Competition has concluded for the cohort of Australians competing at the World Skate Artistic International Series in Trieste, Italy, the second part of a three-event series that also includes stops in Asuncion, Paraguay and San Juan, Argentina.
Queensland pair Quinn Eenick and Sophia Garufo finished the tournament ranked sixth in the world for couples, and their result earned the pair an Oceania wild card entry for the series Final in Argentina later this month.
The experience produced more nerves than usual for 17-year old Garufo, but overall her competition was memorable with lots of lessons learnt.
“I enjoyed reuniting with friends from other countries and making new ones. I also enjoyed the overall experience which gives me more motivation now to train harder to make it to Worlds,” Garufo said.
“Being ranked sixth for couples was unexpected, however it does give us a confidence boost in preparation for the World Championships.
“For me personally, I’m training in Rome and Portugal for a week and a bit to gain further knowledge and then heading back home to train for nationals,” she concluded.
16-year-old Eenick, who was also offered a wildcard entry to Argentina in the solo event, welcomed the opportunity to gain international competition experience.
“While competing in Trieste was very nerve wracking it was a really good experience just to expose ourselves to that kind of environment and let us see where we need to improve,” Eenick said.
“While in the actual competition we came fifth, we automatically thought we would come last in the rankings but when it came out we saw we were sixth and became overjoyed with each other. I think now that the competition is over, lots of hard work and long hours will be put in,” he said.
Earlier in the tournament, Ivy Kerkemeyer opened Australia’s campaign on a high, winning bronze in the Mini Girls Freeskating.
Congratulations to all athletes.
Australian Results – 2023 Artistic International Series, Trieste Italy
Senior Solo Dance
Ladies:
Laura Cameron (WA) 24th
Abbie Glen (Qld) 27th
Men’s:
Andrew Beattie (WA) 12th
Junior Solo Dance
Ladies:
Georgia Hammond (Qld) 14th offered a wild-card to Argentina
Sophia Garufo (Qld) 15th
Mens:
Quinn Eenink (Qld) 11th
Cadets:
Kya Michal Bax (Qld) 24th
Mini Freeskating
Ivy Kerkenmeyer (SA) 3rd
Senior Ladies Freeskating
Shakira Travers (SA) 21st
The Australian Artistic Skate Team consisted of Ivy Kerkenmeyer (SA) Abbie Glen (Qld), Georgia Hammond (Qld), Kya Michal Bax (Qld), Laura Cameron (WA), Shakira Travers (SA), Andrew Beatie (WA), Sophia Garufo (Qld) and Quinn Eenink (Qld)
Photo credit: Raniero Corbeletti