Australian young gun Cheltzie Lee has finished in 20th place in the figure skating competition at the Pacific Coliseum.

Lee performed an exciting routine to the soundtrack of 'Elizabeth - the Golden Age', executing her jumps and turns to score 86.00. Her performance was only slightly marred by a minor stumble near the end of her routine.

Her overall score of 138.16 was a personal best, and her score in the free routine was a personal best away from Australia, pleasing both the 16 year old and her coach Kylie Fennell.

“I was really very nervous all day today,” Lee said. “I had that little stumble at the end but I knew I just had to get straight back up and I was really proud of how I coped with it.

For Lee, the whole Olympic experience was amazing.

“It’s been the experience of a lifetime. I’m going to use this as a springboard for the rest of my career, starting with the Worlds in March.”

Not surprisingly, the gold medal was won by the competition superstar and prohibitive favourite Yu-Na Kim of Korea, with a stunning performance that brought the packed crowd to their feet begging for more. Her overall score was a staggering 228.56, securing gold by an unprecedented 23 points.

Japanese superstar Mao Asada was second with a score of  205.50 and local favourite Joannie Rochette, who lost her mother just 5 days ago put in a stoic and brave performance to claim the bronze medal with a score of 202.64.

David Polglase
AOC - Vancouver