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:
How creative you can be!

Pippa:
Yes, how creative you can be!

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.

James:
Probably some sort of running, I was on my school’s track team.

Pippa:
I would choose also Latin American Dancing. I love to watch it as it is so passionate!

Phillip:
Also Latin American dancing because 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.

James:
Our friends are really supportive with what we do and they keep up to date with what we are doing. All the time when we come back form competitions they all want to see videos and photos.

Pippa:
I have some really good friends who always support us. Dave is really good and watches us at English 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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