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Inverness teenager (17) battles through injury to be crowned one of the world’s best Highland dancers





Lily Kelman at the competition.
Lily Kelman at the competition.

A 17-year-old girl from Inverness is amongst the best Highland dancers in the world.

Lily Kelman, from Dalneigh, took part in the World Championships at the Cowal Highland Gathering over the weekend — taking third place in the Highland Fling.

This is not a first for Lily who was crowned juvenile world champion at the Gathering in 2022.

Speaking about the competition Lily, said: “It’s an amazing experience, especially in the final. It’s a different atmosphere to any other competition.

Lily Kelman performing.
Lily Kelman performing.

“To dance on the boards is just amazing and a big achievement.”

However, this weekend’s success was not plane sailing for Lily, who battled an excruciating injury when competing.

Lily said: “I did my first dance and when I went on to the second one, I just felt sharp pains in my calves and achilles.

“I didn’t want to stop so I finished all the dances but was in a lot of pain at the end.”

Lily was taken to A&E after the competition where it was found she had a severely torn muscle.

She now plans to rest her leg for a while but she is focused on her next venture — opening her very own Highland dancing school.

Speaking about this she said: “We have a studio in our back garden so we are going to start there and just see what the demand is like.

Lily Kelman performing.
Lily Kelman performing.

“Highland dancing is great, as you’re able to meet so many people from all over the world, and get to travel to places such as Canada and the USA for competitions. It’s also so good for keeping active and having fun.”

Lily’s mum, Yvonne Kelman added: “Lily was amazing up on the World Cowal boards and showed huge amounts of grit and determination to finish all four dances.

“She was brave and a true champion to carry on. Lily is a role model to all dancers showing character and courage at such an important competition. The dance community has a lot of admiration for Lily and is wishing her a speedy recovery.”


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