Katarina Witt says East Germany supported her sport

London, Mar 26 (ANI): Katarina Witt says that growing up in East Germany worked in her favour as she didn't have to worry about finances because her sport was supported by the state.

The Olympic gold medallist figure skater is currently on the judge's panel of 'Dancing On Ice'.

"In a lucky way, my sport was very much supported in East Germany and I was able to fulfil my dreams as an athlete. When you reach a certain level, you live in a bubble when all you think, dream and breathe is becoming the best athlete in the world," the Telegraph quoted her as saying.

"I was very grateful because if we'd lived in England I don't think we'd have been able to afford the skates, costumes and choreography whereas in East Germany the sport was free.

"As a teenager, I was fortunate to travel and could see that other countries were more colourful with more things to buy in the stores, but I always wanted to go back home to my family," she said. (ANI)