Constant improvement – that’s the goal of 16-year-old Cheltzie Lee heading into the figure skating competition in Vancouver.

It hasn’t been the traditional Olympic preparation for a figure skater – in fact it was only one week ago that Lee actually found out she would be competing at all.

She was the first reserve to get into the competition – and when a skater ahead of her withdrew, she grabbed her skates and started getting ready.

“I just screamed and jumped around for a while when I heard the news,” Lee admitted.

“Then it hit me how much hard work I had to do and how exciting it all was,” she added.

Lee had been competing in a number of recent tournaments so her fitness was in good shape – but getting her routine down to a perfect level is going to take some tweaking between now and when she competes.

“There are some things Kylie (coach Kylie Fennell) and I will keep working on right up until competition commences,” Cheltzie said.

Thankfully the ladies event is in the second week of the Games.

Lee is looking forward to having a good look around the Village, and the interaction with her fellow competitors in a relaxed environment.

As the third youngest member of the 40 strong Australian team in Vancouver, Lee is a also a symbol of the bright future not only she and her sport can look forward to, but also the Winter Olympic program back in Australia.

Australian team Chef De Mission Ian Chesterman says Lee’s inclusion in the Games team is a great boost for Winter sports.

“We are delighted she’s here and at 16 she has enormous potential for Australia,” Chesterman said.

It has been an amazing journey so far for the Sydney athlete and she certainly hopes there are a few more chapters to tell in her tale over the next fortnight.

Damian Kelly
Team Media Liaison - Vancouver