Formerly known as Markku-Pekka Antikainen, the 57-year-old, a Siilinjarvi farm owner, embraced figure skating at the age of 49, making headlines at this year’s championship. Antikainen received a solo act from the Finnish Figure Skating Association during the opening ceremony, part of a broader initiative to champion diversity, equality, and inclusion in the sport.

However, nerves got the better of Antikainen. The figure skater, reportedly identifying as a gender-neutral woman according to Finnish news outlets, displayed a novice stumble, hitting the ice moments after starting the performance. Fortunately, a quick-thinking female hostess, proudly carrying the Finnish flag, rushed to assist, aiding Antikainen in a swift recovery.Amidst the spectacle, some might sympathize with Antikainen, who, as reported by ‘pro-woman, pro-child safeguarding platform’ Reduxx Magazine, once expressed a childhood dream of becoming an ‘ice princess.’

Antikainen’s dedication to the sport is evident, with five hours of weekly on-ice practice leading up to the championships. Skating Finland reported Antikainen’s participation in several competitions both domestically and internationally prior to the ill-fated performance.