Sophie Baker: “I began artistic roller skating at the age of three”

Over £100,000 is set to be distributed to 23 local athletes as part of a new performance scheme helping islanders to excel in their chosen sport.

Jersey Sport this month announced that a total of £103,500 has been allocated to allow the athletes – who compete in 11 different sports – to access professional development workshops on the Performance Sport Programme.

One of the athletes set to benefit from the scheme is 18-year-old Sophie Baker, who is studying for her A levels at Beaulieu while continuing her artistic roller skating career in British championships.

Express sat down with the sixth form student to chat about her sporting ambitions, and how the new funding programme will help her to achieve them…

Can you tell us about your sporting journey so far?

I began artistic roller skating at the age of three.

I started competing at British championships at age eight and have done so every year since.

During that time, I’ve won vice champion twice and bronze once.

I was first selected to represent Great Britain in France at the age of 11 and have since then had several further opportunities to be part of the GB squad, including twice for the Cup of Europe.

Did you expect to get this far in your sport?

A high point in my skating journey I did not expect to experience was being selected to represent Great Britain in the World Cup – something I had dreamed of achieving but never thought could be possible.

What do you love about your sport?

One thing I love about my sport is the freedom it gives me to escape any pressures I experience in academics and personal life.

It provides me a balance in life that I find very important.

How do you feel about being chosen to benefit from the Performance Sport Programme?

Being part of the Performance Sport Programme allows me to further my sporting journey, by being able to go to World Skate and GB, run training seminars and enter competitive events further afield, if I am successfully selected, which I am extremely grateful for.

The programme also highlights the niche sport to hopefully encourage others to try it and see how amazing it is!

What is your sporting dream?

My sporting dream is to continue representing Great Britain, and I aspire to compete at European Championships or maybe World events. One day, I want to share my sport with my own family.