SKATERS SEEK AUST. TITLE

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32067, 15 August 1969, Page 22

SKATERS SEEK AUST. TITLE

Two Christchurch skaters will fly to Australia today tq compete in the Australian figure-skating championships in Sydney.

The skaters, K. Nicolle, a meteorological officer, and Miss P. Browne, a schoolgirl, Will compete in the pairs competition at the Burwood Ice-rink, in Sydney. They will be accompanied on the trip by Mrs G. Le Comte and her daughter. Mrs Le Comte coaches the pair in Christchurch. Nicolle and Miss Browne, who are the New Zealand pairs figure-skating champions, have been skating together for four years. Miss Browne has been to the Australian championships twice before, although without success.

The Australian championship is being held from August 19 to 22 and the Christchurch pair expect they will be competing on August 20. Mrs Le Comte is accompanying the pair in order to pick up ideas which might be of vaiue to New Zealand figure-skating. It is hoped there will be a reciprocal visit by Australians next year. Nicolle, who competes in athletics in the summer and has had some success in field

events, is also a speed skater, although he has done little this season. He and Miss Browne have been training together since last November, with a short break over Christmas. Whenever possible they skate at Lake Ida. They will have a week in Sydney before the championships begin and intend to spend as much time as possible practising. The two skaters are due back in Christchurch on August 28.