In 1890 there was (due to the invention of a four wheeled skate with ball bearings) a boon in Roller Skating that became known as "rincomania". Everybody wanted to skate and a huge London rink opened for business at the building, as we know today as Olympia it having a skating area some 68,000 sq. ft.

Since that time roller-skating has ebbed and flowed through various boons and fashions for best part of 100 years. Throughout that time the "sport" of roller-skating has continued to exist, although at times it has suffered almost to extinction as the fashions changed. Nevertheless, since it was formally organised by the then National Skating Association in 1893 the sport has existed and has been overseen by descendants of that organisation ever since.

Today, artistic roller-skating is still a much underrated activity, has lived in the shadow of ice-skating and has in Gt. Britain not been able to attract the media and sponsorship support. It is now organised by the Federation of Artistic Roller Skating, which is a direct, descendent of the NSA and that organisation is still an associated body.

Roller skating as the reader will know can be great fun, particularly via all the local clubs that exist, it is possible to follow a sport which can provide both a range of proficiency tests and a very full programme of competitions leading to British, European and World Championships.

The format is very similar to ice skating with the overall participation being divided into figure and free skating, dance skating and pair skating. Whilst the sport generally is considered a low profile in the U.K., internationally it enjoys a very large following. There are some 27 nations participating at world level and in some countries is regarded as a major sport with considerable financial support.

Over the years Great Britain has contributed to the development of the sport, a number of British skaters have made their mark by winning World and European Championships and numerous place medals in the events over the years. There is a very busy international programme catering for all standards and ages, most events are supported by the Federation of Artistic Roller Skating. Teams are sent to compete in particular within the European circuit.

The domestic programme is sometimes very congested due to the vast number of local clubs organising open events, as a result the competition is enormous and it might be said that the would be future champion may have to be very selective in their choice of events.

Coaching also comes under the control of the Federation with active teachers registered, tested and reviewed as to their ability. Regular training courses are organised with at least two major coaching seminars held in Europe a year. It is a fact that in recent years the British skaters have not enjoyed the success that their predecessors achieved, in many cases this could be attributed to lack of reasonable facilities, and a considerable lack of financial support. There is also the fact that other wealthy nations have been able to invest in concentrated training programmes, to in the end, find world recognition and success.

Whatever the thoughts, few sports can boast of such a long existence, survived the many set backs and from time to time enjoyed considerable popularity and sponsorships. If you are a sports person its worth looking at as a fun and family participation sport with considerable rewards.