Georgia’s Egadze Rewrites Skating History

The ice in Sheffield was set ablaze today as Nika Egadze achieved what no Georgian man has done before: standing atop the podium as the European Figure Skating Champion. In a high-octane final at the Utilita Arena, the 23-year-old solidified his status as a global powerhouse, leading a historic “Georgian double” following his country’s earlier victory in the Pairs event.

The Rise of a Georgian Giant

Egadze’s journey to the gold was anything but easy. Training in the world-renowned but demanding “Crystal” rink under the legendary Eteri Tutberidze, Egadze has long been known for his raw jumping power but struggled with consistency in major finals. In Sheffield, everything finally clicked.

Known for his humble demeanor, Egadze transformed into a fierce competitor, landing a breathtaking quadruple Lutz—one of the hardest jumps in figure skating—alongside three other quads. His total score of 273.00 points wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement. With choreographer Benoit Richaud in his corner, Egadze showcased a new level of artistic maturity that silenced critics of his previous presentation scores.

Rizzo’s Hometown Dreams Realized

While Egadze celebrated gold, Italy’s Matteo Rizzo celebrated a different kind of victory. Sitting in fourth after a shaky Short Program, Rizzo tapped into his veteran experience. His silver medal performance was a love letter to his fans and a ticket to his “Home Olympics” in Milan. By clinching second place, he won the intense internal battle for the final Italian Olympic spot, an achievement he called “the most emotional moment of my career.”

The Czech Miracle

The podium was completed by Georgii Reshtenko, the “comeback kid” of the tournament. Jumping from 8th to 3rd place, Reshtenko’s bronze is a massive milestone for Czech skating. Coaching by Michal Brezina (the last Czech to win a European medal in 2013) has clearly paid off, as Reshtenko landed three quads with the surgical precision of a seasoned pro.

Source: article on ISU-skating.com, published January 20, 2026.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer