TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — The 2025 European Figure Skatings Championships, currently taking place from January 28 to February 2, have become not just about athletic prowess but also about mourning. The event commenced amid unprecedented sadness on Thursday, following the tragic collision of an American Airlines jet with an Army helicopter, which claimed the lives of at least 67 individuals, including prominent members of the figure skating community.
Before the highly anticipated pairs free skate, attendees observed a moment of silence honoring the victims of the crash. Gyorgy Elek, representing the International Skatin Union (ISU), conveyed the union's condolences on behalf of President Jae Youl Kim, who was en route to the championship at the time. “Today, the world of figure skating is heartbroken,” Elek stated. “We share our deepest, most sincere condolences with the families and friends of all those who lost their lives in this terrible crash. To lose so many members of our community brings sadness beyond words.”
Despite the heartbreak surrounding the event, the competition continues to showcase remarkable talent. German pair Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin triumphed, winning their first European title with 212.89 points, surpassing Italy's Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii by 5.59 points. Hase and Volodin's win came after they had to recover from early mistakes during their routine.
“After the news from the United States, it was just about having fun today and being aware of how lucky we are to be here,” Hase said after their win, underscoring the poignant atmosphere of the moment.
Earlier on the same day, the men's short program took place, where France's Adam Siao Him Fa aimed for his third consecutive European title. He scored 93.12 points with impressive elements, including a quadruple toeloop-triple toeloop combination and a triple axel. Post-competition, Siao Him Fa expressed his heartfelt thoughts, saying, ”I really wanted to skate this program with all my heart, for the victims, for their loved ones, and for all their families.”
Nika Egadze from Georgia secured second place with 91.94 points, followed closely by Poland's Vladimir Samoilov, who earned 85.98 points. The intensity of competition heightened as the stakes are considerable for these athletes, magnified by the events of the week.
While many champions returned to the ice to reclaim their titles, this year's transition was marked by the absence of last year's champions Lucrezia Beccari and Matteo Guarise of Italy due to Beccari's foot injury. This absence left both the pairs and ice dance categories without defending champions, creating openings for rising competitors.
Also, the women’s event added to the competition excitement. Anastasiia Gubanova of Georgia claimed the leading position with 68.99 points, edging past fellow competitors Niina Petrokina from Estonia and Kimmy Repond from Switzerland. Gubanova, skating to Abba’s “Money, Money, Money,” is seeking to regain her title against formidable rivals.
“The competition is wide open,” Gubanova remarked, noting the opportunity created by the absence of the defending champion. The stakes are high not only for personal glory but also to honor the lost members of the skating community through their performances.
The sentiment of loss permeated the competition grounds, reminding everyone present of the earlier tragedy. Elek stated, “Today, a terrible tragedy has struck the skating world, and I'm sure everyone here will join me in expressing our sympathy for the victims of this catastrophic event.” Each performance served as both competition and memorial, showcasing the resilience of skaters even amid sorrow.
And as the event progresses, athletes and fans alike are left to wonder how the skating community will come together to support one another during this difficult time. The men’s free skate is set for Saturday, February 1, bringing with it the anticipation of not just personal victories but also collective healing.
The European championships will conclude on February 2, but the memory of this week will resonate far beyond the ice. The figure skating world is left reflecting on both the joy and the grief intertwined within their community, ever aware of the thin line between triumph and tragedy.