Ellie Zandra Needham is an 11-year-old figure skater from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, with a Mongolian mother and English father. She began skating at the age of five and, despite a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, has been training consistently since she was seven.
Sheffield boasts a rich figure skating heritage, with iceSheffield hosting numerous major European and world competitions. Notably, the city is set to host the 2026 European Figure Skating Championships at this renowned venue.
Ellie’s inspiration to pursue figure skating stemmed from watching elite skaters perform at Sheffield’s Christmas shows. Her dedication has led her to secure gold and bronze medals at the British Future Stars figure skating competition, along with multiple first-place finishes in her club’s events.
A significant milestone in Ellie’s career was qualifying for the British Championships, where she competed alongside the nation’s top athletes. Her grandparents traveled from Mongolia to support her during this prestigious event. Ellie expressed gratitude towards her coaches, family, and friends for their unwavering support.
Ellie’s six-year-old brother, who began skating at four, shares her passion for the ice. Ellie strives to be a role model for him, fostering a shared enthusiasm for figure skating within their family.
Ellie Zandra Needham exemplifies the fusion of Mongolian and British cultures, bringing a unique flair to the UK’s figure skating scene. Her journey reflects dedication, familial support, and the rich skating tradition of Sheffield.
