In a groundbreaking achievement for Georgian sports, Nika Egadze made history at the 2026 ISU Figure Skating European Championships in Sheffield, becoming the first athlete from Georgia to win the men’s title. The 23-year-old’s performance was nothing short of sensational, culminating in a remarkable total score of 273.00, which included the best score in the free skate segment.
After leading the standings following the short program on Thursday, Egadze continued to showcase exceptional talent on Saturday, January 17th. His season’s best performance not only secured him his first major international title but also contributed to Georgia’s illustrious medal tally, following prior successes by Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava in the pairs competition.
Matteo Rizzo from Italy claimed the silver medal, his fourth European championship medal, solidifying his spot at the upcoming 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina. Rizzo finished with 256.37, allowing him to maintain his competitive edge as he prepares for the Olympics. Meanwhile, Georgii Reshtenko took home a surprising bronze for Czechia, finishing with a score of 238.27.
Defending champion Lukas Britschgi from Switzerland came in fourth with a score of 236.90, while Italian skater Daniel Grassl faced difficulties, dropping to 12th place due to an error-ridden free skate.
The ISU Figure Skating European Championships continues to highlight rising stars and seasoned champions, with Egadze setting a milestone that promises to inspire future generations of figure skaters in Georgia. With the upcoming Olympics on the horizon, the intensity and passion for figure skating are expected to rise as athletes aim for the podium in Milano.
In a sport where national representation is paramount, the athletes’ inclusion in the Olympics will ultimately depend on the selections made by their respective National Olympic Committees.
Stay tuned for more updates on the thrilling world of professional figure skating!
