Two young women are set to become Finland¡¯s first same-sex ice dancing team after a landmark rule change by the country¡¯s skating federation, paving the way for greater inclusivity in the sport.

Emma Aalto, 19, of Finland and 20-year-old Millie Colling of England will compete together in Finnish domestic competitions following a revision to the federation¡¯s rules, which now refer to ice dancers as ¡°Skater A¡± and ¡°Skater B¡± instead of ¡°man¡± and ¡°woman.¡± The change was made earlier this year after the duo submitted a request to compete together.

¡°Now we are allowed to compete in domestic events in Finland,¡± Colling said. ¡°We¡¯re the first and only junior-level team to do that.¡±