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.

The theme ‘Just be you’ set the tone for the opening ceremony of the ISU European Figure Skating Championships. The Finnish Figure Skating Association aimed to underscore the significance of equality and diversity in the sport, sparking discussions about the potential continuation of the ban on ‘same-sex skating pairs.’