The stakes could not be higher for the most successful British Ice Dance couple since the iconic Torvill and Dean.
Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson, the five-time national champs, are gearing up to compete at this year's European Championships in Espoo, Finland. With a real shot at the Gold medal, first they have to skate a clean rhythm dance on Friday, rest and repeat with Saturday’s free dance.
Igniting success with their Latin medley in the Rhythm Dance where their best score is 85.80 and finishing strong with their bold and fun Lady Gaga mash-up in the Free Dance. Fear and Gibson are strong contenders for a medal this weekend.
Lilah and Lewis commented “We are so excited to be back at a Championships in an area we know so well and love so much! [Metro Areena, Espoo, Finland]
It has to been such a fulfilling and motivating season for us so far and we can’t wait for the opportunity to perform our programs again and hopefully bring joy to the amazing crowd here in Espoo!”
Fear and Gibson have competed four times at the Europeans with fifth being their best finish. This season alone, they topped the podium at the Britannia Cup International, Nebelhorn Trophy and U.S. International Figure Skating Classic as well as finishing 2nd at both of their Grand Prix assignments.
Also competing at the Europeans is the pairs national champs, Anastasia Vaipan-Law and Luke Digby who will be competing for the second time at the Europeans. The Dundee skaters have high hopes of placing high this year and skating their electrifying James Bond medley free skate;
“2022 was our debut European championships and we got a PB in our short program. This year we are feeling excited and prepared to improve on our performance and enjoy the experience”
Natasha Mckay, the six-time national champion, will also be skating this weekend and looking to build on her 17thplacement from the 2022 Europeans. Natasha will be showing off her technical prowess and artistic excellence, skating to ‘Sealion’ by Feist, which is a cover of the Nina Simone classic.
“I’m looking forward to competing at my 6th European Championships, I’m feeling excited to perform and enjoy the experience and the atmosphere”
Concluding the Europeans lead up, competing in the men’s category for the fourth time is Graham Newberry is hoping to build on the momentum built up throughout the season so far.
“I’m feeling confident, practice has been going well and I am ready to enjoy the atmosphere and deliver on the big stage.”
Blades sharp, costumes steamed and legs warmed up… Let’s go GB!
