One of the UK’s top figure skaters has graduated from the University of Essex with what is thought to be Britain’s only doctorate studying figure skating. 

Diana Entwistle from Chelmsford, who was British Masters Ice Dance Champion in 2007, was awarded a PhD in Sports Science at graduation ceremony in Colchester last month. She completed her studies at the University’s Centre for Sports and Exercise Science.

Her thesis, entitled ‘Aerobic Fitness: Testing and its Impact on Figure Skating Performance,’ looked at options to measure figure specific endurance and its effect on jump performance during a figure skating routine. She is one of only a few figure skaters in the world to have received a PhD for work in this area.

Diana has continued to compete and coach other skaters during her time at the University despite also holding down several jobs to fund her studies. She has worked with top coaches and skaters in the UK and abroad. In addition to her competitive career, she has also recently skated at London fashion week, appeared in numerous ice shows and charity galas, and appeared in television adverts for Dancing on Ice. She regularly writes for professional skating publications and has been featured in a three-page spread on figure skating in the Russian edition of Vogue.

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Notes to editors
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