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Watch GB pair recover from fall in free skate
A performance marred by errors from Anastasia Vaipan-Law and Luke Digby dashed the British duo’s hopes for a medal at the European Figure Skating Championships in Sheffield.
The pair concluded in seventh place after faltering on both throws in the free skate, with Vaipan-Law falling during one sequence.
Their impressive showing in Wednesday’s short program had placed them fifth, raising hopes for the first British medal at the European Championships in this event since 1959.
However, disappointment prevailed for Sheffield native Digby and his partner as they performed before a home crowd at the Utilita Arena.
Performing to “Arrival of the Birds,” from the film “The Theory of Everything,” followed by “Carry You,” the duo appeared tense, particularly Vaipan-Law.
Their medal aspirations diminished when she fell on a throw triple loop, their fourth element, and a stumble in the throw triple salchow ensured they would not surpass their fifth-place finish at last year’s European Championships.
The performance did not live up to expectations, especially given the presence of Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, in the audience, alongside Olympic gold medalists Robin Cousins and Sir Christopher Dean.
Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava of Georgia secured the gold medal, completing their collection of continental medals after previously winning silver and bronze.
The Georgian team’s victory was particularly noteworthy, considering they only arrived in the UK on Tuesday due to visa issues.
Eteri Tutberidze was rinkside for both Georgian performances in Sheffield on Thursday
While the day proved challenging for the British team, it marked a success for Georgia, whose coaching team includes Eteri Tutberidze, a figure often embroiled in controversy within the ice skating world.
In the afternoon session, Georgian skater Nika Egadze took the lead in the men’s short program with an impressive score of 91.28.
Egadze is coached by Eteri Tutberidze, who previously garnered attention for her treatment of Kamila Valieva at the 2022 Olympics.
Tutberidze was seen embracing Egadze after his score was announced in Sheffield.
Egadze defended Tutberidze’s coaching methods in a media conference, stating, “I really like to work with Eteri, I have skated with her for nine years.”
He added, “We are really well connected, as a whole team. And she listens to me more now.”
Tutberidze previously worked with the Russian national team, whose athletes are currently banned from these championships and will compete as neutrals at Milan 2026 due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Edward Appleby will now take part in the men’s free skate on Saturday
Three-time British champion Edward Appleby also advanced to the men’s free skate on Saturday, despite a near-disastrous error.
The 21-year-old, considered a promising talent, will represent Britain at the Winter Olympics in Milan next month.
However, an initial double axel, instead of a triple, jeopardized Appleby’s qualification, despite a strong performance for the remainder of the routine.
Fortunately for Appleby, errors from other competitors, particularly France’s Kevin Aymoz, allowed him to progress.
Aymoz, a title contender after winning the ISU Grand Prix Skate America, struggled with falls and deductions, resulting in a disappointing routine.
Appleby finished 22nd out of 29 men in the short program with a score of 64.95, with only the top 24 advancing.
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