Posted on 09/19/2025 9:14:02 PM PDT by nickcarraway
A first for Finnish figure skating
Two young skaters are set to make history on the ice. Emma Aalto, 19, from Finland, and Millie Colling, 20, from England, will soon become Finland’s first same-sex ice dancing team to compete in a national qualifier. Their entry marks a major turning point for Finnish figure skating, opening the door for greater inclusivity in a sport that has long relied on traditional male-female pairings.
The rule change that made it possible
Until earlier this year, Finnish rules stated that an ice dancing team had to consist of a man and a woman. That changed when Aalto and Colling formally requested permission to skate together. Their petition prompted the Finnish Skating Federation to revise its guidelines. Instead of classifying teams by gender, partners will now simply be listed as ‘Skater A’ and ‘Skater B.’
This adjustment may seem small on paper, but in practice, it allows same-sex pairs to compete without barriers. It’s a move many see as long overdue, especially given how other countries are beginning to modernise their rulebooks as well.
Following Canada’s example
In 2022, Skate Canada became the first federation to drop gender requirements in domestic ice dance competitions. Finland is now following suit, and Aalto and Colling hope other federations will soon do the same. For them, this isn’t just about one competition, it’s about helping the sport evolve.
A partnership built on friendship
The pair first met while training as solo skaters and quickly became friends. Aalto had experience skating with male partners but struggled to find a new one. Like many female skaters, she faced the challenge of limited male partners in the sport, making it difficult to progress.
Teaming up with Colling solved that problem, and together they saw an opportunity to not only continue their skating careers but also make a wider impact. By pushing for the rule change, they turned what could have been a private challenge into a milestone for Finnish skating.
Another step toward inclusivity in sport
Their debut may inspire other athletes who previously felt excluded by traditional rules. The new guidelines mean that skaters in Finland can now choose partners based on compatibility, skill, and chemistry on the ice, rather than being restricted by gender.
This shift reflects a broader movement in sports to focus on performance rather than labels. While ice dancing is known for its artistry and storytelling, Aalto and Colling are proving that these elements don’t depend on following outdated gender roles.
All eyes on their next steps
As they prepare to compete, Aalto and Colling carry the weight of history with them. They know they are not only representing themselves but also paving the way for future generations of skaters who may want to compete with partners of their own choosing.
The skating world will be watching closely as Finland’s first same-sex ice dancing team takes to the ice. Whether they win or lose, their presence alone is already a victory for inclusivity in sport.
ROTFL!
I’m so glad I no longer care or watch spectator sports anymore of any kind.
They’re cute but all the going on about inclusivity is annoying.
I presume there are no lifts in ice dancing.
Now, I ask you, Mr. Nickcarraway, why would you post this?
They can do ice dance only vs pairs figure-skating, because there are no lifts or throws involved, which needs a man’s strength.
What’s going on in the world should just be hidden? Pay no attention while they are changing everything?
This is the same Finland that had their Stephen King look alike pretending he was a woman while skating in competition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vf9fFrUoSBY
The video transcript is brutal:
"With the legs of a linebacker and those huge Andre The Giant-like hands, it's like he's a scientific anomaly. It looks like a drunken Sasquatch for God sakes."
"It fell. Wow. Who didn't see this coming? With all the grace of a baby deer he's trying to stand up."
"Now, actual women who can really skate try to cover up this travesty."
BINGO. A male ice skater that does the lifts and throws has tremendous upper torso and arm strength and could probably kick your ass.
However, as others here have speculated, the lack of upper-body strength in women might tend to limit their options.
By the same token, I suspect that the greater body-mass of men might also make it more difficult for man-man teams to perform some of the typical stunts.
Regards,
Have you read 1984?
Never mind.
I love Big Brother.
Ditto
The Fins have a declining population. Not knowing the difference between male and female may be one of the reasons.
BS
Good for them. They should enjoy themselves while doing what they love. Would I watch it? Yes! Once. But look at the smiles on their faces. And neither is a tranny.
Can just imagine this in the Olympics.
The Muslim countries will be sending two burqa clad beauties (won’t know if they are actually two women or two men) into the rink. Can’t show a sliver of skin, don’t ya know.
As Church Lady would say, “Isn’t that special!”
Given the current sexual proclivity of today's male skaters, I don't think there's a difference anymore.
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