Britain’s Lewis Gibson advocates for same-sex ice dance partnerships
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Britain's Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson after performing the ice dance rhythm dance at the European Championships on Jan 16.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON – British ice dancer Lewis Gibson says he would like to see same-sex partnerships allowed on the international stage in his event, adding his voice to a growing movement in favour of the change.
Gibson, who with partner Lilah Fear is competing at the European Championships, welcomed British Ice Skating’s recent decision to permit same-gender teams in national competition starting from season 2026-27 – a rule change already adopted in Canada and Finland.
However, same-sex teams cannot compete beyond the national level, as the International Skating Union’s (ISU) rules stipulate pair and dance teams must comprise one man and one woman.
“I would love (to see it implemented internationally), because it’s just more opportunity for more people to be involved,” Gibson said.
“I think actually, we’re privileged in this sport where you can be so diverse in what you do within your elements and your music choice. And I think that just opens the door for same-sex couples to compete alongside mixed in whatever way that works out best. I think it’s just such a great sport for that.”
Skate Canada became the first national body in 2022 to update its rules to allow any two skaters to form a pair or ice dance team, regardless of gender.
The rule change came into effect in Finland this 2025-26 season, with Emma Aalto and Millie Colling becoming the country’s first same-sex ice dancing team.
Former skaters such as Canada’s three-time world-championship medallist Kaitlyn Weaver, a member of the ISU’s ice dance technical committee, have lobbied the ISU to change the rule.
Retired Olympic ice dance champions Madison Hubbell of the US and Gabriella Papadakis of France have skated together in exhibitions in a bid to help pave the way for same-sex pairs to compete officially.
Meanwhile at the European Championships, Estonia’s Niina Petrokina capped a remarkable comeback by claiming her second consecutive women’s figure skating title on Jan 16 in Sheffield, just weeks after returning to the ice following Achilles surgery.
The 21-year-old delivered a composed, confident skate, landing seven triple jumps to score 145.53 points for the free programme and 216.14 overall.
After having surgery on Oct 9, Petrokina was not able to train her triple jumps until less than two weeks ago. “I don’t know how I do it, but I know I am unstoppable because I love what I do,” she said.
Loena Hendrickx of Belgium, world silver and bronze medallist who is making a comeback from ankle surgery, finished second with 191.26. REUTERS
