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Conor Stakelum finishes 30th at European Figure Skating Championships

Dubliner had just three days notice that he would be travelling to Estonia as a substitute

Ireland’s Conor Stakelum performs during the men’s short programme of the European Figure Skating Championship in Tallinn. Photograph: Getty Images

Wed Jan 12 2022 - 17:15

In his fourth appearance at the ISU European Figure Skating Championships, Conor Stakelum finished 30th in the men's short programme in Tallinn, Estonia.

Although he did not advance to the free skating on Friday, this is his highest placement ever at the event.

Skating to "Soulseeker" by Thomas Bergersen, Stakelum began his routine with a triple Salchow and followed that with a triple toe loop-triple toe loop jump combination and a double Axel. He also earned a Level 4 for a flying sit spin and six out of seven of the elements he performed received positive grades of execution from the judging panel. He was awarded a new ISU personal best score of 56.00 points.

The Dubliner was a last-minute replacement for Sam McAllister who had to withdraw last Friday due to a positive Covid-19 test result. Stakelum had three days notice that he would be travelling to Estonia as a substitute.

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“On Friday afternoon, I came out of work and I had so many notifications on my phone,” the 28 year-old said. “I wondered what I had done!”

Stakelum currently works in the NHS in Scotland and plans to keep competing after this season.

“I am going to stick around for another year competing because we lost a year to Covid. In Dundee, I am able to skate around my career and I still enjoy it.”

Conor StakelumSam McallisterThomas Bergersen