British champion Kristen Spours expressed gratitude for her father witnessing her final performance at the European Figure Skating Championships in Sheffield. Competing in the women's short program, she secured a spot in the top 24 to advance to Friday's free skate. This event marks a poignant moment for the 25-year-old, who plans to retire after the upcoming World Championships in Prague.

Spours is ending her career early at age 25, a decision influenced by a spinal injury sustained last March and subsequent surgery. She admitted her still-healing injury limits her ability to perform certain skills, impacting her technical execution. Despite these physical setbacks, she managed a season-best score of 50.70, navigating a difficult year for her mental health and confidence on the ice.

While Spours advances, British teammate Nina Povey faces elimination after scoring 46.11. In the pairs event, hometown favorites Luke Digby and Anastasia Vaipan-Law sit fifth, on track for their best European finish. Meanwhile, leaders Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava stunned the field, performing brilliantly despite arriving only a day prior due to visa complications.