A Grade 11 learner from Reddam House Helderfontein has delivered a strong performance on the international stage, representing South Africa at two figure skating competitions in Europe and securing a podium finish.

Connor Howie (16) competed in the Intermediate Novice Boys singles category at the Black Sea Ice Cup in Bulgaria and the Narcisa Cup in Slovenia, both international events held under International Skating Union regulations. He placed sixth overall in Bulgaria, achieving a personal best result, and followed this with a bronze medal in Slovenia, finishing third overall.

Connor earned his place at international level through strong performances at national competitions, including a gold medal, and by achieving the required qualifying scores. “I started skating after attending a birthday party at an ice rink, and I instantly fell in love with being on the ice,” he says.

Since taking up the sport in 2021, he has progressed rapidly, training at the Central Gauteng Figure Skating Association under coach Dantin Broodryk. “It’s a huge honour. Representing South Africa means that I’m not only skating for myself, but also carrying my country with me onto the ice, which makes the experience incredibly meaningful.”

Connor trains between 10 and 11 hours on the ice each week, supported by additional off-ice conditioning. Alongside the physical demands, he places strong emphasis on mental preparation.

“Mental preparation can either make or break a competition. I focus on breathing, visualisation and staying relaxed so that I don’t overthink,” he explains.

As a Grade 11 student, Connor balances the demands of competitive sport with a critical academic year. It comes down to discipline and managing his time carefully, adapting his focus between school and skating depending on the demands of each period. Reddam House Helderfontein has supported this balance, with teachers providing understanding and flexibility when needed and recognising his achievements along the way.

Brian Armitage, Executive Head of Reddam House Helderfontein, says, “Connor’s achievement reflects the kind of all-round development we value at Reddam House Helderfontein. His commitment to his sport, alongside the way he continues to apply himself academically, speaks to a

level of discipline and maturity that will stand him in good stead beyond the ice rink. We are proud to see him represent South Africa on an international stage and to play a part in supporting that journey.”

Competing internationally has also broadened his perspective on the sport. “In South Africa, the skating community is quite small, so you know your competitors. Internationally, everything is unfamiliar, which shifts your mindset from maintaining a reputation to building one,” he says.

Looking ahead, Connor hopes to build on this experience and continue competing at higher levels internationally, while contributing to growing awareness of figure skating in South Africa.