Around the Ice in Eighty Years: An irreverent Memoir by an Accidental Champion

Ice Dance legend Courtney Jones, OBE, tells the amazing story of his rise to fame as a World Champion skater, his life as a fashion designer and creator of Jayne Torvill & Christopher Dean’s iconic ‘Bolero’ costumes, and his long, distinguished career as a globe-trotting judge, referee, and senior official of British and international ice skating governing bodies.
Rich with pearls of wisdom, gems of skating history and gossip, and studded with titbits from fellow ice stars, this deliciously witty and moving memoir will delight skating fans and general readers alike.
‘Whilst Courtney Jones’ skating career is etched with gold medals, his career away from the ice, and how it all came to be, makes a fascinating and engaging read’ Robin Cousins, MBE, President of British Ice Skating (BIS) and 1980 Olympic Men’s Singles Champion
‘Courtney Jones has worked tirelessly as an ambassador and advocate for ice dancing for most of his life. As you read his honest and warm account, we hope that you will find it as inspiring as we have’ Christopher Dean, OBE, and Jayne Torvill, OBE, 1984 Olympic Ice Dance Champions
‘An insightful look into the two worlds of ice skating and fashion design, through the eyes of a man able to merge them both successfully’ Elaine Hooper, BIS historian
‘This entertaining book is an absorbing, forthright insight into the man behind the World Champion’ Peter Morrissey, former General Secretary of the National Skating Association and author of DK Superguide – Ice Skating