The British ice dance pair, Lillia Baratta and Luca Lanotte, are preparing to compete at the World Championships in Milan, Italy, from March 25 – 31, 2026.After a strong showing throughout the 2025-26 season, including a first-place ranking by the International Skating Union (ISU) [https://www.isu.org/figure-skating/news-events/news/2025/12/isu-ranking-figure-skating-2025-26-season-updated-12-december-2025], they are considered medal contenders.
Rising Stars: Baratta and Lanotte’s Journey
Baratta and Lanotte have experienced significant growth since the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, where they finished 10th. the pair secured Great Britain’s first World Championship medal in figure skating in over 40 years in 2024,signaling a turning point in their careers. Their success continued through the 2025-26 season, consistently earning them continental medals.
“We’ve grown so much since Beijing, and to come into this season with the momentum we’ve built feels really meaningful,” Baratta said in a recent interview. [https://www.britishfigureskating.com/news/2026/01/baratta-lanotte-gear-up-for-world-championships/] Lanotte added that the pressure felt markedly different compared to the Beijing Olympics, which took place during the height of COVID-19 restrictions.
Unique Routines and Artistic Expression
the duo’s routines are noted for their creativity and entertainment value. Their free program is a tribute to Scottish culture,featuring a medley of “The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond”,”Auld Lang Syne”,and The proclaimers’ hit song “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)”.They collaborated with highland dance experts to ensure authenticity in their choreography. [https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/ice-skating/67859486]
Baratta remarked, “They’re the hits! We started the season with a slower middle, but we changed it to an upbeat piece – they are crowd favourites.”
Advocacy and Inclusion
Beyond their athletic achievements, Lanotte has become an advocate for inclusivity in figure skating.At the European Championships, he voiced his support for allowing same-sex partnerships in the sport, joining a growing movement advocating for change. This stance aligns with the ISU’s ongoing discussions about expanding inclusivity within figure skating. [https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2025/12/15/luca-lanotte-same-sex-ice-dance-partnership-isu/]
Looking Ahead to Milan
The pair will arrive in Milan on january 31, 2026, for several days of practice prior to the start of the ISU World Team Trophy event, leading into their bid for an individual medal. Their coach, Shari Cousins, emphasizes the importance of their work-life balance and the confidence they bring to the ice.
“There is a great respect amid the fun camaraderie,” Cousins stated. “They have their own lives, that is very significant for people who work in such a tight environment.And there is an amazing confidence – it is not arrogance, it is confidence, they carry that on to the ice when others don’t.”
Cousins concluded, “The visibility is great, but to know how hard they have worked in the last few years – all we hope is that they step off the ice in Milan happy. What the judges decide to do is up to them. There is a chance [of a medal] – they must do their best and hope for the best.”
Key Takeaways
- Baratta and Lanotte are strong medal contenders at the 2026 World Championships in Milan.
- The pair have shown significant improvement since the 2022 olympics, winning a World Championship medal and consistently earning high ISU rankings.
- Their routines are known for their creativity and connection to Scottish culture.
- Lanotte is a vocal advocate for inclusivity in figure skating.