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“We want to be better every day”: Helsinki Rockettes embrace the challenge of a new season
News
“We want to be better every day”: Helsinki Rockettes embrace the challenge of a new season
Eveliina Tikkinen, pictured in front, is the team captain this season. Wilma Lindström is the assistant captain. (Credits: Ville Vairinen – 2025)
As the 2025–2026 season begins, the captains of the Helsinki Rockettes (FIN), Eveliina Tikkinen and Wilma Lindström, reflect on their new programs, the team’s spirit, and how they are approaching this new chapter as reigning World Champions.
First of all, congrats for your great start at Synchro Tour. How do you feel about this first victory?
Eveliina Tikkinen and Wilma Lindström, Helsinki Rockets' captains: "We are of course happy about the win and above all, it feels great to kick off the season like this. We have been training hard, so it was nice to see that the hard work paid off and that we were able to bring exactly what we practiced onto the competition ice."
This year, how would you describe your Helsinki Rockettes’ personality?
“We would describe it as hardworking, ambitious, committed and warm-hearted.”
What does it feel like to start this season as World Champion?
“It feels like a privilege to skate and represent the reigning world champion team. But we also remind ourselves that every season is a new one, and last season’s results no longer affect this season’s competitions.”
Eveliina Tikkinen and Wilma Lindström, Helsinki Rockets' captains: "We are of course happy about the win and above all, it feels great to kick off the season like this. We have been training hard, so it was nice to see that the hard work paid off and that we were able to bring exactly what we practiced onto the competition ice."
This year, how would you describe your Helsinki Rockettes’ personality?
“We would describe it as hardworking, ambitious, committed and warm-hearted.”
What does it feel like to start this season as World Champion?
“It feels like a privilege to skate and represent the reigning world champion team. But we also remind ourselves that every season is a new one, and last season’s results no longer affect this season’s competitions.”
How many new skaters do you have this year? Has the team changed a lot after the world title?
“This year we have 10 new skaters—7 from our junior team Helsinki Fintastic, 2 from Valley Bay Synchro and 1 from Lumineers. After the world title, 11 Rockettes decided to pursue new dreams outside the rink. So yes, there has been change, but it’s exciting to have new talents join the team.”
What does a regular training week look like for your team?
“We train 11.5 hours on-ice and 6 hours off-ice weekly, including dance, ballet, and physical conditioning. We practice from Tuesday to Saturday, with Sundays and Mondays off for rest and recovery.”
“This year we have 10 new skaters—7 from our junior team Helsinki Fintastic, 2 from Valley Bay Synchro and 1 from Lumineers. After the world title, 11 Rockettes decided to pursue new dreams outside the rink. So yes, there has been change, but it’s exciting to have new talents join the team.”
What does a regular training week look like for your team?
“We train 11.5 hours on-ice and 6 hours off-ice weekly, including dance, ballet, and physical conditioning. We practice from Tuesday to Saturday, with Sundays and Mondays off for rest and recovery.”
Helsinki Rockettes' new short program has been presented for the first time at the Synchro Tour on October 5, 2025. (Credits: Ville Vairinen - 2025)
What’s one element or skill your team particularly enjoys skating or training?“We enjoy working on this season’s travelling element—it allows us to make eye contact, feel each other’s energy and connect as a team. We also love training basic skating skills, especially from three lines.”
Can you tell us a bit more about your short program this season? What story or mood are you bringing to the ice?
“This season we’re skating our short program to the powerful O Fortuna from Carmina Burana. The blind wheel of fortune spins unpredictably—everything is in the hands of fate.”
"Changing rules push us to be more creative every year."Can you tell us a bit more about your short program this season? What story or mood are you bringing to the ice?
“This season we’re skating our short program to the powerful O Fortuna from Carmina Burana. The blind wheel of fortune spins unpredictably—everything is in the hands of fate.”
And what about your free program?
“We’ll reveal it soon—but as a sneak peek, expect energy and raw emotions paired with Spanish vocals.”
Is there a favorite moment or element in one of your programs that you especially love skating? And a tricky one?
“We especially love the travelling element in the short program—it’s when the music builds, we make eye contact, and it feels like we’re having our own party on the ice. As for challenging parts, early season elements like intersections and lifts can be tricky, but we embrace the challenge. Changing rules push us to be more creative every year.”
“We’ll reveal it soon—but as a sneak peek, expect energy and raw emotions paired with Spanish vocals.”
Is there a favorite moment or element in one of your programs that you especially love skating? And a tricky one?
“We especially love the travelling element in the short program—it’s when the music builds, we make eye contact, and it feels like we’re having our own party on the ice. As for challenging parts, early season elements like intersections and lifts can be tricky, but we embrace the challenge. Changing rules push us to be more creative every year.”
How many foreign skaters do you have in your team this year?
“We have one foreign skater this season—Fiona from Switzerland. We’re amazed by her Finnish language skills; she keeps improving every day.”
What are your main goals this season?
“We aim to improve every day. In competitions, we want to perform at our best and enjoy the journey. We’re taking one competition at a time, but of course, the World Championships remain a dream.”
Have there been any notable changes in your training or team life this season (new staff, training location, team dynamics…)?
“Not much has changed. Our new skaters have brought fresh energy (and TikTok trends :-) ). We’re learning from each other, and with our amazing coaches, we’re in great hands.”
“We have one foreign skater this season—Fiona from Switzerland. We’re amazed by her Finnish language skills; she keeps improving every day.”
What are your main goals this season?
“We aim to improve every day. In competitions, we want to perform at our best and enjoy the journey. We’re taking one competition at a time, but of course, the World Championships remain a dream.”
Have there been any notable changes in your training or team life this season (new staff, training location, team dynamics…)?
“Not much has changed. Our new skaters have brought fresh energy (and TikTok trends :-) ). We’re learning from each other, and with our amazing coaches, we’re in great hands.”
To find out more about the Rockettes' winning performance at Synchro Tour...
Read our full recap here
Read our full recap here
