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Holly Elston clinched an impressive second-place finish, earning her a silver medal at the SA Figure Skating Association – Central Gauteng Rising Stars Competition 2025.
When she stepped onto the ice as the first performer, the pressure was intense. The 10-year-old from Brescia House School had moved up to a tougher category and was opening the show with an intimidating combination even for seasoned athletes.
But Holly did not flinch. Instead, she delivered one of her strongest performances yet, landing her in second place and earning silver in the U12 division held on July 27 at Forest Hill Ice Rink in Centurion.
“It was scary to go first,” Holly said. “But I just told myself to breathe, focus, and enjoy it. I’ve worked hard, so I just had to trust what I’ve practised.”
That mindset, steady, focused, and driven by joy, is what defines Holly’s skating journey.
Holly’s skating journey began just before her fifth birthday, when her parents signed her up for the Learn to Skate Academy at Northgate Ice Rink. From the very first lesson, she was hooked. “From the first lesson, I loved it. I didn’t want to leave the ice.”
Now, five years later, she’s not only improving in her sport, but also learning how to balance her skating dreams with school and a long list of hobbies, including drawing, playing piano, hockey, reading, dancing, and spending time with her loved ones.
“It is sometimes quite hard to do, but I love skating, so I do my best to fit it all in. I usually try to do my schoolwork earlier in the week so I can manage the practices and competitions.”
To prepare for Rising Stars, Holly trained closely with her coach, national figure skating coach Taryn Nicholls, to select new music and choreograph a routine tailored to her style.
“It takes a few months to build a new programme. We focus on the steps, the timing, and making it fun to perform.”
What are her favourite elements? “Upright spins and spirals,” she said. “They’re so pretty when they work, but it takes a lot of practice to get them right.
“My coach always tells me to never give up and to keep my head held high. She is always supportive of my skating. Her motto is: Everyone falls… all that matters is that you get back up again and never give up on your dream. Believe in yourself. Your feet can learn the steps, but only your heart can skate them…have fun and love what you do always.”
After last year’s bronze finish, moving up to silver this year felt like a milestone. “I was proud. It’s not just about the medal, it’s knowing I’ve improved.”
But her success, she emphasises, is a team effort. “My parents are amazing. They take me to all my practices, wait while I skate, and help with everything from my outfits to making sure I’m okay after a fall. I couldn’t do this without them.
“I would love to skate in the SA National Figure Skating Championships and be the best skater I can be. I would also love to go to the Winter Olympics, even though I know that’s hard to accomplish.”
And when the days get tough, Holly just tells herself that she can do anything she sets her mind to. “Mostly, I find it hard when I am tired from a long school day, but I love skating, so it’s worth it.”
If she ever takes a break from skating, Holly already has a list of other passions to explore. “I’d love to try ice hockey, speed skating and volleyball. And I would love to take special art classes to improve my drawing skills.”
Issued on Sandton Chronicle by Xoliswa Zakwe. | https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/news-headlines/local-news/2025/08/13/holly-elston-dazzles-with-silver-at-rising-stars-skating-competition/
