between 12 and 16 work together to present formations, spins, lifts and difficult footwork, with points given for technicality, complexity and entertainment.
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Fardella said they were pushing for a top 10 finish and hoped as a junior-level state coach, she could inspire the next generation to pick up the sport ahead of its Winter Olympic debut in Beijing 2022.
“Winning the national championships was a major milestone and a top 10 place at the World Championships will position the Ice Synchro WA team well for a chance to go to the Olympics,” she said.
“Being able to travel the world and represent your country with your best friends is the most rewarding aspect of my sport.
“I have had the opportunity to train and compete in so many beautiful places around the world, which has allowed me to make friends that I will have life.
“I hope to give back to the sport that has provided me with an incredible opportunity to compete on the world stage and hopefully through my coaching role, I can inspire future skaters to achieve their hopes and dreams.”