British Ice Skating recently posted a short film on YouTube (“Zoia Birmingham: My Story,”) featuring former competitive Ice Dancer Zoia Birmingham in which the now skating coach shares both her love of the sport as well as her painful experiences. Early in the film, she recalls the time she won a competition and when she went to take the top step on the medal podium, someone insisted she step down because there was no way she had placed first. Only when a world-renowned coach spoke up on her behalf did she ascend the top step.
“That’s why I think it’s so important to step up and not sit in the corner and hide,” said Birmingham, still stung by the memory years later. “I know it won’t change if we don’t step up.”
Connecting with the U.S.-based Diversify Ice, founded by Joel Savary, has been a huge motivator for Birmingham, who coaches skating in London. There are few Black coaches in England, so the camaraderie of others in the sport uplifts her and pushes her forward. “Diversify Ice, they’re so supportive and caring,” she said.
After her time as a competitive ice dancer, Birmingham had some professional skating opportunities, notably partnering with Soccer Star David Seaman on the BBC show “Strictly Ice Dancing,” which aired in the mid-2000s. She also has acting and hosting experience, which combined with her coaching skills, brought her and her partner to victory. “I thought, ‘Black children are going to see me win,’” she said.
The film came about after she met Videographer/Skating Coach Daniel Linden, who videos skaters through his company The Ice Capture. He suggested making a film about Birmingham’s story, which they could then leverage to get sponsorship for similar projects. “I really like finding stories from people [that are underrepresented] and bringing them to the forefront. Let little brown children see that there’s not just me,” said Birmingham.
She took the idea to British Ice Skating, where Executive Andrew Hibberd was particularly supportive. “It’s the right time,” Birmingham said.
While doing coaching work for ITV’s “Dancing on Ice” in 2020, she met Trisha Goddard, a high-profile Black TV host. “When I met her, I learned…that I can’t hide in the corner,” said Birmingham. “I want to stand up, be counted, get in British Ice Skating and help them shake it up.”