In a groundbreaking moment, the European Figure Skating Championships witnessed the world’s first transgender figure skater, Minna-Maaria Antikainen, make their debut. However, it didn’t go quite as planned.
Antikainen, a former Finnish male skater, stumbled and fell during their performance, momentarily derailing their routine. Despite this setback, Antikainen’s journey is remarkable and inspiring.
What sets Antikainen apart is not just their gender identity but also their late entry into competitive figure skating. At the age of forty-nine, after running a farm in Siilinjarvi, Finland, Antikainen decided to pursue their passion for figure skating. Their unconventional path and determination showcase that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.
The Finnish Figure Skating Association recognized Antikainen’s extraordinary journey and gave them the opportunity to perform solo during the opening ceremony. The association aimed to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion in the ice skating world. Unfortunately, nerves got the best of Antikainen during their international debut, leading to the untimely fall.
Antikainen devoted eight years to training on the ice, aiming to become an international transgender figure skating star. Their passion drove them to participate in various skating events both domestically and abroad. However, even with extensive practice and preparation, mistakes can happen, especially under the pressure of performing on a global stage.
Thanks to the swift actions of a female hostess carrying the Finnish flag, Antikainen was able to recover from the fall and continue their performance. This incident demonstrates the resilience and support within the figure skating community, even in the face of unexpected challenges.
The theme of the ISU European Figure Skating Championships’ opening ceremony was “Just be you.” By featuring Antikainen, the event aimed to emphasize their commitment to diversity and inclusion. However, it’s important to note that figure skating still has limitations when it comes to embracing equality. Same-sex pairs and non-binary skaters are not officially recognized in international competitions. Outi Wuorenheimo, the Executive Director of the Finnish Figure Skating Association, expressed hope that every country would work towards creating a more inclusive environment in the field.
Despite the stumble, Antikainen’s story remains significant. Their journey serves as a reminder that the path to success is not always linear, and setbacks can be overcome with determination and support. Let’s celebrate the bravery and perseverance of Minna-Maaria Antikainen, the world’s first transgender figure skater, and continue championing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life.
Watch a clip of Antikainen’s routine in the video below:
