2026 European Figure Skating Championships: British duo Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson on entering their “owning it era”
National record breakers Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson are gearing up for the highly anticipated 2026 European Figure Skating Championships, returning to the ice in Sheffield—a nostalgic location 14 years after they first stepped onto the same stage, starring in different roles.
In 2012, 12-year-old Fear captivated the audience as a flower girl, while 17-year-old Gibson skated as a guest junior competitor. Fast forward to today, this duo embodies the ambition of aspiring athletes everywhere. “It felt so surreal to be out there… that could be me one day,” Fear recalled.
This year’s European Championships mark the first time since 2012 that Great Britain hosts this prominent event, a significant moment for these three-time European medalists. While other skaters adopted Italian themes in preparation for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, Fear and Gibson took a refreshing British approach, highlighting their culture with flair.
Their rhythm dance serves as a tribute to the iconic Spice Girls, while their free dance features highland choreography performed in ghillies. This season, Gibson describes their motivating force as “the owning it era,” emphasizing their newfound confidence in originality and performance style.
Fear recounts her ambitious flower girl audition for this prestigious competition, noting the encouragement she received from coaches who saw potential in that young girl. Today, as they celebrate over a decade together training and competing, they pride themselves on their dedication.
As they near their goal of an Olympic return, they recently shattered the national title record and hope to leave their mark, not just following in the footsteps of legends like Torvill and Dean, but establishing their own legacy with uniquely designed programs that evoke patriotic warmth and excitement.
In a sport marked by rigorous challenges and ups and downs, Fear and Gibson stand united, reflecting on their journey. They aim to channel the passion and artistry embodied in sports such as figure skating—sources of constant inspiration that flourished on the ice.
