Graduation celebration for Dumfries ice skater focused on going for gold

A student from Dumfries has rediscovered her love of ice skating while studying for a Master of Arts Honours degree at Heriot-Watt University.

Bronwyn Jeffries, 21, started ice skating at the age of four and, after a few years away from competing, took up the sport again after joining the Heriot-Watt University Ice Skating Club.

The journey has already taken Bronwyn back into national championships and in February this year, she won a bronze medal in figure skating at the British Ice Skating Adult National Championships in Sheffield. Bronwyn’s medal was in the competition’s ‘Silver’ category – one of several levels ranging from ‘Pre-Bronze’ up to ‘Masters.’

“Winning a bronze medal in the silver category out of 25 skaters was a huge achievement, and it has motivated me to start preparing for adult gold level next year,” Bronwyn said. “I had skated in synchronised ice-skating championships when I was younger – which is skating as a team of 12 to16 skaters – but never in figure skating.”

Figure skating involves a lot of skill and is very challenging, Bronwyn explained.

“Jumps and spins, in particular, require a lot of strength to get the necessary height and rotations,” she said. “I had only taken part previously in small club-level figure skating competitions.

“But when the Heriot-Watt Ice Skating Club encouraged me to start again, I began training seriously with a coach. It felt amazing to take part this year in the British Adult National Championships, especially since it was a big step up for me after only getting back into skating last September.”

Today Bronwyn will be celebrating again as she graduates from Heriot-Watt with a Master of Arts Honours degree in International Business Management and Languages.

“I feel excited to finally graduate after years of hard work, but also a little sad that it’s gone by so quickly and that I’m now heading into the real working world,” Bronwyn said. “I plan to work in a graduate management role and train to become a manager at an international company.”

But she won’t be giving up ice skating.

“I think ice skating is a lifetime sport that I will always stick with,” she said. “During my studies, figure skating gave me focus and a sense of achievement beyond the classroom.”

Bronwyn’s achievements also include winning a Heriot-Watt Blues Award, which recognises students who have achieved a consistent and exceptional performance in their sport throughout the season.

“Receiving this award really showcased my ability to push myself and achieve the goals I set for the year,” she said. “It felt amazing to know that I had accomplished everything I worked so hard for.”

Bronwyn will be joined at her graduation by her parents and brother.