Cheltzie lee has finished 18th in the short program for the ladies figure skating at the Winter Olympics
February 24, 2010
Hot sports news reports that St.Andrews resident Cheltzie Lee has finished 18th in the short program for the ladies figure skating at the Winter Olympics. Lee recorded a personal best in the event, scoring more than six points higher to come in with a total of 52.16.
She performed to Feeling Good – a Tribute to Michael Bubble and wore a black and blue sequined dress. Channel 9 said Cheltzie Lee started confidently and strongly, nailing her first sequence of jumps. “Very confident and got real speed going into her first spiral sequence,� they said. Australian figure skater Cheltzie Lee has more than justified her late call-up to the Winter Olympics with her best ever short program, earning the 16-year-old a start in Thursday’s free skating.
The Sydney high school student was at one stage third reserve for the Games, but ultimately got the nod to compete in Vancouver three weeks ago when Israeli skater Tamar Katz was withdrawn by her Olympic committee. And Lee took full advantage on Tuesday, showing no nerves to finish the night in 18th spot with a score of 52.16 points.
“I’m thrilled,” she said. “That’s the best score I’ve ever got in my short program and it was pretty good to do it at the Olympics.” Earning the appreciation of locals by skating to music by Canadian Michael Buble, Lee immediately beat the score of another four skaters with a very tidy routine. By the end of competition she was in 18th place and on her way to the next stage of competition. Twenty four skaters qualify for the free skating component. “Ever since I found out about (qualifying) I’ve been training my butt off,” she said.
Coach Kylie Fennell was delighted, particularly as Cheltzie Lee had struggled in other competitions when she’d sought direct qualifying to the Games. “We’ve always known she had it in her, it was a matter of putting it down on the night. We were quietly confident going in,” Fennell said. “Tonight, she even surprised me with (her) maturity and confidence.” Good work all in all. Keep watching more for updated hot sports news.
Posted by Angelia Kates · Filed Under Sports News
