« I took part in my first international competition: the Richmond Trophy when I was 14 years old.

I finished 14th. Last in compulsory figures, but I ranked 4th in free figure skating. It was open to all hopes. I took 60 points over my main competitor and the 3 first were senior champions in their countries. To raise to their level I then had to work hard on my compulsory figures; I dedicated 3 then 5 hours per training days to them. 5 years later I won the competition 3 times in row. » (Nicole Hassler, oct 1986).

This competition was then considered like the most difficult European competition after the European Championships (Jean-Christophe Berlot, feb-march 1987).