Gold for Goulden after whirlwind seven-month skating journey

Lauren Goulden has certainly taken to the ice. The 22-year-old from Cantley in Doncaster only started skating in January and is now celebrating a gold medal in a Spin, Spiral, Jump (SSJ) competition in Sheffield.

She spotted that adult beginners’ lessons were taking place at Doncaster Dome and plucked up the courage to join in.

Lauren said: “I took my first skating lesson in January 2026 in the adult beginner group. I was at The Dome often as a kid, but I’d never had the confidence to start lessons, then at 22 I wanted to do something for myself that would be good for me, but that I’d actually enjoy.

“I was so nervous beforehand. But two days after my first lesson I bought my very own pair of skates. I’ve not looked back!

“In my group lessons I made friends and found myself improving a massive amount and I soon began having lessons with one of the coaches, Millie Paterson, who has been amazing.

“I’ve now passed my Bronze Figure Skating test so in seven months I have progressed through Skate UK levels 1-8 and achieved bronze, I am now working at silver level!”

Lauren spoke to her coach about trying out a competition and Millie created a programme with her and helped her to build her confidence ready to take part.

“Millie created a beautiful programme with me and everyone at the rink was supportive and excited for me. I can’t believe that I won a gold medal in my bronze category at the SSJ competition in Sheffield. It was a real wow moment.

“I got so many congratulations back in Doncaster from staff and other skaters. As happy as I am for the gold medal, I am just so happy that I have found something I am passionate about and that I love. I’ve been given so much support, encouragement and praise from my coach, the staff and the friends I’ve made. Picking up those skates was the best decision I’ve made.

“The Dome has started to feel like my second home and if anyone is thinking about starting lessons, or just coming for fun, I couldn’t recommend anywhere better,” added Lauren.

Skating lessons at Doncaster Dome are based on the Skate UK-recognised Learn to Skate programme, starting at level 1 and progressing to level 8. The team now offer both figure skating and ice dance, with the hope of expanding even further in the future.

Millie Paterson, ice skating coach at Doncaster Dome, said: “Lauren’s story is incredible. We just love it when someone takes to the ice and falls in love with skating in the way that she has.

“We are all so proud of her achievements so far and with such incredible progress in just seven months, who knows what she’ll achieve next.”

To find out more about skating lessons at Doncaster Dome visit Doncaster Dome skating lessons