Balancing school and sport, Connor Howie achieved a personal best in Bulgaria and a bronze medal in Slovenia.
Image: Supplied
A 16-year-old Johannesburg student is putting South African figure skating on the map after a string of standout performances at European competitions.
Connor Howie, a Grade 11 learner at Reddam House Helderfontein, earned a bronze medal at the Narcisa Cup in Slovenia and achieved a personal best at the Black Sea Ice Cup in Bulgaria, competing in the Intermediate Novice Boys category against international rivals under International Skating Union regulations.
“I started skating after attending a birthday party at an ice rink, and I instantly fell in love with being on the ice,” Connor said. “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 has trained intensively since taking up the sport in 2021, clocking 10 to 11 hours of ice time each week, alongside off-ice conditioning. He also emphasizes 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 explained.
Connor Howie earned a bronze medal at the Narcisa Cup in Slovenia and achieved a personal best at the Black Sea Ice Cup in Bulgaria, representing South Africa on the international stage.
Image: Supplied
Connor Howie earned a bronze medal at the Narcisa Cup in Slovenia and achieved a personal best at the Black Sea Ice Cup in Bulgaria, representing South Africa on the international stage.
Image: Supplied
Balancing high-level sport with academics is no small feat. “As a Grade 11 student, I have to carefully manage my time between school and skating, depending on the demands of each period,” Connor said. His school has supported him throughout, providing flexibility and recognition for his achievements.
Brian Armitage, Executive Head of Reddam House Helderfontein, praised Connor’s discipline: “Connor’s achievement reflects the kind of all-round development we value. His commitment to his sport, alongside the way he continues to apply himself academically, speaks to a level of 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.”
International competition has also offered Connor a new perspective. “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 said.
Looking ahead, Connor hopes to continue competing at higher levels while raising the profile of figure skating in South Africa.