GB’s Fear and Gibson can win Olympic medal – if they are flawless

There was just one performance in Sheffield.

You could have your face on Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson’s bodies for your photo on the arena concourse, which would be in the pleasure-beach style.

The band’s official Instagram account called the “Disco Brits,” and it was named the “Disco Brits” for their Spice Girls-themed rhythm-dance routine that won praise from the audience.

There were muddled up tales about Fear being a flower girl when the European Figure Skating Championships were last held in Sheffield in 2012, which were unheard.

And she was already creating her own clothing for the competition, living a lifelong dream.

Prepare to hear Fear and Gibson frequently in the upcoming weeks as the 2026 Winter Olympics approach.

But when the Europeans start to shine, the question is, are they capable enough to win an Olympic medal?

Yes, but only if they are flawless.

On Saturday, Fear and Gibson won their fourth European medal of the same kind. However, there was potential for more, perhaps.

They placed second on the leaderboard ahead of the decisive free dance, earning the season’s best score in the rhythm dance.

At the Ice Academy of Montreal under renowned coach Romain Haguenauer, they will face Americans Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who are unbeaten overall and stablemates of Fear and Gibson.

Guillaime Cizeron, the current Olympic champion, joined Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaime Cizeron in March. What appears to be a world-class partnership already has them in Europe.

Therefore, Fear and Gibson must overcome a difficult road ahead if they want to win the country’s first medal at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics with Dame Jayne Torvill and Sir Christopher Dean.

Their is an unusual story in a field where many partnerships are competing by the mid-20s.

Fear, who is now 26 years old, and Gibson, who are both 31 years old, first met in Montreal in 2016 and were just starting out in the sport. Before turning to ice dancing at age 21, he had only begun skating at the age of 11.

However, they won the British title in their first season together, and Robin Cousins, a man who is well-versed in Olympic success, believes that their uniqueness is what sets them apart from the norm.

They don’t have a history, Cousins, who won the 1980 Olympic figure skating gold, told BBC Sport, “because, in contrast to some of the couples they are dating, they came together later in their careers.”

They found a niche in their performance compared to the rest because there was no time to play catch up, and that worked. They are adored by people and their performance.

It takes time for them to get it so neat and competent, and it’s time they didn’t. They are attempting to mold themselves and perfect their bladework, which other people have spent a lot more time doing.

Their routines reflect Fear and Gibson’s individuality. With a mix of “The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond,” “Auld Lang Syne,” and The Proclaimers hit “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), the Spice Girls compilation also serves as a tribute to Gibson’s Scottish roots. To perfect the choreography, they collaborated with experts in highland dance.

They are considered the hits! Their musical preferences were feared. They are popular with fans because we had a slower middle at the beginning of the season, but we gradually changed it.

They are also not afraid to challenge the ice’s figure skating mold. Gay Pride star Ianson added his voice to a growing movement in favor of the change after speaking at the Europeans about his desire for same-sex relationships to be permitted on the international stage.

They maintain momentum on the ice. Fear and Gibson have won the first World Championship medal for Great Britain in more than 40 years since placing 10th overall in Beijing in 2022, the ISU in first place after the 2024-2019 season, and continental medals at every opportunity.

We’ve grown so much since Beijing, and it feels really meaningful to enter this season with the momentum we’ve built, according to Fear.

The Olympics were such a big deal four years ago, Gibson continued. You simply want to make it there because it occurred during Covid, so it was even more heightened. Our main goals were always to compete in the Olympics, but this time there is less pressure.

To Milan, that is. Fear announced their big shot at a medal at the following post-Sheffield press conference that they would travel to Italy on January 31 for a few days of practice before the figure skating team event.

“Under the fun camaraderie, there is a great respect,” Cousins said. They each have their own lives, which is very important for those who work in such tight schedules.

They “and there is an amazing confidence,” they say, “and there is confidence.” When others don’t, they carry that on to the ice. It’s not arrogance. It’s confidence.