Key Highlights
- Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson begin GB’s rhythm dance campaign for first medal since Torvill & Dean.
- Mia Brookes finishes fourth in snowboard big air final despite close attempt at a trick.
- Phebe Bekker and James Hernandez secure ice dance qualification with solid performance.
- Slopestyle qualifiers on 16 February, where Kirsty Muir misses out by 0.41 points.
The Winter Olympics in Milan: A Look at GB’s Performance
Day three of the Winter Olympics is underway with live coverage from the Milano Ice Skating Arena. The focus is on Great Britain’s efforts to secure their first figure skating medal since Torvill & Dean’s historic 1984 performance.
Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson: A New Chapter for GB Figure Skaters
Great Britain’s Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson are making their mark in the rhythm dance. Starting off on day three, they aim to deliver a strong performance that could see them break into the medal contention. Fear, known for her expressive routine, is paired with Gibson, who brings technical precision to the table.
Their journey began with warm-ups on freshly Zamboni-ed ice, where Spain’s Olivia Smart and Tim Dieck were already in action.
Dieck and Smart are naturalised citizens—Tim originally from Germany and Olivia born in Sheffield before switching allegiance back to GB in 2016. Their presence is a testament to the global nature of international sports, where athletes can represent multiple nations based on their background and talent.
Mia Brookes: The Missed Opportunity
Over in the snowboarding arena, Mia Brookes’ performance was met with both admiration and disappointment. She attempted a high-risk trick during her final round but couldn’t quite land it. Despite the near-miss, she expressed confidence that future competitions would offer better results.
Her teammates Kirsty Muir and others faced similar challenges, with Muir finishing fourth in slopestyle after missing out by 0.41 points.
Brookes’ story is a reminder of the pressure athletes face in high-stakes events, where every fraction counts. Her spirit and determination to push boundaries despite setbacks are qualities that resonate with fans watching from home.
Phebe Bekker and James Hernandez: A Solid Qualification
Back at the ice arena, Phebe Bekker and James Hernandez have secured a place in the ice dance final. Their performance earned them a season’s best score of 72.46, showcasing their growth from earlier competitions. Bekker spoke passionately about their journey, highlighting how they’ve adapted to pressure and performed on the world stage.
“We knew we wanted to deliver a good programme in front of this amazing crowd and on Olympic ice as well,” said Bekker. “The relief knowing we delivered the job we know we can do is very special.” Hernandez added, “When we were stepping out there, I was thinking it’s just the same as we always do, but it’s not. We’re doing our programmes on the biggest stage in the world.” Their words underscore the unique mix of pressure and pride that comes with representing their country at the Olympics.
Looking Ahead: Slopestyle Qualifiers
The next day will see slopestyle qualifiers, where Kirsty Muir and other athletes will vie for a chance to compete in the finals. The event promises to be intense as athletes from around the world showcase their best tricks on the halfpipe.
As we watch the GB team members navigate these competitions, it’s clear that they are not just representing themselves but also pushing the boundaries of what is possible in figure skating and snowboarding. Their performances are a reminder of why the Winter Olympics are so captivating—each athlete brings their unique story to this global stage.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Milano Ice Skating Arena as the GB team continues to make its mark on day three of the Winter Olympics.
