Meet Romy Davies-Jeans
If you want to remember the simple joys in life, talk to a seven-year-old. If you want to remember the simple joys in skating, talk to Romy Davies-Jeans, a pint-size ice princess hailing from Wales. She's not even double digits yet, yet has a profound sense of diligence, commitment, and ambition. Her perspective on skating is pure and simple: she loves it, she works at it, and sometimes she wins (and gets lots of flowers and teddy bears in the process). Kids are so good at getting right back up after they fall, because unless us corrupted adults, they are positively fearless and fearlessly positive. It's quite refreshing!
But Romy doesn't just love figure skating, she's pretty good at it too. Even ice dance legend Jayne Torvill saw her potential and recommended her for British Ice Skating's Young Stars Development Programme, which will give her the opportunity to take part in special camps, competitions, and coaching to help her become the best skater she can be. Romy was also interviewed for ITV Wales News, is regularly featured on The Ice Capture's Instagram page, and has worked with coaches from the hit skating reality competition show Dancing On Ice. Romy's future is limitless, and we're so excited to see her grow with #TeamGreatBritain. Read on to learn more about this little girl with a big dream!
QUICK FACTS
Age: 7 years old
Hometown: Cardiff, Wales
Country Represented: Great Britain
Skating Club: Cardiff National Ice Skating Club
Discipline: Ladies' Singles, Ice dance
Training Location: Viola Ice Arena in Cardiff, Wales
Coaches: Tracey Keeble, Tim Keeble, Lowri Jones
Boots: Jackson Elle
Blades: Jackson
Video by The Ice Capture
QUESTIONS
Q: Even though you're only seven, you're already so committed to figure skating and work very hard to be your best. What made you want to start skating, and why do you love it so much?
A: I started skating because my sister Hallie started before me, and she said come and join me, and I really enjoyed it! I love ice skating because I make new friends, I go to competitions, and it makes me happy on the ice - even when it's too cold.
Q: Your first-ever competition took place this year at Skate Southern, back in September 2018, and you also competed in Skate Southern in March and Young Stars Sheffield last month. Were you nervous for your first competition, and what thoughts were going through your head when you were out there on the ice?
A I was not nervous because I had done tests before, and I was really excited to do competitions. When I'm out there on the ice, I'm thinking of winning, so I try my very best.
(From L to R): Romy's first steps on the ice at age two, four-year-old Romy with her beloved coach Tracey Keeble (Romy calls her "the best coach EVER")
after her first gala show doing a solo, Romy after
her first-ever national competition in September 2018
Q: As well as competing in freestyle, you've also participated in three ice dance competitions. Right now, what do you like more - singles or dance - and why?
A: I prefer free skating, as I like to do jumps and spins in my programmes. I currently have an A-spin in my programme as well as a head-to-knee sit spin where I can do over eight rotations but sometimes six and sometimes nine. In my free programme, I have the following jumps: loop, flip, and salchow.
Q: It's been a very exciting year - ice dance legend Jayne Torvill talent-spotted you, and now you're included in British Ice Skating's Young Stars Development Squad for the upcoming season. How excited are you for that opportunity, and what does it mean to you to get recognition from THE Jayne Torvill?
A: I'm very happy and excited Jayne Torvill spotted me and I'm in the squad because I can go to camps, learn new skating skills, and improve to become better.
Posing in her brand new Young Stars Development Programme jacket -
as all skaters know, the jacket really makes it official!
Q: As a skater, what do you think your strengths and weaknesses are? A: My strengths are that I'm flexible so I can do a wine glass (heel stretch) really easy, and I love doing gymnastics on the ice and can do a cartwheel on the ice. My weaknesses are my pattern dances, as I need to improve on my timing. Q: Your mum tells me you've been in rehearsals for Ice School of Rock, your club's summer skating gala. What do you love about performing in galas, compared to skating in competitions? A: I like that in galas, I can do anything, and I don't care if I fall - and there are no judges, so I am more relaxed!
Romy skating in a gala to "Fernando" from Mamma Mia 2
Q: When you're not skating, what are some of your favorite things to do or places to go? A: I like to play outside with my friends who live next door. I also like getting a Domino's pizza with cookies. On Tuesdays I go to Brownies, which I really love too.
Q: What is the biggest challenge you've faced with skating so far, and how did you overcome it?
A: My new programme "Chillin' Like a Villain" from the Disney film Descendants 2 was hard at first, but now I'm doing much better. At my last competition, I beat my personal best by two points, and I was really happy!
(From L to R): Romy and her coach Tracey in the kiss & cry, with her medal after competing her pattern dance, and after being interviewed for ITW Wales News
Q: What advice would you give to a young girl who wanted to start figure skating? A: I would tell her that skating's amazing, and I would tell her all about my ice skating club too. It's also good to be able to get back on the ice when you fall and not let it upset you.
Q: What are your proudest accomplishments?
A: Being chosen to be on the Young Stars Great Britain Development Squad for 2019 - 2020 and also qualifying for the British Ice Dance Solo Championships in July!
Romy says, "Last year I entered my first competition at Cardiff National Ice Skating Club called Spin Spiral Jump. I came first, beating all eight, nine,
and ten-year-olds. I was only six!"
LIGHTNING ROUND
Favorite jump?
Lutz - I am just starting to learn this!
If you were a fruit, which one would you be and why?
Pineapple because I would look weird
Favorite place you've traveled to?
Disney World in Florida and Legoland in England
Who is the kindest person you know?
My friend Cerys is the kindest person I know because she doesn't shout and is never mean
Favorite skating dress you've ever worn?
My new one for "Chillin' Like a Villain"
Romy performing her "Chillin' Like a Villain" dance program - her dress has almost as much personality and pizazz as she does!
If you could have any animal as a pet, which one would it be and why?
A lizard because they are so cute. I have a toy one that I made a house for with a play area and an eating place, but I would love a real one.
What other sports would you like to try?
Karate and football
Biggest role model in figure skating?
There is a 16-year-old girl at my rink called Aurora, and she is amazing! When I grow up I want to be just like her.
All-time favorite skating program to watch?
I like watching Dancing on Ice and reading books called Skating School at bedtime
Quote to live by?
Forget glass slippers, this princess wears ice skates!
This is just the beginning for this wide-eyed dreamer!
KEEP UP WITH ROMY
Instagram: @romyskates
YouTube: Romy Skates
Follow Romy on social media to stay up-to-date with her skating progress and all her exciting accomplishments - and go follow her talented 14-year-old sister @hallie_skates on Instagram too!