Minna-Maaria Antikainen, the world’s first transgender figure skater, encountered a setback during her debut at the European Figure Skating Championships in Finland. Formerly known as Markku-Pekka Antikainen, she transitioned to a woman and took up figure skating at the age of 49.

During the opening ceremony, she stumbled and fell just seconds into her performance but was promptly assisted by a female hostess carrying the Finnish flag. Despite this setback, Antikainen had devoted eight years to training, practicing five hours a week, and participating in other skating events.

The European Figure Skating Championships aimed to promote diversity and inclusion with the theme “Just be you.” However, same-sex pairs remain prohibited in the sport, and there is no category for non-binary skaters. It is hoped that more countries will strive for equality and diversity in figure skating.