Youth Olympic Festival selection 'dream come true'

The youngest member of Team GB at a major international winter sports competition has called her selection a "dream come true".

Figure skater Leilah Patten, 14, is one of 20 young people who will compete at the Bakuriani 2025 Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) from Sunday.

Leilah, from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, started ice skating at the age of five, with the teenager hoping to pursue the sport as a career.

Discussing her trip to Georgia for the event, she said: "I have to pinch myself every day."

She decided to give the sport a go after her family moved to Dubai, with her trainer recognising her early talent on the ice.

"I fell in love and haven't stopped," she said.

She recently took part in the International Skating Union Junior Grand Prix in the Czech Republic, and won gold at the British Figure Skating Championships.

Over 1,600 athletes from 48 countries will be joining her at EYOF.

"I don't really know what to expect, but I'm going to try and deliver what I'm doing in practice and what I've been working hard for," she said.

"There's some high moments, but also some lower moments when I realise what I need to work and improve on."

EYOF will see participants aged between 14-18 take part in 10 events, including alpine skiing, curling, ice hockey and snowboarding.

Speaking about her plans for the future, she said: "I've always dreamed of skating for my whole life, I just want to revolve around skating."

Charlie Burn, Team GB chef de Mission, said: "It will be the first time many of our young athletes experience the Olympic movement and is an invaluable opportunity for them to develop in an international competition of this level.

"Team GB has a great history of youth athletes taking part in an EYOF and going on to become senior Olympians."

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