Why Spring Farm girl speeds her way to gold medal win

Tiffany Mynott first strapped on a pair of skates at just four and a half years old and she has never looked back.

The 10-year-old Spring Farm girl recently won five gold medals and the juvenile state title at the NSW Speed Skating Championships.

Tiffany said she was delighted with the win.

“It felt really good because I had achieved something better than the last time I competed there,” she said.

“Last year I won five bronze medals and this year I won five gold.”

The Spring Farm Public School student trains for more than five hours, three times a week.

She hopes to follow in her father, Stephen’s footsteps.

Mr Mynott won an Australian title last year.

“My neighbours had a birthday party at a skating rink and I really loved it so my dad took me to a speed skating session and I enjoyed that even more,” Tiffany said.

“I love the feeling of going fast, the wind against my face – it’s a really good feeling.”

Tiffany said she used to get nervous before an event.

“I was really scared but then I had a big fall and I am much-less scared after that,” she said.

The avid skater encouraged other people to pop on some skates and give the sport a try.

“I have made a lot of really close friends and that is one of the best things about the sport,” she said.

“It’s a lot of fun and I recommend it to others.

“Beginners have too work hard but if you put in a bit of energy and time you will get a lot faster.

“I hope more people join the sport so that they can enjoy it as well.”

Tiffany will fly to Brisbane in January to compete for the Australian speed skating title.

She said she was nervous to compete at the prestigious event.