British ice dancers Phebe Bekker and James Hernandez have said that their debut at the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina next month will be mentally easier than the home European Championships they just completed in Sheffield. The pair finished 11th at the Europeans, recording a season's best with their free dance to the Romeo and Juliet soundtrack at the Utilita Arena.
“I think the Olympics will be easier than this Europeans mentally!” Bekker, 20, told The Independent. “We left everything out on the ice and we'll definitely have to recharge and make sure that we fully recover from this competition, because we want to go into the Olympics with a completely fresh mindset.”
The duo, now in their fifth season skating together, described the home crowd support as “on a different level”. Hernandez said it was “probably my favourite skating experience in a competitive environment”. Bekker added: “The whole crowd was there with us in our skate and it was like no matter what we did, we were in it all together.”
Both skaters reflected on their journey to the Olympics. Bekker admitted there were times growing up when she doubted it was possible. Hernandez said his younger self “would be really proud that I've made so many choices in my skating career that has led to this moment”. He added: “I'm just really proud of all the choices that I think I've made along the way that have led to getting to wear this kit.”
