‘So proud’: Councillors praise Hackney ice skaters after victory in national competition

The Stardust team pose with their coach, Natalie Mercado-Tinker (top left). Photograph: Digital Photo Events

A local ice skating team is celebrating its first ever victory at a national competition – earning praise from Hackney politicians.

Synchronised skating group ‘Stardust’ came out on top against nine other teams in the Beginner’s category at the 2025 Britannia Cup, held at an Olympic-sized rink at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham last weekend.

The team, encompassing 16 children and young people aged 7-21, put in considerable extra hours of practice ahead of the contest — which the group’s coach and parents say was made possible by fundraising efforts and sponsorship from a Clapton launderette.

Natalie Mercado-Tinker, who has led Stardust for 12 years, said she was “over the moon”.

“We were jumping for joy, screaming, crying. This is the first time Stardust have won gold ever — it’s amazing,” she said.

“With such a big age range, you would think that they don’t all get on, but it’s like a mini-family.

“The older ones make sure the little ones have everything they need or are in the right places. They all look after each other.”

She said the extra funding allowed them to double their practice time in the weeks leading up to recent competitions, the cost of which would have otherwise been shouldered by parents.

The team in action. Photograph: Digital Photo Events

Stardust won gold after an 11-point improvement on their previous silver medal performance in 2024’s Skate London Synchro Open, which took place at Lee Valley Ice Centre, where the team practises on Saturday mornings.

Zak Bhad, who runs My Laundress on the corner of Chatsworth Road, previously sponsored the group by £1,000 ahead of the London contest.

An additional £1,000 was raised for the team by organising a sponsored run around the Hackney ice rink, gathering donations from friends and family.

Parent Mary Wagstaff, whose eight-year-old daughter Maebel is one of Stardust’s youngest members, heaped praise on both the team and the “unbelievable” energy at the club.

“I feel very privileged that my little girl has been taken in under the wing of all these very experienced skaters, and she’s part of this incredible team that is working so hard.

“In terms of role models and just general good vibes, it’s the rink and the people and the skaters and the coaches. It’s just the most unbelievable place.”

King’s Park ward councillors Lynne Troughton, Ali Sadek and Sharon Patrick applauded the team’s performances: “Congratulations on your gold medal in the British Synchro Championships and your silver medal in Skate London. What incredible achievements. We are so proud of you.”

On behalf of Lea Bridge’s ward councillors, Cllr Ian Rathbone also saluted Stardust’s “sterling achievement”.

“They deserve all the support there is to give such young people, who are showing how hard work and determination has paid off with a top national award,” he said.

“We are proud of them.”

Hackney was also represented in Nottingham by teams in three other contests: the pre-mixed age Phoenix Gold, who came in sixth, mixed team Aura, who finished fourth, and the advanced adults group Orion, who won bronze.

Stardust is currently gearing up to compete once more at the Steel City Trophy in Sheffield at the end of February, but Ms Mercado-Tinker said they were still in need of support to maintain the level of practice and keep up their momentum.

“It’s a huge expense. The parents are already paying a lot of money because they pay a monthly fee for skating, and they also have private lessons as well.

“So, if we can get funding and I don’t have to ask them for extra money, it’ll be a huge help.”