Fastening a pair of pink plastic skates to their five-year-old daughters’ trainers, world championships and Team GB were no the first things that came to mind for Emma Thiele's parents.

Now the 18-year-old from  Whitefield, is making an incredible journey to Argentina to compete in the Junior World Roller Skating championships.

The former Holy Cross College pupil, who has travelled the world as a result of her impressive talent, has already been to Italy, Andorra and Buenos Aires this year alone.

Bury Times: Emma Thiele, 18, from WhitefieldEmma Thiele, 18, from Whitefield (Image: Public)

Speaking about how far she has come, Emma said: “I first got into it when I was about five years old.

“My nana bought me a pair of plastic pink skates that you put on the bottom of your shoes to just go up and down the street in and I would never take them off.

“I started begging my dad to take me to lessons and we found the club I’m currently at.

“We began going there once a week and I think they thought it would stay as a hobby until it became an extra session here and there, then my 1st competition and now the world champions ship.”

Bury Times: Emma Thiele, 18, from WhitefieldEmma Thiele, 18, from Whitefield (Image: Public)

Emma, who goes to Bolton Artistic Roller Skating Club, owned by Nina Asquith, said she is extremely excited after training so hard but is still feeling the nerves.

Nina, who has been coaching Emma since six years old, said: “I’m very proud that Emma has reached the World Championships, having taught her since she was six, it’s a proud moment.

“Emma is raising money to pay for the flights, accommodation, food and other expenses, by selling homemade products helped by our senior dance girls but unfortunately her parents could not afford to pay for me to go as her coach."

Bury Times: Emma Thiele, 18, from WhitefieldEmma Thiele, 18, from Whitefield (Image: Public)

“I set up Bolton ARSC in 2004, primarily for my daughter who had previously won the Cup of Europe for three years, that was the starting point of our club."

Having been at the club for most of her life, Emma said: “I love it and so do my mum and dad, it has taken me to so many places and brought me so many opportunities.

“We have a British Championships every year which is our main competition, and I won the junior British Championships which our national selection is based on.

“I have also just finished college and I am taking a year out before I decide what I’m doing at university, I’m currently between physio and midwifery.

Bury Times: Emma Thiele, 18, from WhitefieldEmma Thiele, 18, from Whitefield (Image: Public)

“It’s hard to balance it but it’s so worth it, I’m currently at a junior standard and next year I’ll be senior but I’ve come this far so I definitely want to carry on even at university.”
Despite her numerous national achievements, the low profile of the sport in the public eye means Emma is constantly answering the same questions when she tells people about it.

She said: “The first question people ask me is ‘what’s that’, and then, ‘is that like ice-skating’!

“It’s because it isn’t a well-known sport but we are trying to promote it and get more people into it”

Speaking about the club, Nina said: “This year we had two skaters Jessica Heyes and Emma represent GB at Europeans in Andorra, Spain, which I was able to go to, then at the Cup of Europe Jessica skated two age categories up with her partner Thomas Ashworth.

Bury Times: Emma Thiele, 18, from WhitefieldEmma Thiele, 18, from Whitefield (Image: Public)

“They were fantastic and were presented with 3rd place.

“That week, two of my senior skaters skated solo dance, Holly Ryle and Georgia Hargreaves, both placing in the top 10, this was again a fantastic achievement in Holland.

“Again, I didn’t go as a coach as it would have been too expensive for them as I would have had to be there for 7 nights.

“Luckily we have a fantastic GB Dance team coaching panel, of which I am currently Deputy Head of Dance, who were able to look after my skaters.

Bury Times: Emma Thiele, 18, from WhitefieldEmma Thiele, 18, from Whitefield (Image: Public)

“Currently in the club, there are around 34 skaters, with 27 competing each year in British Championships, the other seven being novices or waiting to be at the right level to compete.”

Unfortunately for those wanting to join, the club is currently full however there is a waiting list for any eager skaters.

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