European Figure Skating Championships: Men’s and Ice Dance Free Programs
The upcoming European Figure Skating Championships promise to showcase British talent in both men’s and ice dance free programs. Taking place in Sheffield, this event allows the Team GB skaters to gain experience ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Key British Competitors
All eight members of the Team GB figure skating squad will compete in Sheffield. While expectations for medals may primarily rest on a few standout skaters, there are numerous interesting stories to follow.
Men’s Singles
- Edward Appleby: The sole British male in singles events, Appleby is a three-time national champion at just 21 years old. He has been recognized as an emerging talent globally, finishing ninth at the 2024 World Junior Figure Skating Championships held in Taiwan.
Women’s Singles
- Nina Povey: From Nottingham, Povey doubles as a figure skating costume designer. She is one of two British entrants in the women’s singles event.
- Kristen Spours: Having skated since the age of six, Spours has overcome a spinal injury to reclaim her place at the Olympic level.
Pairs Competition
In pairs, Great Britain is represented by Anastasia Vaipan-Law and Luke Digby. This duo, who began competing together in 2019, has quickly established themselves as five-time British national champions. They recently placed fifth at the 2025 European Championships held in Tallinn, Estonia, and are set to make their Olympic debuts in Milan, positioning themselves as a strong outside chance for a medal in Sheffield.
Ice Dance
- Phebe Bekker and James Hernandez: Aged 20 and 24 respectively, this duo is also preparing for the Olympics. They achieved a fourth-place finish at the Junior World Figure Skating Championships in 2023.
The European Figure Skating Championships not only showcase current talent but also serve as a crucial stepping stone for British skaters heading into the 2026 Winter Olympics.
