Trans Figure Skater Makes History, Then Slips On Ice
Helsinki, Finland, with the world's first transgender national figure skater.Speaking to reporters ahead of the opening ceremony, 59-year-old Minna-Maaria Antikainen said it was a "childhood dream" to represent her country on the ice.After a few seconds, Antikainen slipped during the performance and was unable to get back onto her feet, with one of her Finland teammates coming to the rescue and lending a helping hand.The unprecedented scenes, during the flag presentation part of the ceremony, were captured on video and have since gone viral, being viewed more than seven million times.Finland has introduced the world's first transgender national figure skater.pic.twitter.com/qJgusb2ZCYOuti Wuorenheimo, executive director of the Finnish Figure Skating Association and secretary general of the ISU European Figure Skating Championships, had promised the representation of skaters from all backgrounds and abilities in the opening ceremony.In a statement released ahead of the championships, she had said: "The spectacular opening ceremony praises equality and diversity."The theme, 'Just be you,' will be a visible part of the opening ceremony with performers from various backgrounds."The opening ceremony will present skaters at various levels from non-professionals to top athletes."Wuorenheimo added: "Often, only the top skaters in the country are seen in figure skating shows.
