Lukas Britschgi, a previously unknown figure skater from Schaffhausen, captured the European Championship title in Tallinn, becoming the first Swiss to win since 1947. Celebrated in Zurich, he humorously addressed the crowd and showcased an extraordinary performance, earning an impressive 184.19 points. Reflecting on his journey, Britschgi acknowledged a recent transformation in his skating abilities and now aims for Olympic qualification, with upcoming commitments including “Art on Ice” and the World Championships in Boston.
The Rise of Lukas Britschgi: From Unknown to European Champion
Before the weekend, few had heard of him, but by Tuesday, he became a household name: Lukas Britschgi. The talented figure skater from Schaffhausen stunned everyone by clinching the European Championship title in Tallinn on Saturday. To celebrate this remarkable achievement, family, friends, and former figure skaters gathered in the foyer of the Hallenstadion in Zurich, where even the mayor of Schaffhausen came to welcome the 26-year-old rising star.
The organizers of “Art on Ice” swiftly arranged a special event in honor of Britschgi’s victory. Before he took the stage, however, other talented skaters showcased their short performances. Among them was 18-year-old Kimmy Repond, a strong contender for the title at the European Championships who unfortunately finished just shy of the podium in fourth place.
A Memorable Homecoming
As the crowd eagerly awaited Britschgi’s arrival, a black car pulled up, honking its horn. The audience waved Swiss flags enthusiastically as Britschgi stepped out and made his way to the stage. The host posed a question that Britschgi had been asked repeatedly over the past few days: “What does it feel like to be the European champion?” Britschgi humbly admitted he still needed time to fully grasp the significance of his achievement.
When the host inquired about his medal, Britschgi jokingly confessed that he must have left it in his suitcase, which drew laughter from the audience. He proceeded to answer more questions and graciously posed for photos with fans, eager to make everyone happy.
Britschgi delivered an extraordinary performance that night. He became the first Swiss figure skater to win the European Championship title since Hans Gerschwiler in 1947. His routine, set to dramatic violin music, included a triple axel and intricate quadruple jumps, showcasing his nearly flawless execution. The judges were thoroughly impressed, awarding him an astounding 184.19 points—an achievement that even took Britschgi by surprise.
Reflecting on his short program from Thursday, Britschgi recalled a less-than-ideal performance filled with mistakes, landing him in eighth place. At that time, he had set his sights on winning a second bronze medal, never imagining he would ultimately take home the gold.
Having previously placed third at the European Championships in Espoo, Finland, in 2023, and sixth at the World Championships in Montreal the following year, Britschgi’s victory was unexpected. He began his skating journey in Schaffhausen at a young age, but for many years, he did not aspire to become a professional skater.
Sarah van Berkel, who became European champion in 2011, has known Britschgi since childhood. Now, she supports athletes at the “Art on Ice” event and plays a vital role in Britschgi’s journey. Van Berkel manages his communications and helps ease organizational burdens, though she is not involved in his training. She recalls, “When Lukas was a child, I never imagined he would one day become European champion,” highlighting his diverse interests and social life outside of skating.
It wasn’t until five or six years ago that Britschgi began to truly tap into his potential. His rapid improvement allowed him to master complex jumps quickly, gaining the confidence to perform in front of audiences. Van Berkel emphasizes, “On the ice, all emotions are visible. You can’t hide.”
Now, Britschgi has set his sights on earning an Olympic diploma. Van Berkel reflects on her own experience, noting that her career ended after winning the European Championship title, but for Britschgi, this triumph marks the beginning of his journey. The whirlwind of attention and commitments following his victory has been overwhelming, leaving him little time to process his achievements.
With upcoming commitments for “Art on Ice,” Britschgi struggles to find time for reflection. After a reception on Tuesday, he signed autographs before heading back to the ice for his first show on Thursday. His next major goal is the World Championships, scheduled for the end of March in Boston. Britschgi expresses, “That’s the highlight of the season and a crucial step for Olympic qualification.” With his recent success, there may soon be another celebration at the Hallenstadion for this remarkable athlete.