Interview with the British Icedancers James and Phillip and their Towler-Green girls
Part III
by
Helga Dobor
Photos © Helga
Dobor
What do you like most in skating?
Pippa:
Traveling, meeting people, performing.
Phillip: Performing, training and meeting people.
Candi: We also both love the travelling part the most.
You get to see so many different countries and cultures, and
you get to meet other skaters from around the world. It is
definitely the best part!
And what is the best thing about ice-dancing?
Candi: The way you can express yourself! |
James
and Pippa Ondrej Nepela Memorial 2004 |
How would you describe figure skating with one word?
Candi and James: FUN!
Pippa: Hard work hahaha.
Phillip: Brilliant.
Would you describe yourselves with some words?
Pippa: Bubbly, loving, and determined.
Phillip: Determined, caring and sensitive.
Candi: I would say fun, giggly, likes to talk too much,
occasionally crazy.
James: I would have to say charming, also likes to talk
to much, sensitive.
How does the reaction of the audience affect you? What is your connection with your fans?
James:
It is always good to have audience support! When we hear people
cheering for us it gives a little confidence boost to know
that somebody is enjoying what we are doing! At the National
Championships we had a very long wait until they announced
us. We were on the ice for around five minutes before the
previous couple’s marks went up. And while we were waiting
lots of people were and cheering for us, in a way it helped
us to prepare for the performance, because it stopped us from
getting nervous about waiting around so long.
Pippa: We had great support at the British Championships.
It makes you want to skate well. We won the peoples favourite
award too. At the end of the championship the audience vote
for their favorite programme and we won this year. We were
so pleased.
And how do your families support your skating? What do you do to assure the necessary funding for your training? Work, study?
Candi: My Mother and my Grandmother support my sister
and I a great deal. I also have got a job in a local supermarket
four days a week, and I also work in the reception of our
ice rink two days a week for some extra money to support my
career.
Pippa: Yes my mum and nan are great and they really
understand. Well they have already been through it all before.
I teach part time at our ice rink. Mainly little kids, they
are so cute!!! i finished school with good exam results. But
I decided to put all my work into skating.
James: My dad helps me out a lot but I also have a job
in our local supermarket and I also work in the ice rink too.
Phillip: The lady I live with, Valerie supports me a
lot. My mum, brother Darren are also very supportive towards
my skating. Diane is great to me as well. And I teach at an
ice rink in North London, Alexandra Palace.
Which
type of blades and boots do you skate with?
Candi: We skate on M.K. Dance Blades and we have W.I.F.A.
boots. They are made to measure so they are so comfortable
just like my slippers.
Pippa: We also have M.K. Dance Blades which were actually designed by our uncle, and W.I.F.A. boots which I find ideal for ice dance.
 Candi and James Oberstdorf 2004 |
If you didn’t skate, which sport/hobby would you choose to do and why?
Candi: Latin American Dancing! I love to dance. |
What do you do to relax when you are not skating?
Pippa:
Go shopping or more shopping and walking our dogs
Candi: Watch TV or taking our dogs for a walk - we have
five.
Phillip: Shopping,watch tv and listen to music.
James: Sleeping as much as I can.
Which is your favourite country/place and why?
Phillip: I think Germany, Oberstdorf because it's
a lovely place and I have been there many times.
Pippa: I have got lots of favourite places like Italy,
Israel were the best because the people were so nice. We had
a great time and they are both beautiful places.
James: We both loved Israel, it was such an experience
to go there! It was our first Senior International, we also
got to meet Galit Chait and Sergei Sakhnovky when we were
there - so it was an extra bonus.
What are the most important treasures in your life?
James: The number plate on my car! My dad got it
especially for my 21st Birthday and it spells out my name.
Candi: My family and my friends and a Necklace that I
wear everytime I skate.
Pippa: A necklace I have had since I was Christened.
It is a gold skating boot and a cross. I wear it every time
I skate.
Do your non-skating friends follow your career? Do they watch your competitions? Phillip:
I have some really good friends who always support us
at National and International competitions. |
Pippa and Phillip British Nationals 2004 |
How would you spend £5000?
Pippa: Skating Costumes and skating.
Phillip: Skating.
James: Probably on something to do with skating.
Do you use computers? If so, for what ?
Pippa: Yes, for talking on MSN, and AOL buddy.
Phillip: Mainly for email and to look at skating results.
James: I go online to talk to friends.
Candi: I am always in trouble for being on the computer
too much! I am talking to my skating friends from abroad when
I am online and I look at skating websites like Absolute Skating.
Thank you for taking time to answer our questions!
We are looking forward to seeing you skate in competitions
this, and next season! We wish you all the best. Would you
like to share anything with your fans?
Thank you to everyone that has been supporting us through the season! You have all been great and you have all really helped us!!!!!!!
 Pippa and Phillip Ondrej Nepela Memorial 2004 |
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