Nina Petrykina has made history at the European Figure SkATING Championships, held from January 29 to February 2, 2025, at the Tondiraba Ice Hall in Tallin, Estonia, by winning the gold medal—a first for Estonia’s women’s singles figure skating. With this victory, Petrykina’s achievement marks not just personal success but also elevates her country on the international skating stage.
Petrykina, 20, secured the championship with an impressive total of 208.18 points, which included her personal best score of 139.24 points during the free skate. The talented athlete delivered two outstanding performances, overcoming fierce competition and personal challenges. Her previous best placement at any European Championships had been sixth, making this win particularly significant.
Reflecting on her achievement, Petrykina expressed her emotions candidly after the competition concluded. “I can’t describe what is happening inside me. I’m used to performing, not speaking before such a large audience. I still don’t realize what is happening,” she stated, visibly moved by her historic win.
The silver medal went to Anastasia Gubanova of Georgia, who performed admirably, amassing 198.61 points. Gubanova, who previously competed for Russia, has now secured two European medals after her gold win at the 2023 championships. The bronze medal was claimed by Belgium’s Nina Penzarrone, finishing with 191.44 points.
Petrykina’s victory is especially remarkable considering the turbulent past she has navigated. Just five years prior, at the Junior World Championships, she was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, which severely affected her ability to train and compete. The condition posed life-threatening risks and resulted in prolonged hospital stays and stringent medical treatments. Throughout these hardships, Petrykina’s determination never wavered.
“At the time, it was not about continuing my skating career; it was about fighting for my life,” she shared, outlining her struggles to return to skating once her condition stabilized. With immense physical therapy and mental fortitude, she made her comeback and progressively improved her performance, culminating in this extraordinary championship.
Throughout the competition, Petrykina’s free skate delighted fans and judges alike, demonstrating skill, artistry, and resilience. “After the fall, everything started to go even smoother. Then I understood I would win,” she recalled, describing how she refocused after encountering minor setbacks during her routine.
The event drew significant attention, not just for the competition but also for what it represented; it showcased the evolution of figure skating within Europe, particularly highlighted by the absence of Russian competitors, which added to the intrigue of this year’s championships.
Petrykina’s performance became even more special as she skated on home ice, buoyed by the support of the local crowd, who erupted with applause and cheers as she executed her routines successfully. The atmosphere was electric, particularly following her free skate, where she wowed with seven triples and complex jump combinations.
The significance of Petrykina’s triumph has been amplified by the reaction of national authorities. The President of Estonia personally congratulated her, highlighting the importance of her victory both for her and for the nation.
Reflecting on her success, Petrykina remains grounded as she prepares for the next chapter of her career. While savoring this remarkable achievement, she acknowledges the hard work still to come: “But tomorrow, there is still training, and I look forward to the exhibition performances,” she mentioned, showcasing her ambition and commitment to her sport.
Overall, Nina Petrykina’s gold medal win at the European Championships is not just a personal victory; it is also a pivotal moment for Estonian sports history and a source of inspiration for athletes facing adversity.