Isle of Wight synchronized skating teams added a second national victory to this year’s achievements when the Wight Crystals won the juvenile category at the 2008 British Synchronized Skating RJS National Open and British Championships.

The event took place at Ice Sheffield on Monday 24 March, and two Island teams – the Gems and the Crystals – braved the journey through snowy weather to take part.

The Wight Gems suffered a misfortune on the night before the competition with one team member injuring herself and ultimately pulling out at the very last minute, requiring a reserve to take her place. The Gems came fifth at intermediate level.

The Crystals join the Island’s premier synchro team, the Wight Diamonds, as champions at their respective levels: the Diamonds won at novice level at the IJS event in January.

The Island’s synchronized skating teams are sponsored by Wightlink.

The Wight Crystals are Charlotte Chapman, Daisy Jones, Demi Agar, Felicity Gingras, Isabelle Parkes, Jemma Southwell, Kayleigh Pedley, Kirsty Atter, Leah Hancott, Louisa Wrighton, Lucy Burns, Maggie Read, Mitchell Brown, Nikita Heathfield, Sabrina Danzig, Sarah Close, Tia Daley and Zoe Southwell.

The Wight Gems are Charis Jones, Charlotte Mennie, Demi Agar, Emma Wilks, Francesca Fry, Gemma Fishel, Gemma Marsh, Heather MacDonald, Isabelle Coeshott, Kate Nutbourne, Leah Hancott, Louisa Wrighton, Lucy Burns, Maggie Read, Naomi Hunter, Rachel Dickson, Rhian Teasdale, Sabrina Danzig, Sarah Close and Zoe Southwell.

IW County Press report: www.iwcp.co.uk