Olympic medallist Kye Whyte is ready to take his Dancing on Ice journey to the next level as he returns to the ice in London, inspired by the Winter Olympians in Beijing.
Whyte, who was unable to perform last week on the popular television show due to an injury, will be back this weekend to dance with skating partner Tippy Packward.
And just days after the Opening Ceremony commences the start of the Games on Friday in Beijing, Whyte is more inspired than ever to put on the best display he can.
Whyte, one of over 1,000 athletes funded by the National Lottery for his BMX exploits, said: “Dancing on Ice is unreal. I’m really enjoying my whole experience – the challenge for me is learning something new and trying to get good at it. And I love a challenge!
“I’ve been doing BMX 19 years and I’ve never injured my leg, and I’ve done skating for three months and dislocated my knee!
“It just shows how dangerous it can be, and that’s coming from doing BMX. The skaters do crazy jumps and spins and it’s just two thin blades to land on, or sometimes on one foot, and on hard ice and not protected. But it’s a great sport and I’m enjoying it so much.
“My knee is holding up super well – I can’t wait for this weekend! I was super bummed to miss last weekend. I was really looking forward to it but I’m excited to get back this week and hopefully, impress everyone.
“It’s just a really happy experience and everyone is really enjoying their time.”
Whyte was joined by fellow Olympic cyclist Ed Clancy in wishing the British athlete’s luck at a unique Watch Party of the opening ceremony from Nottingham’s National Ice Centre on Friday.
The Olympic heroes were able to watch young skaters show off their skills on the ice – with Whyte learning a trick or two from the youngsters – and the Peckham-born BMX star is excited to see the professionals take to the ice and the snow in China.
He added: “It’s super exciting to watch the opening ceremony, and as I’m doing figure skating myself at the minute, and I’m here at the National Ice Centre watching these young skaters do it – it’s incredible. I’m so excited to watch the Olympics.
“I can’t wait to see what crazy stuff they’re going to do because in training for Dancing on Ice, I don’t even understand how some of the skills work!
“I love watching the speed skating, and I can’t wait to see Niall Treacy perform. Because I’ve been figure skating, I’m looking forward to watching Natasha McKay in the singles, and Lilah [Fear] and Lewis [Gibson] in the doubles.
“Montell Douglas is super cool – for her to having done sprinting at a Summer Games and then now the bobsleigh is amazing and she must have worked super hard.
“The odds of getting selected for an Olympics are zero to none, so to get selected for two – she’s on the top of her game and I wish her the best of luck.”
While recently retired Clancy may not quite be swapping the bike for the skates, the four-time Olympic medallist is ready to support young British talent at grassroot level, and the incredible athletes at the Winter Games.
He said: “I’m amazed at how many youths are keen to turn up at 6am and come to this wonderful arena, which is funded by UK Sport and The National Lottery. It’s almost like the winter equivalent of a velodrome – a big oval with lots of people whizzing about in Lyra.
“When I look back on my career and my Olympic experiences, I already know it’s the best thing I’m ever going to do, and to go and compete for your country at the highest level, and do something you’re passionate about, and get free kit, and get support – it was the icing on a super nice bit of a cake. And now the Winter athletes will be experiencing that and I’m excited to see the stars on the ice put on a good display.
“I love the bobsleigh and luge, and skeleton in particular – I’ve never understood the concept of using your face as the crumple zone! I love that stuff.
“There’s a talented young girl called Charlotte Bankes in the boardercross and there’s always loads of action in the snowboarding. I love the drama and I’ll be tuning into that.
“For sport, The National Lottery have been massively important. Our Olympic success wouldn’t be possible without them.
“Once Lottery funding started ramping up in 2000, 2004, you saw that shift in British Cycling and other British sports – it enabled us to run arenas and venues, like this skating rink and the Manchester Velodrome, and provide coaches, nutritionists, psychological support so they can perform under pressure on the big day.
“Rewind 20 years ago, you’d have laughed if you thought that we would be one of the highest ranked countries in the medal table for a few Olympics on the trot now. It’s happened and there’s no doubt that Lottery funding has been a huge part of that.”
National Lottery players are one of the biggest supporters of Team GB and ParalympicsGB winter athletes and raise more than £30 m each week for good causes including grassroots and elite sport. Discover the positive impact playing The National Lottery has at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk and get involved by using the hashtag: #TNLAthletes
