Ed Appleby shows grit and promise at Olympic Qualifier in Beijing

Great Britain’s Ed Appleby delivered a top-10 short program and a season-best total at the ISU Skate to Milano Olympic Qualifier in Beijing - another important step as he builds back from injury and keeps his Olympic ambitions alive via the Team Event pathway. 

British Champion Ed Appleby finished 18th overall at the ISU Skate to Milano Figure Skating Qualifier in Beijing (18–21 September), posting a season-best 174.12. He impressed early with a mature and composed short program for 69.35, finishing 10th on the day and within 5 points of the quota positions, before closing out with 104.77 in the free skate.

The men’s event was won by neutral athlete Petr Gumennik, with the five available men’s Olympic quota places from this qualifier were allocated to AIN (Individual Neutral Athletes), Republic of Korea, Mexico, Ukraine, and Chinese Taipei. While that means Great Britain did not add a men’s singles berth here, Appleby’s performance - particularly a top-10 short and a season-best total - underlines his upward trajectory as he returns from injury.

Great Britain has already secured four Olympic figure skating quota spots at the 2025 World Championships: one in Women’s Singles, one in Pairs, and two in Ice Dance - a major milestone for the programme. The Team Event field (top ten nations) is determined by points from the 2025 Worlds and the 2025–26 Grand Prix series, concluding at the Grand Prix Final in December 2025. If Great Britain qualifies, Appleby could still play a role in Team GB’s second ever Olympic Team Event appearance since its inception.

One constant thread throughout the commentary in Beijing, from Mark Hanretty and Ted Barton, was just how overwhelmingly kind and conscientious Ed is - both in practice and in competition. He was often seen supporting his fellow skaters and offering encouragement, qualities that speak volumes about his character. As much as his skating results matter, Ed’s presence as a role model for younger athletes and as a positive ambassador for Great Britain is something we take immense pride in.

British Ice Skating would like to thank supporters at home and in the arena, as well as highlight Great Britain’s Mary Chapman's inclusion as part of the judging contingent. Appleby will now refocus on training and targeted competitions as the GBR squad pursues its broader Olympic goals for Milano-Cortina 2026. 

Photo credit: International Skating Union