More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A champion skater from Gravesend has been selected as the face of a national soft drink campaign to promote off-screen, healthy activities for young people.
Juice Burst's #NoNonsenseSkills campaign advert sees Alice Lean, 14, challenge another talented youngster to a 'skills battle', showing off their skating talent in a video intended to inspire other children to share the activities they love to do.
Rochester Grammar School pupil Alice started freelance slalom skating as a sport when she was nine years old, practising on her own in the park - and has gone on to become an international champion in the discipline, competing against skaters of all ages.
Her impressive skills are completely self- taught, and she trains outdoors at the mercy of the British weather in car parks or wherever she can find a smooth surface.
Alice is world ranked 9th in ‘Battle and Speed Slalom’ and 8th in ‘Classic’, having competed in France, Italy and Spain.
“In order to be successful in the world forum I have to be extremely self-disciplined and focused," she said. "Being competitive requires creativity, planning, self-development and research in preparation, along with dedication, persistence and an understanding of the complex competition rules.”
Video: watch Alice at work in a 'skills battle' the #NoNonsenseSkills campaign
Freestyle slalom skating is a highly technical field of skating that involves performing tricks around a straight line of equally spaced cones, and requires fitness, balance and co-ordination.
At a competition level, it also involves formulating an artistic interpretation of a music piece of two minutes’ length, with the challenge of including a required number of tricks which are judges on technical and artistic merit.
“I really enjoy the classic discipline of freestyle skating" she added. "I love competing when I travel abroad, and I get to enjoy international friendships and learn about other cultures.”
Alice has grown up juggling her skating training with her successful academic achievements at school and learning the piano, all with the support of her parents.
Juice Burst's campaign invites children across the UK to showcase their skills by entering the competition on their social media channels.
The goal is to get youngsters focussing on activities that bring them happiness and excitement, and the confidence to share their abilities.
