Petrokina Makes Triumphant Comeback to Lead Women’s Short Program at European Championships
Defending champion Niina Petrokina of Estonia roared back onto the European figure skating stage with a powerful performance in the women’s short program at the 2026 ISU European Championships in Sheffield, building a commanding lead despite missing most of the season due to Achilles tendon surgery. Her clean, technically solid skate sent a strong message to rivals as the Olympic season approaches.
Petrokina, who underwent surgery last October and sat out the Grand Prix series, delivered a nearly flawless routine that earned her a personal-best 70.61 points and put her well ahead of her nearest competitors heading into Friday’s free skate. Belgium’s Nina Pinzarrone and Italy’s Anna Pezzetta followed in second and third place, each posting strong scores but still trailing the Estonian’s impressive comeback performance. The event serves as a key tune-up for skaters before next month’s Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
A Stellar Return After Injury
Niina Petrokina’s return to competition was one of the most anticipated storylines of the European Figure Skating Championships, and she did not disappoint. The Estonian champion opened with a smooth double Axel and executed a clean triple Lutz-triple toe combo, showcasing both her technical precision and artistic maturity. Her performance marked her highest short-program score at this event, underscoring a remarkable comeback from an injury that once cast doubt over her competitive future.
The crowd in Sheffield responded enthusiastically as Petrokina powered through difficult elements including a triple flip and intricate footwork that earned high marks. Skating to music with poised confidence, she landed the difficult content with stability that contrasted sharply with the uncertainty of her season before surgery. This lead gives her a strong platform heading into the decisive free skate.
Chasing Petrokina: Pinzarrone and Pezzetta
Belgium’s Nina Pinzarrone, a two-time European bronze medallist, put in a solid performance to secure second place with a score of 64.97 points. Her routine, marked by clean lines and expressive interpretation, kept her competitive and positioned her well for the free skate showdown. Anna Pezzetta of Italy rounded out the top three with a score of 64.85, delivering a performance that blended technical elements with strong skating skills. Both Pinzarrone and Pezzetta kept themselves in medal contention, setting the stage for an exciting final segment where free skating could reshuffle the order depending on execution under pressure.
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Olympic Implications and What’s Next
The European Championships are one of the last major international competitions before the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, making performances here especially meaningful for athletes fine-tuning their preparations. Petrokina’s leading position not only boosts her confidence but also signals that she could be a major contender in the Olympic women’s event. For Pinzarrone and Pezzetta, maintaining clean performances and maximizing their technical scores in the free skate will be crucial to challenge for the podium. With momentum on her side, Petrokina will look to carry this remarkable comeback forward and defend the European title she first won last year.
