Nina Petrykina etched her name in history on January 31, 2025, by winning the European Figure SkATING Championship held in her home city of Tallinn, Estonia. This extraordinary triumph marks not only her personal victory but also serves as a significant milestone for Estonian figure skating, as she becomes the first skater from her country to claim this prestigious title.
Petrykina, just 20 years old, dazzled the judges and audience alike with her outstanding performance, earning a total score of 208.18 points, which included 68.94 points for her short program and an impressive 139.24 points for her free skate. The win came as no surprise, as she demonstrated incredible grace and skill, overcoming early competition challenges to ascend from second place after the short program to secure the top position.
Her victory came after years of hardships, including a battle with aplastic anemia, a severe condition affecting blood cell production, diagnosed back in 2020. At one point, Petrykina contemplated retirement due to her health issues, but she persevered with treatment and returned to the ice, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Reflecting on her challenges, she shared, "All the difficulties helped me become even stronger; I want to thank my whole team because without them, this would have been impossible," emphasizing the importance of her support system during her recovery.
After her historic win, Petrykina expressed her disbelief and joy, stating, "I simply can’t believe I have gold." Her emotional response highlights not just the triumph of winning but also the culmination of years of dedication and hard work as she pursued her dream of becoming a champion.
Finishing second to Petrykina was Anastasia Gubanova, who previously competed under the Russian flag and is now representing Georgia. Gubanova, who was leading after the short program, finished with 198.61 points. This marked her second consecutive year as the European vice-champion. Rounding out the podium was Belgium's Nina Penzarone, who received 191.44 points, claiming bronze for the second year running.
The impact of Petrykina's victory extends beyond personal achievements; it symbolizes hope and inspiration for many young athletes, particularly those facing health uncertainties. Her victory not only redefines her athletic career but also elevates the status of Estonian sports on the European stage.
This championship was particularly special as it took place on home soil, influencing both competitors and local fans. Petrykina’s accomplishment is now celebrated as not just a personal victory, but also as a defining moment for Estonian sports history, illustrating the potential for greatness within the nation.
Looking forward, Nina Petrykina has expressed aspirations of continuing to compete and representing Estonia on even larger platforms, including the Winter Olympics. With her newfound recognition and determination, there is little doubt she will remain a prominent figure in the world of figure skating for years to come.