Figure skating: Arrowsmith on target

Monday 20 January 1997 20:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Britain's Jenna Arrowsmith finished 13th in her qualifying group in the European Championships in Paris yesterday, good enough to win her a place in Friday's short programme.

Arrowsmith,16, was skating in Group A, won by Maria Butyrskaya of Russia. The Ukrainian, Elena Liashenko, led the second group of skaters.

Surya Bonaly, France's five times European champion who is competing in her first major competition since suffering an Achilles injury doing acrobatics in May, struggled to qualify in sixth place in Group B.

Bonaly won a place in the French team at the last minute after appealing against her federation's decision to drop her on the grounds that she was not fit.

"I think I can be better when it is more serious," Bonaly said. "I was a bit scared and it was stupid to be scared for this because it was just a qualification. But it was difficult for me to be in good shape for this one. Right now my confidence is only about 60 per cent."

She completed only three triples in her routine, two toe loops and a salchow.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in