By Catherine McGeer

Copyright euroweeklynews

A first for Finnish figure skating

Two young skaters are set to make history on the ice. Emma Aalto, 19, from Finland, and Millie Colling, 20, from England, will soon become Finland’s first same-sex ice dancing team to compete in a national qualifier. Their entry marks a major turning point for Finnish figure skating, opening the door for greater inclusivity in a sport that has long relied on traditional male-female pairings.

The rule change that made it possible

Until earlier this year, Finnish rules stated that an ice dancing team had to consist of a man and a woman. That changed when Aalto and Colling formally requested permission to skate together. Their petition prompted the Finnish Skating Federation to revise its guidelines. Instead of classifying teams by gender, partners will now simply be listed as ‘Skater A’ and ‘Skater B.’

This adjustment may seem small on paper, but in practice, it allows same-sex pairs to compete without barriers. It’s a move many see as long overdue, especially given how other countries are beginning to modernise their rulebooks as well.

Following Canada’s example

In 2022, Skate Canada became the first federation to drop gender requirements in domestic ice dance competitions. Finland is now following suit, and Aalto and Colling hope other federations will soon do the same. For them, this isn’t just about one competition, it’s about helping the sport evolve.

A partnership built on friendship

The pair first met while training as solo skaters and quickly became friends. Aalto had experience skating with male partners but struggled to find a new one. Like many female skaters, she faced the challenge of limited male partners in the sport, making it difficult to progress.

Teaming up with Colling solved that problem, and together they saw an opportunity to not only continue their skating careers but also make a wider impact. By pushing for the rule change, they turned what could have been a private challenge into a milestone for Finnish skating.

Another step toward inclusivity in sport

Their debut may inspire other athletes who previously felt excluded by traditional rules. The new guidelines mean that skaters in Finland can now choose partners based on compatibility, skill, and chemistry on the ice, rather than being restricted by gender.

This shift reflects a broader movement in sports to focus on performance rather than labels. While ice dancing is known for its artistry and storytelling, Aalto and Colling are proving that these elements don’t depend on following outdated gender roles.

All eyes on their next steps

As they prepare to compete, Aalto and Colling carry the weight of history with them. They know they are not only representing themselves but also paving the way for future generations of skaters who may want to compete with partners of their own choosing.

The skating world will be watching closely as Finland’s first same-sex ice dancing team takes to the ice. Whether they win or lose, their presence alone is already a victory for inclusivity in sport.