An inside look at what it takes to become an elite figure skater, from 5am rink mornings to international competition.

Toni Cooke began skating at two years old and went on to represent Great Britain for seven years, competing internationally and medalling at the British Championships. From early mornings on the ice to navigating rankings, testing, funding and judging systems, Toni shares what elite figure skating truly demands.

As the pressure and culture surrounding the sport began to outweigh the joy, Toni made the decision to step away, first into professional ice shows, and eventually into an entirely new chapter in sport.

Today, Toni leads the Women & Girls portfolio for Tennis Australia (QLD), working across gender equity, inclusion and leadership pathways. Her story is one of endurance, adaptability and finding purpose beyond performance.

We explore:
• What training and competition actually look like in elite figure skating
• Why competition is the best form of practice, and why nerves can’t be replicated
• Rankings, testing and international judging systems
• Funding realities and self funded elite pathways
• Culture, comparison and loss of passion in high performance sport
• Turning professional, and walking away
• Building a meaningful career after elite sport

If you’ve ever loved a sport deeply, questioned your place within it, or wondered what comes next when the ice clears, this conversation will resonate.

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