Minna-Maaria Antikainen was the first transgender figure skater in the world. She made history at the European Figure Skating Championships in Finland. Even though Antikainen had a spectacular fall at the opening ceremony, his bravery and drive were clear.
As of now, Antikainen, 57, has been skating for five hours a week since she was 49 years old. As a way to show support for diversity, equality, and inclusion, the Finnish Figure Skating Association gave them a solo act at the opening event. “Just be you,” the event’s theme, hit home for Antikainen in a big way.
People were kind and helpful to Antikainen even though his performance wasn’t perfect. After they fell, the hostess helped them get back on their feet, which was a symbol of the event’s message of welcome. Antikainen loves to skate because as a child she wanted to be a “ice princess.”
People think of figure skating as a conservative sport with strict rules. At the moment, same-sex pairs are not allowed, and there are no non-binary groups. The head of the Finnish Figure Skating Association, Outi Wuorenheimo, hopes that all countries will work for equality and diversity.
It’s great that the Finnish Figure Skating Association is working to make skating more open to everyone. The fact that Antikainen made her start is a big step toward making transgender people more visible in sports. As the ISU European Figure Skating Championships continue (January 25–29), people who skate are asked to think about how important it is to accept and value differences.
Antikainen’s story is a powerful reminder that everyone, no matter their age or gender, should be able to follow their dreams. Because she is brave and strong, Antikainen encourages others to be themselves and go out on the ice.
