The Manawatū-based duo began their skating journey almost as soon as they could walk. Following in the footsteps of their mum and aunty, who both skated competitively, 20-year-old Jessica and 18-year-old Ben laced up their first pair of skates at just four years old. Their mother, now the head coach of the Manawatū Skating Club, has coached them ever since, guiding them through an already impressive competitive career.
Artistic roller skating is a highly technical and diverse sport that encompasses a range of disciplines, from solo and pair free skating with high-flying jumps and spins, to intricate solo and couples dance routines, precision group events and the precise tracing of circles and loops in figures. The siblings originally competed in couples dance together, but say that while their bond is strong, skating together wasn’t always smooth sailing.
“We’ve grown up skating together as a family activity, but one too many arguments means we don’t skate as a couple anymore! But it’s great that we can travel for skating and make family holidays out of it,” Jessica says.
For Jessica, a defining moment in her skating career came when she claimed her first National Championship title in Solo Dance.
“It’s my favourite skating memory, as I remember feeling so proud of myself. It was the first big milestone in my career.”
Ben says his highlight was placing second in his age category at the 2023 Figure World Cup in Germany, as it gave him the opportunity to travel across the world and train with the Senior Men’s World Champion.
This year, the pair continued to shine on the international stage at the Taiwan Open, representing the Manawatū Skating Club. Jessica earned a bronze medal, while Ben came away with a silver and a gold. They describe the competition as a career highlight, both for the results and the experience of competing at such a high level.
Despite their success, the balancing act of study and sport isn’t easy. Both athletes say their weeks require meticulous planning and plenty of discipline.
“We really have to structure our lives around training and study. It can be a lot, but it’s also rewarding knowing we’re building a future at Massey while competing on an international stage.”
Jessica, now in her third year of a Bachelor of Arts in Education, plans to pursue postgraduate study next year to become a fully qualified primary school teacher. With seven years of experience teaching dance and coaching young skaters, her passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom.
“I love helping kids learn and have always wanted to be a teacher. The biggest challenge is juggling everything: assignments, competitions, coaching, training and work. But I’ve found my rhythm and am enjoying my study journey.”
Ben, who started his Bachelor of Accountancy this year, says the degree is a natural fit.
“I really enjoyed accounting and economics in high school. I chose Massey as it’s the only New Zealand university that offers this degree. Plus, their Academy of Sport programme was a huge drawcard.”
The Academy of Sport has played a role in supporting the siblings’ dual careers, with the programme offering tailored assistance to help elite athletes balance study alongside training and international travel. From academic planning and flexible study arrangements to extra resources and community support, the programme enables student athletes to excel in both sport and study.
Next up for the siblings is the 2025 New Zealand Artistic Roller Skating Championships, set to take place in Blenheim. Both are hopeful they’ll earn spots on the national team to compete at the Oceania Championships in Brisbane, and Ben has his sights on trialling for the World Championships team later this year.
Amid the whirlwind of study, training and competition, Jessica and Ben credit their love of skating, and their support for one another, for keeping them grounded as they pursue success on the international stage.
Learn about the Academy of Sport programme.
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