Emmi Pelto is excited like a first timer, even though the figure skating European Championships are already her fifth in her career. Four years ago, the European Championship five-time winner has come a long way back to being a prestigious competition representative.
Emma Hyuppa,
Riikka Smolander-Slotte
When Emmi Peltonen finished fifth in the European Figure Skating Championships in 2020, he could not have imagined that he would have to wait four years for his next performance in the same arenas.
The 24-year-old skater has represented Finland at the Olympics, World Championships and four European Championships. Still, returning to the EC ice arouses mixed feelings of excitement and excitement in him.
– I feel as nervous as a first timer, Peltonen laughs.
For the first time, Peltonen participated in the European Championships when he was only 17 years old in 2017. In his four consecutive European Championships, he took the 11th, 9th, 8th and 5th places.
The women’s competition starts in Kaunas, Lithuania on Thursday with a short program competition. 24 of the 33 skaters advance to Saturday’s free program.
– I am really relieved, because it has been important for me this season to get back to these ices. It was a wonderful feeling when I got to train here in the main arena. I can imagine that there will be a wonderful atmosphere at the race, Peltonen says.
In 2021, the European Championships were canceled due to the corona virus, and in the following two years Peltonen struggled with injury. The rehabilitation of an ankle injury that required surgical treatment tested Peltonen’s patience. The long break forced him to grow as an athlete.
– The love for skating never ended. Of course, sometimes I’ve felt like throwing my skates into the lake. Surely everyone goes through that phase at some point, but that rush back was still so strong. Many things have fueled my fire, and as long as that happens, I want to continue skating, says Peltonen.
The strong desire for the screen paid off in the WC
In the fall, Peltonen returned to real action after about a year’s break from competition and tried to compete as much as possible in the beginning of the season. In some races he has been successful, while in others the lack of routine has been more visible. For example, in December’s WC, Peltonen finished fourth due to fumbling with the free program.
Thanks to the tight competition pace, he feels that he is ready for the prestigious competitors not only physically, but also emotionally.
– All this season I’ve had a terrible desire to be on the screen, which backfired a bit in the WC. I have a bad habit of going into the race too enthusiastic sometimes. I would be very satisfied if I get an intact whole here, says Peltonen.
Peltonen thinks that the European Championships in Kaunas is only an intermediate stage on the way back to the top.
– This season it has been really important that I have recovered the basics in my skating. Technically, I’m constantly trying to get back to my own level. I’m really looking forward to spring and summer training so that I can raise my technical level.